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...
The value of power of attorney and a health care proxy
Estate planning encompasses a variety of factors. Much of it depends upon having the right documents filled out correctly and keeping them updated with the latest information. Two vital documents smooth out the process of estate panning and administration. Power of...
What happens to my online accounts after my death?
Your estate plan may include a digital executor and instructions to carry out specific wishes for your online accounts. If they contain digital assets, such as downloadable songs or books, you may need to list them in your will or trust, along with a beneficiary....
How do wills and trusts compare?
As you create your estate plan, you do not necessarily have to choose between a will and a trust. Because they are different documents that accomplish different things, many people include both in their estate plans. However, in some situations, it is better to have...
Adding asset preservation to your estate plan
You work hard for the assets you have. Preparing a will can minimize probate costs and ensure the beneficiaries of your choice receive your assets according to your wishes. However, with a few more steps, you can take actions that allows you to enhance your estate...
Intestate succession in Pennsylvania
According to a 2016 poll, only about 40% of American adults have a will prepared. Americans without a will might assume that by not naming any beneficiaries directly, those closest to them at the time of their death will be allowed to to determine the distribution of...
What you should know about living trusts
For some people in Pennsylvania and across the nation, a revocable living trust is an important part of their estate plan. While organizing your estate, you may want to consider the benefits of including such a trust in your plan, too. Since you can modify a revocable...
Reviewing Pennsylvania’s intestate succession guidelines
You might be tired of constantly hearing from estate planning experts how important it is to map out the administration of your estate while you are still capable of doing so. Yet the prospect of actually doing it can seem daunting, particularly because you do not...
Do you know how to avoid these estate planning mistakes?
You want to take care of your family, no matter if you are physically present. That is why you feel now is an ideal time to tend to estate planning matters. But what do you know about common estate planning blunders and how to avoid them? Whenever possible, learn from...
What are the traits of a good executor?
Pennsylvania residents put a lot of thought into your life. It makes sense that you should also put a lot of thought into how you want to handle your end of life matters. To this end, creating an estate plan is important. And what is one of the most crucial parts of a...