Dying without a will is referred to as dying “intestate.” As such, a state’s intestacy laws will apply in the event that a person dies without a valid will in place. Pennsylvania’s intestate succession laws come into play to direct where a deceased person’s assets should go in the event that...

At some point, a loved one may become incapacitated due to injury, illness, or simply old age. Regardless, it could leave them unable to make critical medical or financial decisions for themselves. Without a legally designated decision-maker, their well-being could be put in serious jeopardy. In such a situation, a Pennsylvania guardianship...

The death of a love one can leave a family struggling with some big emotions. Processing the loss can take time. It can take energy. It can require a lot of support. On top of all of this, there are the logistics to be addressed following a loved one’s death. Going through...

Your estate plan is likely to include a variety of what are referred to as “specific bequests.” A specific bequest is when you name a particular person to inherit a certain item, such as a piece of personal property. You may have made many specific bequests for tangible personal property items such...

You have decided it is time to begin estate planning. You have called a dedicated, local estate planning attorney and made an initial appointment. You have taken a valuable step towards putting critical legal protections in place that will safeguard and promote your wishes for a future you want for both...

When you appoint a financial agent under a durable power of attorney, you are granting that person the authority to step into your shoes as they carry out important financial and legal tasks on your behalf. As such, it is important to fill this role with the right person. It is one...

A big part of estate planning will be going through your assets and deciding not only who you want to get what, but how you want this transfer to occur. After a house, a person’s car is usually one of their more significant, tangible assets. As such, it can be a...

Putting a comprehensive estate plan in place is important for everyone. While everyone’s estate plan may look different, it will likely include things like tools for distributing your assets when you die, such as a will or a trust. It will also likely include other important legal documents such as advanced...

If you have made the decision to establish your estate plan, congratulations on taking an important step to protecting and promoting a future you want for yourself and your loved ones. The legal tools used in estate planning can play a critical role in furthering your goals and bringing you peace...

Part of the estate administration process is taking steps to ensure that debts of the estate are verified and paid. That is why the creditor claims process is such an important part of probate. Let’s take a look at what this process looks like.

Creditor Claims During Estate...