Wills and Unmarried Couples
In many instances, it is even more important for unmarried couples to have Wills in place than it is for married couples. That’s because the state has developed a default estate plan for married individuals that includes their spouse. This...[Continue reading]
COVID-19 Effects
Our office is open, we are meeting with clients, the court system is operating, but everything is different. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed how all of these things in the legal world happen. Our office was closed for about 8...[Continue reading]
Attorney’s Fees in Estate Planning
If an attorney is preparing your Will, trust agreement, powers of attorney, etc., you will need to pay him or her. Many attorneys (including me) charge a flat fee for estate planning services. That means you decide what documents you...[Continue reading]
What Happens if I Die Without a Will?
If you die without a Will, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a default plan in place that determines who receives your assets. Dying without a valid Will is called intestacy, so distribution of assets without a valid Will is controlled...[Continue reading]
When Should I Think About Getting a Will?
Assuming you are over the age of eighteen and are of sound mind, you should think about getting a Will right now. Many people think about having a Will prepared when they experience some major life change, such as divorce,...[Continue reading]
Who is Capable of Making a Will?
The short answer - almost everyone over the age of 18 is capable of making a Will. The law states that you must be at least 18 years of age and of sound mind to make a valid Will. The...[Continue reading]
My Approach to Practicing Law
I emphasize providing “effective and efficient legal services.” That means I want to do everything necessary to serve my clients and accomplish their goals. I do not want to take unnecessary actions or make my clients incur unnecessary expenses. I...[Continue reading]
When to Consult an Attorney
You should consult an attorney as soon as you think you might need legal help. You can save a lot of stress and anguish by finding out early on if you have anything to worry about and whether you can...[Continue reading]
Where I Practice
Attorneys are licensed to practice throughout the state, so in theory I can practice in any Pennsylvania county. However, most attorneys limit their practice areas to certain geographical locations. I’m no exception. I practice primarily in Cumberland, Dauphin and York...[Continue reading]
Resolutions
It’s that time of year – New Year’s Resolution Time! What will you resolve to change or do this year, if anything? And what is your motivation? How will you know if you’ve achieved it? Since this is a serious...[Continue reading]