For some of us, we have gotten the executor call. It is the call from a loved one who is doing their estate plan, usually by themselves or with an online form, and they want to know if we can be their executor. Some of us probably said, “yes” without even knowing what...
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Estate Planning & Probate
Is it time to review your estate plan?
When Pennsylvania residents get their estate plan completed and executed, they probably feel a great sense of relief. No problem with that – it is something to take pride in, since many people never even get around to having an estate plan drafted. But, once the plan...
When should parents consider a special needs trust?
Parents of special needs children in Hazelton realize that their future will look very different from their counterparts. They understand that their child will need their help, emotionally and financially for much of their adult lives. Parents of special needs...
How can you make your estate plan a success?
When Pennsylvania residents are finally ready to sit down and get started on their estate plans, usually their first question is: Where do I start? That is understandable, as there are many different options when it comes to estate planning and each person’s estate...
Here’s how you can motivate your loved ones after you’re gone
A lot of people who engage in estate planning worry not only about the future of their loved ones, but also the viability of their estate. They find themselves concerned about the longevity of their assets and whether they’ll be used appropriately once they’re gone....
When are some good times to update an estate plan?
It is just as important to keep an estate plan fresh and up-to-date as it is to have one to begin with. Estate planners should be familiar with important times to update their estate plan. No two estate plans are alike and estate planning tools provide the flexibility...
Ways to reduce inheritance conflict among siblings
Once you and any other parents are gone, all your children may have left is one another. For many Pennsylvania residents working on their estate plans, figuring out how to leave assets behind to siblings without causing strife between or among them is an important...
3 signs a loved one may be vulnerable to undue influence
In Pennsylvania, individuals have broad discretion to dispose of their estates as they see fit. Therefore, Pennsylvanians often draft wills and other estate planning documents to keep property from passing through the commonwealth's intestacy laws. Sometimes, though,...
Understanding the purpose of living trusts
Even though the majority of Americans know what a will is, most are far less familiar with the power of living trusts. In reality, most Americans could benefit from using a living trust as a cornerstone of their estate plan, just like a will is. The two main varieties...
Who should I choose to be my trustee?
Trusts are valuable estate planning tools, and there are many types of trusts available under Pennsylvania law. All trusts require a trustee. The trustee’s job is to follow the terms of the trust, manage the trust’s assets, handle distributions and pay all necessary...