Strategies for Avoiding Probate in Pennsylvania
Property that passes through probate generally includes the property a testator (the person who prepares a will) devises to specific heirs in the decedent’s will. Any property that passes to intestate heirs is also considered probate property. The advantages of...
Estate Planning Issues for New Parents
There's an incredible joy that comes with becoming a parent. The smile of a child affects parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all other family members. Every parent wants their child/children to live happy and healthy lives. They treasure watching their children...
9 Common Revocable Living Trust (RLT) Mistakes
A revocable living trust is an estate planning tool often used in conjunction with a will. The main parts of a trust are: The creator of the trust. For example – the person who is planning for the day they die. The appointment of a trustee to manage the trust assets....
What Is Long-Term Care Planning?
Long-term care is a collection of different services meant to meet an individual's personal or health care needs during a specified period. The goal of such services is to help such individuals live a safe and independent life when they can no longer conduct their...
Federal Estate Tax Legislation Explained
It's only a matter of time before the proposed federal estate tax legislation takes effect on estate planning strategies. You'll probably not have read the 881 pages of the legislation or the House Budget Committee's Report by January 1, 2022, when all the confusion...
How Can Parents Provide for Their Children?
Every parent should consider what legal documents can protect their children if tragedy strikes – and parents die or become incapacitated. Parents in Berks County should review their estate planning needs with an experienced lawyer as soon as their children are born....
What is Estate Planning and Why is it Important?
For many who think estates are for the rich and famous, they may be surprised to learn that they actually have one too. When you consider the possessions you own, such as a home, vehicles, expensive silverware set, or work tools from your construction business, you...
Same-Sex Marriages, Domestic Partnerships, and Civil Unions in the US
Same-sex Marriages, Domestic Partnerships, and Civil Unions: Interchangeable or Distinct? The ways of living that we've been accustomed to over the years are constantly changing. One area of impactful change is marriages. In the US today, what's classified as a legal...
Estate Planning for Blended Families in Pennsylvania
Getting married and starting a new life with your spouse is a challenging undertaking filled with love, joy, frustration, and compromise. Unfortunately, when couples with children from previous relationships tie the knot, the possibility for conflicting goals and...