When the day comes that you are no longer around, you may have every intention of having your assets transferred to your loved ones. But at the same time, you may run the risk of having your money and other property collected by your creditors instead. This is when an…
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Though it is unpleasant to think about, you must accept the fact of life that you are not going to be around forever. So, the fact of the matter is that there is no legitimate reason to procrastinate in creating an estate plan. Yet, people still commonly fail to take…
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Your estate plan can be very beneficial in that it may take care of your loved ones financially when you are, unfortunately, no longer around. But this is so long as it is properly prepared. This is especially the case for your living trust. Read on to discover the common…
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In your possession may be family heirlooms that may not hold economic value but, nonetheless, hold sentimental value. With this, you may be unsure as to how they fit into your estate plan. All the while, you may want to ensure that they stay in your family's possession once you…
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When you are working toward establishing your trust, one of the decisions you must solidify is who your executor will be. Namely, your executor will work on your behalf to maintain and distribute your assets in accordance with your wishes. Follow along to find out how you may determine who…
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It is never too early to schedule your initial consultation with an estate planning attorney. But first, you must ensure that you prepare the right documents so that an attorney can best serve you. Though, collecting such paperwork should not deter you from the consultation. Continue reading to learn what…
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As you may likely assume, you must put a lot of thought and attention toward making your estate plan. Any misstep or discrepancy may just make your documents invalid and void. Continue reading to learn what mistakes you should avoid in this process and how one of the experienced Butler…
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You may have designated your spouse as the beneficiary of your estate. But, understandably so, you may want to change this designation if you end up in a divorce. Read on to discover whether it is possible to change your beneficiaries after your divorce and how one of the seasoned…
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It is sad to think about the possibility of leaving your pet behind when you, unfortunately, pass on. But you may rest easier knowing that there is a way to still protect your pet when you are no longer around. Follow along to find out how you can ensure your…
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Depending on what your needs are, there are several powers of attorney options you may choose from. One of these options is the medical power of attorney. Continue reading to learn more about the medical power of attorney and how one of the experienced Butler County power of attorney lawyers…
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While you may remember to grant your executor access to your bank account, you may forget that this entails giving them access to the information to get into your online account (i.e., username, password, PINs, answers to security questions, etc). This is just one example of a digital asset you…
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If you have a loved one with special needs, you likely worry about their well-being every single day. What's more, you likely worry about how they are going to be taken care of once you, unfortunately, pass on. Though it is sad to think about, you must prepare for this…
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If you are married, you and your spouse may have similar wishes when it comes to your estate plans. This is where a mirror will may come into play. Continue reading to learn what a mirror will is and how an experienced Butler County will preparation attorney at Heritage Elder…
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Contrary to what you may assume, it is never too early to create an estate plan. More specifically, you will want to draft a Last Will and Testament while you are still of sound mind. Follow along to find out what makes a will valid and enforceable and how a…
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One estate planning strategy that is commonly used is gifting assets via charitable trusts. In this way, you may be able to transfer additional assets to your beneficiaries without incurring any tax implications. Follow along to find out more benefits of gifting assets during estate planning and how one of…
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Your loved one may have left behind a trust fund to ensure that you are financially taken care of once they are gone. With this, you may be wondering whether you can be granted access to these funds upon enrolling at a college. Follow along to find out if you…
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When you are establishing your estate plan, there are many different tools that you will have to navigate. For one, you will have to determine when it is best to create a trust fund and when it is beneficial to establish an inheritance. Follow along to find out the difference…
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The reality is that, unfortunately, there will come a day when you can no longer look out for your loved ones. This is why creating a trust is so pivotal, as it can ensure that your assets are safely passed down to your beneficiaries when the time comes. But in…
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Unfortunately, there will come a time when you will no longer be around to care for your loved ones. And so, you likely hold onto the hope that they will be taken care of in the way you intend in your estate plan. This hope can ring true if your…
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If your loved one designated you as a trustee, then you hold a certain fiduciary duty. Such duty requires you to act in the best interest of your loved one's trust and its beneficiaries. With this, you may be wondering how you can justifiably withdraw money from your loved one's…
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You likely do not want to think about a time when you will not be able to act for yourself or when you will no longer be around. However, it is important to enter into this mindset to work toward establishing your estate plan, specifically your power of attorney. Continue…
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There may be many reasons why you want to change your loved one's will after they have passed away. It may be because you want to clear uncertainty or mistakes, add important people as beneficiaries, make the most of tax relief or exemption options, or otherwise. Follow along to find…
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Pennsylvania's estate laws recognize that it is common for name changes to occur, whether it be due to marital status or otherwise. But even so, it is important that your Last Will and Testament clearly states who your intended beneficiaries are. Follow along to find out what happens when an…
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Creating a valid Last Will and Testament is one of the most important actions you can take toward a comprehensive estate plan. This is because this document allows you to name who gets your assets and when they get them after you have, unfortunately, passed on. However, your written plans…
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When you are assembling your trust agreement as part of your estate plan, you will undoubtedly have to include who you appoint as your trustee. This appointment may be of an individual whom you trust or even a corporate trustee (i.e., a bank's trust department). But regardless of who this…
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The main difference between guardianship and a power of attorney is that an individual must be granted guardianship by a Pennsylvania court while an individual must be awarded power of attorney by one's estate plan. Follow along to find out more about the difference between guardianship and power of attorney…
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One of the most important things you can do for your loved ones is to ensure that your estate plan is valid and established before you, unfortunately, pass on. With this, there are common mistakes that people make when it comes to creating a plan. Read on to discover what…
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In 2015, the Supreme Court made the historic decision to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states. With this, LGBTQ couples were granted the same legal benefits, such as estate planning, as other couples across the United States. Follow along to find out how an LGBTQ couple can start an…
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Estate planning is a very important tool to ensure that your assets are managed the way you want both while you’re alive and after you pass away. This could mean making sure that your assets are received by the beneficiaries of your choosing, or even leaving behind specific instructions in…
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The new year is often associated with new beginnings and a fresh start. It can be an exciting time for many, where plans and major life goals that have been on the backburner finally become the main priority. This could mean a wide variety of things, but one of the…
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After a person passes away, the matter of what happens to their estate can depend on a variety of factors. Typically, their estate will become subject to the probate process, regardless of whether they left behind a will. In probate court, the primary issues being resolved regarding the estate of…
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The executor is the person in charge of carrying out the last will and testament of someone who has passed away. It is a crucial component of estate planning that helps to ensure that the assets of the recently deceased are properly managed and preserved. It also guarantees that those…
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A trust fund is a very useful tool for estate planning that can ensure that your money and assets end up where you want them to be after you pass. Trust funds can only exist if three parties are involved: the grantor who puts the assets into the trust, the…
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The rapid advancement of technology has allowed for an increase in the digitization of assets. Multiple aspects of our lives that required physical documents have now become available in an intangible digital form. This can make estate planning somewhat more complicated in today's world. To learn more about digital estate…
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If you would like to learn more about who should be paying for a deceased person's debt, continue reading and give our skilled Butler County estate planning & probate attorneys a call today. Who can be held responsible for paying the debt? Note that most debt does not just vanish…
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Trusts are legal arrangements that guard assets and control their use in harmony with their owners’ intentions. On the other hand, wills take effect upon death, trusts may be used both during life and after the death of their creators. Individually or together, wills and trusts can provide effective estate…
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To learn more about important estate planning expectations and considerations for baby boomers, continue reading and give our skilled Butler County estate planning & probate attorneys. What are inheritance expectations? When looking at a recent HSBC study, the majority of U.S. retirees expect to leave an average of $175,000 to…
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To learn more about what a will does and does not do, continue reading and give our dedicated and experienced Butler County will preparation attorney a call today. What does a will not do? It is important to recognize that a will does not control the transfer of particular kinds…
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If you have questions or concerns regarding your business succession plan, continue reading and give our skilled Butler County estate planning & probate attorneys. How does a business succession plan work? A business succession plan is a document that is used to guide through a change in ownership by supplying…
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Many estate plans include trusts, which can avoid probate, provide for minor children, and in some cases reduce estate taxes. It is in your best interest to review your estate plan periodically to ensure it meets your current needs. Furthermore, if you have any additional questions or concerns about considerations…
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Even though many people are not always ready to start the estate planning process, it is important to note that it is one of the most significant decisions anyone can make. Luckily, our experienced Butler County will preparation attorney and other legal team members have dedicated our approach to supporting…
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According to Maryland law, a “durable power of attorney” can allow an individual to make big healthcare decisions on behalf of a family member or loved one who has become incapacitated. Continue reading and give our legal team a call today to speak with a skilled Butler County estate planning…
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There are a number of critical components to an estate plan. Reach out to our legal team to speak with skilled Butler County estate planning & probate attorneys. Here are some of the most important documents: What are some essential documents needed in an estate plan? 1. Last will and…
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There are a number of different approaches you can take to ensure you are passing your home down to your children when you pass away. To learn more, continue reading and reach out to our dedicated Butler County estate planning & probate attorneys today. How can I pass my home…
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When you are adjusting to life as a new parent, estate planning is unlikely to be at the top of your to-do list. You are probably preoccupied with matters such as car seats, pediatricians, and childcare options, all while trying to sneak in a bit of sleep. But becoming a…
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Once an individual passes away, their assets could be subject to estate taxes and inheritance taxes, depending on where they lived and how much they were worth. While the danger of estate taxes and inheritance taxes does exist, the truth is that the vast majority of estates are too small…
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To learn more about financial and medical POA, read on and reach out to our skilled Butler County powers of attorney lawyers today. What is a financial power of attorney? A financial power of attorney allows a person you have selected (your agent, or attorney-in-fact) to manage your finances. Usually,…
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As you start thinking about retirement, it is essential that you organize your estate plan for your retirement, too. Many times, estate planning is a drastically neglected aspect of retirement, and we are here to say that you should not make the same mistake. If you are an individual who…
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One of the most important components of an estate plan involves having life insurance. To learn more about the benefits and how you can best plan for your loved ones' futures, read on and give our skilled Butler County estate planning & probate attorneys a call today. We are here…
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If your child newly graduated from high school, then you have likely been helping them get ready for their next step. That may mean buying dorm room essentials, checking class schedules, filing paperwork for student loans and financial aid, or prepping them for job interviews. one of the most important…
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Our firm understands that pets are just another member of our family. As a result, the state of Pennsylvania allows individuals to create a pet trust to protect their pet's best interests in the event that something happens to them. Give us a call today to speak with our skilled…
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There are a number of reasons why an individual may want to contest a will. However, there are many restrictions. Because of this, you should reach out to our firm today to speak with a Butler County will preparation attorney about your situation. Who is eligible to contest a will?…
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The probate process can seem quite daunting, however, our firm is here to make it as easy as possible. Read on, and give us a call today to discuss your case with our skilled Butler County estate & trust administration attorneys. What is probate? Once an individual passes away, a…
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The guardianship process is complex, however, it is a very important step to ensure a loved one is protected. Continue reading and give us a call today at Heritage Elder Law & Estate Planning to discuss teh details of your situation and the best option for you. We are here…
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There are two different types of powers of attorney in Pennsylvania. Read on and reach out to our skilled Butler County powers of attorney lawyers to learn more. We are on your side. What is a financial power of attorney? One of the most important documents you can have in…
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If you would like to update or make changes to your will, you have options. Read on to learn more and give our firm a call today to speak with a dedicated and experienced Butler County will preparation attorney. Our legal team is here to help you each step of…
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There are a number of different documents that are essential in a comprehensive estate plan. Read on and reach out to our skilled Butler County estate planning & probate attorneys to help you compile these documents. What documents are important in an estate plan? 1. Last will and testament In…
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As you can imagine, crafting an inclusive estate plan is a crucial part of confirming that all of your assets will be handed down to your loved ones as you would have hoped. While it is true that there are hundreds of free will-writing kits both online and otherwise, they…
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If you are getting older or are facing an illness, it may be in your best interest to establish an estate plan so that you can prepare for any scenario. Read on and reach out to our firm today to learn more about what you can do. Our skilled Butler…
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If you are unsure about whether or not you will need to update your estate plan after moving to or from Pennsylvania, read on and reach out to our skilled Butler County estate planning & probate attorneys. Should I update my estate plan after moving to a new state? The…
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To learn more about charitable planning in Pennsylvania, reach out to our dedicated and experienced Butler County estate planning & probate attorneys. How does charitable planning work in Pennsylvania? Charitable planning can be described in several different ways. This can include the assignment of beneficiaries within an estate plan, lifetime…
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If your loved one's will has been lost, you will want to read on and reach out to our firm right away to discuss your options. Give us a call to speak with an experienced Butler County will preparation attorney about the specifics of your case. We are here to…
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To learn more about what can invalidate a will in Pennsylvania, read on and reach out to our Butler County will preparation attorney to learn more. What can invalidate a will? There are a number of issues that can arise that can invalidate a will or cause challenges. Some of…
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While many people are not always willing to begin the estate planning process, it is important to recognize that it is one of the most important decisions anyone can make. Fortunately, our experienced Butler County will preparation attorney and other legal team members have devoted our practice to helping individuals…
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Estate planning is a very important task that will protect you and your family's futures. If you are preparing for your first consultation with our firm, continue reading to learn more about what you should keep in mind. Our Butler County estate planning & probate attorneys are ready to help.…
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To learn more about the difference between a will and a trust, read on and reach out to our skilled Butler County will preparation attorney today. Our legal team is ready to help you prepare for your future. What is a trust in Pennsylvania? A trust is a contract that…
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If you would like to learn more about the increase in the annual gift tax exclusion, continue reading and reach out to our firm today to speak with one of our dedicated and experienced Butler County estate planning & probate attorneys What is the increase in annual gift tax exclusion?…
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In many cases, a pet is just another family member. As such, the state of Pennsylvania allows individuals to create pet trusts to ensure their pets are taken care of. Reach out to our firm today and speak with our dedicated Butler County trust attorneys to learn more. What are…
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Preparing for retirement means that you will need to also prepare your estate plan. Reach out to our firm today to speak with one of our dedicated and experienced Butler County estate planning and probate attorneys. We are here to help you protect your future. Should I consider retirement in…
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It is important to recognize the most typical myths associated with Medicaid in Pennsylvania. Continue reading to learn more and reach out to our skilled Butler County elder law attorneys today to discuss the details of your case and your options. Our legal team is on your side. What are…
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If you would like to contest a will, it is important to learn about your options. Continue reading and reach out to our firm today to speak with a skilled Butler County will preparation attorney. Why might I contest a will? There are a number of reasons why an individual…
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It is critical to understand what belongs in a will and what does not. Continue reading and reach out to our skilled Butler County will preparation attorney today to learn more about what you should not include in your will. What should I not include in my will? A number…
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To learn more about what you should include in your will, reach out to our skilled Butler County will preparation attorney today. What is a will in Pennsylvania? A last will and testament are utilized to ensure that surviving family members and friends may follow your wishes when it comes…
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Hiring a probate lawyer may be one of the most important steps of the execution of an estate plan. Continue reading and reach out to our experienced and dedicated Butler County probate attorneys today to discuss your options. We are on your side no matter what. What is a probate…
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To learn more about the role of a trustee, continue reading and reach out to our skilled Butler County trust attorneys. Our legal team is on your side and is prepared to walk you through each step of the way. Give us a call today. What are the duties of…
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Continue reading and reach out to our firm today to learn more about digital assets and estate planning. Our skilled Butler Count estate planning & probate attorneys are on your side. What is a digital asset? A digital asset is an online record that a person owns. Online records can…
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Powers of attorney are one of the most useful tools in estate planning. To learn more, reach out to our firm today and speak with one of our skilled Butler County estate planning and probate attorneys. What is a power of attorney in Pennsylvania? The purpose of a power of…
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A will is one of the most critical elements of an estate plan. Because of this, you will want to make sure that yours is prepared properly and will not cause you or your family trouble down the road. Do not wait to reach out to our firm today and…
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Estate planning can be a stressful process, but knowing what to expect and what each document entails can make things much easier. Read on for an estate planning checklist. What is a will? When someone writes a will, they essentially outline what they wish to happen with certain assets upon…
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If you are preparing for your retirement, it is important to ensure that your estate plan reflects this life change. Reach out to our skilled Butler County estate planning and probate attorneys today to discuss the details of your case and your options. Our legal team is on your side.…
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To learn more about probate in Pennsylvania, do not wait to reach out to our experienced Butler County probate attorneys. Our legal team is dedicated to ensuring you have the support you need during this time. What is probate in Pennsylvania? When someone passes away, a legal process, known as…
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To learn more about Medicaid planning, reach out to our firm today to speak with a dedicated Butler County Medicaid planning attorney. Our firm is here for you each step of the way. When should I start Medicaid planning in Pennsylvania? In most cases, you will want to begin your…
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If you would like to learn more about the function of a pet trust in Pennsylvania, our legal team can help. Reach out to our firm today to speak with one of our experienced Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys. We are just one call away. What is the purpose of a…
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A personal representative holds a lot of responsibility in the administration of an estate plan. To ensure you understand this position's role, and to make sure you are choosing the right person, do not wait to reach out to our skilled Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys today. Our dedicated legal team…
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Unfortunately, it is hard to plan for when a beneficiary passes away. However, Pennsylvania law does provide individuals in this situation with options. Continue reading and reach out to our Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys today to learn more about how our attorneys can help you. What is a beneficiary's role…
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While there are several different types of documents involved in the creation of an estate plan, it is important to note that an advance healthcare directive is one of the most important. Contact our firm today to learn more and speak with one of our skilled Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys…
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It is important that you create an estate plan that accommodates your loved one with special needs. Do not wait to retain the services of a dedicated Pennsylvania estate planning attorney today to discuss the specifics of your circumstances and learn more about how we can best help you. Who…
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In some cases, a beneficiary may need to contest a will. Continue reading to learn more about what an invalid will might look like and what your options are. Contact our firm today to speak with one of our skilled Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys. Why should I contest a will?…
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An executor in an estate plan plays a vital role in carrying out the wishes of another. If you are interested in learning more, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys. Our firm is dedicated to ensuring that you and your future are a…
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There are many important components in an estate plan. Trusts are one of the most significant. If you would like to learn more about the different types of trusts in Pennsylvania, keep reading and speak with our experienced estate planning attorneys to learn more. What is a trust in Pennsylvania?…
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Your estate plan is hardly ever done. Be sure to update your plan every three years or after any big life changes. Our skilled estate planning attorneys are committed to ensuring that you and your future are protected. Why should I update my estate plan? It is highly advised that…
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Appointing a power of attorney may be one of the most important steps in your estate planning journey. There are multiple kinds of powers of attorney, so it is important to have an experienced Pennsylvania estate planning attorney on your side to ensure you are making the right choices. At…
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Estate planning can be a complex process, however, it is one of the most important ways that you can plan for your future. The beginning part of an estate plan will usually start with the creation of a will. There are many personal documents that must be included in an…
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Divorces are an overwhelming and complex process. There are many steps and boxes to be checked off. One of the most important is updating your estate plan. If you are going through a divorce, it is crucial that you update your estate plan. More likely than not, your former spouse…
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Ensuring our loved ones are well taken care of in the event that they are unable to attend to themselves is very important to most people. If your loved one no longer has the mental capacity to care for themselves or manage their finances, and that person has not created…
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Most people think that you don't need to create an estate plan until you are older, however, that is not the case. In Pennsylvania, you can create an estate plan as early as 18 years old. It is advised that you begin estate planning as soon as possible to ensure…
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Estate planning is an important step in ensuring that your hard-earned and cherished assets can be passed down to your loved ones. Many people think that estate planning is solely for the wealthy, older, or married. However, this is not the case. In Pennsylvania, there are various options for unmarried…
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