ESTATE PLANNING

    Most people think that estate planning, that is writing a will or creating a trust, is just for rich people.  In reality, anyone who owns property, real or personal, should write a will because if you have no plan, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has one for you.

     Imagine the confusion and animosity that will result when you children disagree as to how you wanted your property divided after you are gone, if you die without a will.  Who gets your diamond ring? Who gets your car?  What happens to your grandmother's clock? What about that china?  How can you prevent your 19 year old son from blowing through his inheritance?

     The only way to assure that your wishes will be carried out after your death is to visit a lawyer to write a will or create a trust.  CLICK HERE FOR A CONSULTATION.

ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

     The first step toward resolving the decedent's estate starts at the Register of Wills Office.  At this time the designee named in the decedent's will also known as the executor (male) or executrix (female) petitions for Letters Testamentary.  Likewise, in cases where the decedent leaves no will, a qualified persona caled an administrator (male) or administratrix (female) may petition for Letters of Administration that will allow that person to attend to the decedent's affairs 

      The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has established procedures by which a person called a Personal Representative:

1. collects the decedent's assets

2. pays the decedent's final debts and;

3. distributes the assets to the appropriate heirs

      Estate Administration procedures can be difficult for anyone to follow.  Accordingly, it is wise to hire an attorney who knows this area of the law.  Contact us for experienced assistance.