In a long-term care crisis?
In a long-term care crisis?
Plan ahead — those two words capture the best way to address your family’s future. Pennsylvania estate planning prepares you for an uncertain future and helps make sure that you, and everything you’ve worked for, are taken care of exactly as you intend.
Many people think of estate planning as simply writing a will or trust to leave assets to particular heirs. A thorough estate plan should also include:
Good estate planning involves more than filling in the blanks on a pre-made document. At Sechler Law Firm, we guide you through a process of clarifying your goals and needs, then work with you to design a thorough plan that fits your objectives — which is why we also invite clients to attend one of our free estate planning workshops.
Is working with a legal professional really better than an estate-plan-in-a-box software package or a pre-printed form? Our experience says yes. Too often, people hire attorneys to repair the damage after do-it-yourself estate planning goes wrong — missed formalities, ambiguous language, or documents that don’t work together. We’d much rather help you do it right from the start than do damage control later. In the long run, working with an experienced Pennsylvania estate planning attorney is both more cost-effective and more reassuring for everyone involved.
Estate planning isn’t just for retirees. We build plans for clients of all ages — helping families navigate Medicaid issues and estate administration alongside traditional estate planning. The same core goals apply to anyone building a plan: avoiding unnecessary taxes, naming who should inherit your property and in what amounts, providing for friends or charities, and preparing for disability or illness.
We tailor every plan to your circumstances. For a young family, that often means special attention to guardian and trustee provisions in case something happens to both parents. Whatever your stage of life, we’re ready to build a plan that’s right for you.
Do I need a trust in Pennsylvania to avoid probate?
Not always. Revocable living trusts can help with privacy and continuity, but Pennsylvania’s probate process is manageable on its own. The right choice depends on your assets and goals.
Which documents are essential in Pennsylvania?
At minimum, most Pennsylvanians benefit from a will, a durable power of attorney, and an advance healthcare directive (including a living will). Trusts may be added depending on your circumstances.
How does Pennsylvania inheritance tax affect my heirs?
Pennsylvania imposes an inheritance tax based on the recipient’s relationship to the deceased, separate from the federal estate tax. Proper planning can help reduce or manage this burden.
How often should I review my plan?
We recommend reviewing your estate plan every few years, and after any major life event — marriage, divorce, a new child or grandchild, or a significant change in assets.
Whether you’re just getting started or need to update an existing plan, Sechler Law Firm is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys.
