Many people have taken steps to provide for their loved ones for when they are no longer here. Whether they set up a will or a trust, they have taken estate planning steps to make sure that issues are addressed to ensure the payment of expenses and the smooth transfer of assets...
Category: Estate Planning
Charitable Remainder Trusts: Balancing Philanthropy and Estate Planning
A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a type of trust that allows you to contribute to a charitable cause while receiving a financial benefit. When you create a CRT, you transfer assets—such as cash, stocks, or property—into the trust. These assets are then invested, and the trust pays you or another designated...
How to Plan Your Estate as a Single Senior
An increasing number of seniors in Pennsylvania can be best described as single. They reach their retirement years having never married or had children. If this describes you, then you probably think you may not have any estate planning needs. You don’t have children or a spouse to consider, and your relatives...
Tips for Discussing End-of-Life Planning with Aging Parents
Life is filled with difficult discussions. We are often faced with speaking to loved ones about unpleasant and uncomfortable topics. One of the most difficult is end-of-life planning for your aging parents. Nobody likes to face their mortality, and having this talk with your parents can be one of the most difficult...
Charitable Giving and Estate Planning: Strategy for Donors
If you are like many people, you like to give to your favorite charities. This may be in line with your personal philosophy or religious beliefs, or just that you support certain causes. No matter the reason, charitable giving is a great way to help others. An added benefit is that giving...
Estate Planning Essentials: Why You Need a Will and Trust
If you are like most folks here in Pennsylvania, you are going to want to be able to provide for your loved ones when you are gone. This is why it is crucial that you work with an experienced attorney to help you with your estate planning. It doesn’t matter if you...
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Inheritance Tax Laws
Inheritance tax in Pennsylvania, a topic often thought of as complex, is a crucial aspect of estate planning that residents need to understand. Unlike many states, Pennsylvania imposes this tax on certain beneficiaries who inherit property, making it an important consideration for those planning their financial legacy. The tax rate varies...
What Are The Steps In The Estate Planning Process?
The thought of doing your estate planning can be daunting and emotional for many. Still, it is essential to consider it because ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after passing is critical. While it can be intimidating to think about having legally binding documents written and executed, it is...
Estate Planning Tips To Avoid Beneficiary Disputes
How can you plan your estate to decrease the possibility of later arguments between your loved ones? Estate planning is a crucial step in ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, but without careful planning can lead to disputes among beneficiaries. You should take proactive measures during planning to...
Understanding The Orphans’ Court In Pennsylvania
The Orphans’ Court was organized as a separate entity in the 1600s to protect orphaned children and their right to the estate of deceased family members from claims and against abuses by stepparents and others. The Orphans’ Court in Pennsylvania is now a specialized division in Pennsylvania's Court of Common Pleas. It...