Caring.com's 2023 Wills and Estate Planning Study revealed that 2 out of 3 people in the U.S. do not have an estate plan. Planning for the future is an important step in ensuring that you can take care of your loved ones when you are no longer here. Creating a will is...
Estate Planning
What typically makes probate longer?
Probate is often seen as a quick process. However, since its purpose is to ensure a fair distribution of assets, it can sometimes become an unexpectedly prolonged affair. Understanding the factors that contribute to the length of probate is important for anyone...
What to include in a simple estate plan
A well-structured estate plan ensures that your assets undergo distribution according to your wishes after you die. In Pennsylvania, a simple estate plan typically includes several key components. Creating a basic estate plan that includes these components helps you...
What are some warning signs of an unfitting executor choice?
While organizing your estate and thinking about the person you want to handle your debts and heirlooms in the future, a few options may come to mind. Figuring out who the best of these options are could feel overwhelming. Taking into consideration potential warning...
How may a living trust benefit my family?
A living trust, which you may update during your lifetime, could help manage family assets and address financial and caregiving concerns. Individuals with sufficient financial and mental capacity may create a living trust and transfer their assets into it, as...
What is the process for leaving a gift to charity?
Many people have charities that they enjoy donating to throughout their lives. It makes sense to want to make one final gift after death, as well. Fortunately, there is a way to do that: through a will. How do you bequeath things to charity? Kiplinger discusses using...
Can you avoid probate?
Deciding how to structure your estate to better serve your family in the wake of your death can take time and understanding. With Pennsylvania requiring many estates to go through probate, the court process can prove long and delay the release of assets to those you...
How to start your estate plan
At its most basic form, estate planning is deciding who gets your assets when you die. However, your estate plan can have many more aspects, including taxes and considering your family's needs. Here is how to get started creating an estate plan. Take inventory If you...
How does probate work in Pennsylvania?
Probate refers to the legal process in which courts can validate a deceased person's will and name an executor to handle the transfer of assets to beneficiaries. Understanding how probate works in Pennsylvania can help executors administer estates. Furthermore,...
The 3 basic elements of an estate plan
No one wants to make things harder for their loved ones. One of the best gifts you can give them is basic estate planning, putting things in place in case of emergency. Basic estate planning only requires three documents. By completing them you can protect your family...