There are many ways an experienced attorney could help you plan for the future. From developing a plan to distribute your assets after your passing to ensuring your medical needs are met at the end of your life, this type of legal work is important.
If you are considering an estate plan, it is important that you are supported by experienced legal counsel throughout the process. You could benefit from the experience and skill of a Pittsburgh estate planning lawyer.
A competent lawyer in Pittsburgh has various options that could help you develop an estate plan that meets your current and future needs. Some common tools used by estate planning attorneys include:
It is critical to remember that estate planning is about more than ensuring your assets are divided according to your wishes at the end of your life. A proper estate plan will also make your intentions clear if you are unable to make important healthcare or financial decisions during your lifetime. A strong estate plan could benefit you now and in the future.
One of the important ways an estate planning attorney could help you is by providing an you with the tools to avoid probate entirely. Probate is the court process that determines how most estates are divided upon a person’s death, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
One of the most common tools for avoiding probate is a revocable living trust. A revocable living trust takes legal ownership of your property during your lifetime. At your passing, your assets are not technically a part of your estate, making probate unnecessary. The terms of the trust could then distribute your property as you see fit. Other useful tools for avoiding probate include spousal limited access trusts, special needs trusts, and payable-on-death contracts.
For many people, estate planning can provide peace of mind that their final wishes will be carried out after their passing. This includes drafting the will in a way that avoids potential challenges.
To execute a valid will, you must be 18 or older, of sound mind. In addition, two people must witness you signing the will for it to hold up in court.
Will challenges can be stressful for everyone involved, and they could potentially result in an outcome that does not comply with your final wishes. An estate planning attorney in Pittsburgh could help you avoid future will contests by ensuring the last will and testament meets the technical requirements under the law.
If you have questions about your estate planning needs, our attorneys have the answers. The right estate plan could ensure your wishes are respected after your passing or when you are no longer able to make decisions on your own.
Estate planning is complex and requires a thorough understanding of the law. Reach out to learn how a Pittsburgh estate planning lawyer could help.
