As you’re developing your estate plan, you may be thinking about a child you fathered many years ago with a woman you never married. You’ve had no relationship with that child over the years and maybe have no idea where they are or even if they’re still alive. Either...
Estate Planning
What exactly is a durable power of attorney?
When you are not in a mental or physical condition to make decisions surrounding your health or finances, you need someone to do it for you. It could be a relative or a friend you trust to make the right calls. Making some of these decisions, such as those surrounding...
Debt can impact your financial stability or estate without a plan
Taking on some amount of debt is often part of managing a household. You can never predict when your vehicle might break down or you will need to repair the roof in your home. Having credit available makes it easier to cover these unexpected and unpredictable...
Who should be your health care agent?
People who are trying to create an estate plan can often become so focused on what they want to happen to their assets that they neglect other aspects of their end-of-life planning. You also have to consider decisions about your health care so that you know your...
Why do all adults need an estate plan?
All adults, even those who don’t have many assets to leave behind should ensure they have an estate plan in place. Your estate plan gives your loved one instructions for your assets, but it also provides instructions for your care if you’re incapacitated. It’s...
Assure your business succession plan is free of drama
Many otherwise astute business owners drag their feet when it comes to establishing a viable business succession plan for the future when they are no longer the one in control. Whether it’s fear of facing their own mortality or otherwise, this can create many problems...
Review your estate plan when these changes happen
Estate planning in Pennsylvania is most effective when done on a periodic basis. No one can foresee all of the needs of their estates the very first time they start planning, so consider reviewing your estate every few years or when you encounter the following life...
What can you address in your advance healthcare directives?
Estate planning involves the creation of legal documents addressing matters of your estate. Examples include a will, one or more trusts and powers of attorney for financial issues. While estate planning ensures the preservation of your assets for future generations,...
How do I make a will valid in Pennsylvania?
A will is one of the best tools you can use to pass on your property to your loved ones. In fact, a will is the building block for most estate plans. It outlines how your assets will be distributed to your loved ones when you are no longer around to oversee the...
Consider these estate planning points
Your estate plan outlines exactly who you want to receive which assets after your death. There are several components to consider when you’re creating your estate plan. These include the will, trusts, a living will and power of attorney documents. Each estate plan...