Montgomery County Estate Planning
Philadelphia County Estate Planning Attorney Serving Clients Throughout the Area
Offering Services For Montgomery County Clients
As an estate planning attorney serving clients in Montgomery County, PA, it’s vital to understand the various components that make up a thorough estate plan. Our services, encompassing wills, revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, and healthcare documents, are tailored to meet the specific needs of residents in Montgomery County. Many individuals are under the impression that they do not have an estate plan, but in fact, everyone does by default. In the absence of a legally defined plan, your estate will be distributed after your death in accordance with Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws. By crafting a detailed estate plan, you can ensure that your estate is managed and distributed according to your own preferences, not the state’s.
We are committed to assisting you in this process and ensuring that your estate plan reflects your individual needs and circumstances, even if you are based in Philadelphia County.
Understanding Estate Planning Services for Montgomery County Residents:
Your Last Will and Testament:
A last will and testament is a fundamental part of any comprehensive estate plan, particularly for residents of Montgomery County. Dying without a will (intestate) means that state laws will dictate the distribution of your assets. Important points to consider about wills include:
- A will is only effective posthumously and cannot be used to manage your affairs in the event of incapacitation.
- Having a will does not exempt an estate from probate; rather, it serves as a formal entry into the probate process.
- A will is the ideal document for nominating guardians for minor children. Without a will, there could be family disagreements and the possibility of your children being placed with unintended guardians.
Powers of Attorney:
In Montgomery County, a power of attorney is a vital document that assigns another person (the attorney-in-fact) the legal authority to act on your behalf. This authority can be broad or narrowly defined, depending on your needs. Powers of attorney are nullified upon the death of the creator and may also become invalid if the creator is incapacitated. To ensure continuity in decision-making during incapacity, a durable power of attorney is recommended. It’s important to keep this document updated, as older powers of attorney may not be readily accepted by financial institutions.
Health Care Documents (or Advance Directives):
Advance directives are crucial for Montgomery County residents, allowing individuals over 18 to outline their medical and personal care preferences in case they become unable to make decisions. Legally binding in Pennsylvania, these documents can designate a decision-maker and detail your wishes regarding life-prolonging measures under certain conditions. It’s also advisable to include a provision authorizing your medical providers to share information with your designated decision-maker, as this can be essential in ensuring your wishes are respected.
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Whether you’re in need of an estate planning update, or if you need to determine whether your plan is due for an update, book a call today to get your plan up to date!