If you have created a will, courts will consider it valid as long as state requirements were met when creating it. For a will to be valid in Pennsylvania, the following generally must be true: Testator (creator of will) was at least 18 years old at the time of will...
Western Pennyslvania Legal Blog
Why parents need to draft a will
When you become a parent, your child's safety becomes your top priority. You lift them carefully, strap them into car seats and keep your eyes peeled for anything that might harm them. In doing all this, you might start to forget that bad things can happen to you,...
The importance of updating a will for Pennsylvania adults
Creating a will is often considered the most important of the estate planning process. Your will provides a blueprint as to how your estate will be managed in Pennsylvania when you pass away. Your will should contain the name of an executor who will handle your...
Differences between a closing company and a real estate attorney
Most people find real estate transactions to be confusing. While they may seem simple on their face, there are a lot of intricacies that, if mishandled, can result in an undesired outcome, costing you a lot of time, money, and stress. That’s why a lot of people who...
What you need to know about trustee breach of the fiduciary duty
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy. And as you try to find a way to cope with the emotional impact of losing your loved one, there may be other issues that come up that make the grieving process even more challenging. Among these are navigating the...
Understanding a real estate purchase agreement
Purchasing a home in Pennsylvania involves reading and signing a lot of paperwork. You will be asked to review many different types of contracts and it is important to understand what each one is and the purpose it serves. Even if this is not your first time buying a...
How can trusts benefit your estate and your loved ones?
Far too many people put off the estate planning process until it’s too late. This can put your assets at risk of being inherited by someone you never intended to support, and it can open the door to familial conflict when multiple individuals think that they have a...
When do you need to revisit and modify your estate plan?
Creating a comprehensive estate plan can take time and a lot of thought. That’s why most people who successfully create their initial estate plan often feel a burden lifted from their shoulders. However, estate planning is a process that should be ongoing, meaning...
Financial tasks after your spouse dies
When a spouse dies, it can be devastating for their partner. Unfortunately, the surviving spouse will have urgent and important financial decisions and tasks, despite their grief. A strong estate plan can help make this process a little more bearable. Preparation can...
Plan for your inheritance
Receiving an inheritance can be viewed as a financial windfall. But it can also end up as a lost opportunity or frittered away. Seventy percent of wealthy families in this country lose their wealth by their second generation and 90% lose it by their third generation....