When someone passes away, the family is often left trying to navigate a complicated probate process in the midst of their bereavement. Estate administration can involve court filings, tax returns, notifying creditors, transferring assets and more. Even though probate...
The distribution of estate resources is not automatic when someone dies. The personal representative, also known as an executor, must submit paperwork to the probate courts and distribute estate resources appropriately. Personal representatives hold a position of...
Many people have lines of credit that they use on a regular basis, and they know those lines of credit have to be paid. What most people don’t think about is what happens to those debts if they pass away. Debts don’t vanish when a person dies, but they don’t...
The digital world is now a major part of life, and it doesn’t disappear after someone passes away. Digital assets include emails, social media accounts, online banking, cryptocurrency, and digital photos. In Pennsylvania, handling these assets after death follows...
It’s normal for family and friends to make suggestions or express preferences to their loved ones about their will. A child might remind their parent to include a favorite charity, or a spouse might suggest leaving a family heirloom to a specific grandchild. However,...
Keeping your estate plan up to date is important to ensure your estate follows your wishes. As life changes, you may need to update your estate plan to reflect new circumstances. Knowing when to make changes helps protect your assets and loved ones. Major life events...
Guardianship is a legal process where a court appoints someone to make decisions for another person who cannot make decisions on their own. Sometimes, this process can be necessary, but there are cases where the decision to appoint a guardian may be disputed. ...
Creating a trust as part of your estate plans may feel like the right way to pass property to loved ones or even an organization. Still, this method might give you pause if you worry about losing control over your assets. You could feel better if you could create the...
Securing your financial legacy involves more than just accumulating assets. It requires a strategic approach to minimize the impact of taxes. A well-thought-out estate plan is the key to preserving your hard-earned wealth for future generations. Understanding the tax...
Choosing the right person to handle the distribution of your assets and fulfill your final wishes takes careful consideration. The executor of your estate plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth process for your beneficiaries, making it an important decision. There...