The rising cost of college and private education has made early financial planning more important than ever. For many Pennsylvania families, setting aside money for a child or grandchild’s education is one of the biggest priorities. Two of the most common tools used for this purpose are 529 plans and education trusts.
Protecting Business Interests During Divorce: Strategies Beyond Prenuptial Agreements
Running a business takes years of hard work. But when divorce enters the picture, all of that effort can feel like it’s on shaky ground. Many business owners worry about what might happen to their company if their marriage ends, especially if they didn’t sign a prenuptial agreement. The truth is, while...
Special Needs Trusts vs. ABLE Accounts
Planning for a loved one with a disability often brings up difficult questions. How can you provide long-term financial support without putting government benefits at risk? Two of the most commonly used tools are Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) and ABLE Accounts. Each serves a different role, and understanding the differences can help...
Estate Planning for Pet Owners: Creating a Pet Trust
For many of us, pets are part of the family. But unlike other family members, they can’t speak up for themselves or make arrangements if something happens to us. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead. A pet trust allows you to provide instructions and financial support for your animal’s care if...
Legal Considerations for Family Businesses Bringing in Outside Investors
As family businesses grow, many reach a point where outside investment becomes a practical way to fund expansion, improve operations, or support succession planning. But bringing in outside capital often raises concerns. How do you maintain control? What happens to the family’s long-term vision? And how do you align a new investor’s...
Evaluating Opportunity Zone Investments: Legal and Tax Considerations
If you're looking to reduce capital gains taxes while making a long-term investment, Opportunity Zones may sound appealing. These zones were created to attract capital to underdeveloped areas by offering investors significant tax incentives. While the potential benefits are real, it’s important to understand the legal and tax rules that come with...
Legal Challenges in Multi-Generational Family Businesses
Running a family business across multiple generations is both rewarding and complex. When relatives are involved in day-to-day decisions, disagreements can become personal, succession can be uncertain, and legal risks may increase. At Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace, we help Pennsylvania family businesses protect what they’ve built while planning for a successful...
What Happens to Your Loved One’s Estate Immediately After They Pass Away?
There are few things more emotionally traumatic than losing a loved one. Our close relatives are such a major part of our lives, and when they pass away we are faced with having that absence in our lives. Nevertheless, there are things you are going to have to attend to when your...
7 Questions to Ask a Business Attorney
If you and your business are seeking legal representation, you are going to want to find out about the attorney and law firm you are considering retaining. This involves having one or more meetings at which you will need to find out as much as possible about the firm. This is to...
What are the Rules for Inheritance in Pennsylvania?
Many people here in Pennsylvania have taken steps to address their estate planning. These folks have drafted wills or created trusts that will ensure that their assets go to their assigned heirs or beneficiaries upon their death. But a surprising number of people haven’t done this, trusting the future of their loved...