Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts & Powers of Attorney
Planning for Your Future: Estate Planning & Powers of Attorney
Wills, Trusts and More in Ephrata, Pennsylvania
You have worked hard for what you own, and family members who depend on you. Don't let their futures be determined, or your hard earned assets be distributed, by chance or at the whims of the court. I have spent 34 years helping people, young and old, wealthy or working folks, plan for a future when they are no longer here to provide for or assist their loved ones.
It is in your best interest to discuss your estate planning needs with an experienced lawyer. To schedule an appointment, contact me today.
Estate Planning: The Best Time to Prepare Is Now
Obviously, the greater the estate, the greater need to plan and to have a will and/or a trust. It is just as important for young families with minor children to also prepare for the unexpected. Without a will, minor children may receive an inheritance upon turning 18 even if they are still in high school and the amount is more than they could hope to manage.
Without a provision in your will for guardianship of your children, the court will decide with whom minor children must live. Unless provided otherwise in a will, family heirlooms may have to be sold rather than be passed to the next generation. A will can prevent any of those unfortunate events.
I can help you evaluate your situation and make recommendations on what type of estate planning arrangement would be the most appropriate for the needs of your family. If your situation requires an expert in tax planning or other complex matters, I will be happy to provide you with a referral.
Power of Attorney
Almost everyone worries about what will happen if they reach a point in their life, due to age or poor health, when they are unable to care for themselves. Who will pay the bills, manage assets, make deposits and make other important decisions?
There are two procedures whereby one person can be granted the legal authority to act on behalf of another. After a hearing and a finding of incompetency, the court may appoint a guardian to oversee a disabled person's financial or personal affairs.
The other, less expensive and stressful, method is for one person to grant another a power of attorney. A power of attorney is a document that gives the chosen person the legal right to manage financial affairs and make other important decisions for the person who gives it. It is important to remember that if someone is already incompetent, they cannot grant power of attorney. At that point, a guardianship is the only viable option.
Contact Me Today
These are important issues, making it important to discuss them with an attorney you can trust. Call 717-842-4467 or toll free 888-633-8853 today to arrange an appointment with me.
If my office hours of 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. do not work for you, we can schedule an evening appointment. I am also willing to make a trip to your home, hospital or nursing home to meet with you.
