Michael H. Marks & Associates

 

ESTATE PLANNING

Estate Planning is the process of making plans and arrangements that say how your affairs will be handled after you die, or if you are disabled during your lifetime.

The following questions are often asked by new clients seeking to understand the value of and the need for estate planning.

  1. What is "Estate Planning?"
  2. Why Should I Have an Estate Plan?
  3. What Is A Will?
  4. What Is A Power Of Attorney?
  5. How Much Does It Cost?
  6. When Should I Make A Will, Power of Attorney And Estate Plan?
  7. Can I Change My Will Or Estate Plan?
  8. When Should I Review My Will Or Estate Plan?
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Squirrel Hill
4231 Murray Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-421-8944

Monroeville
2520 Mosside Blvd.
Second Floor
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-373-4235

E-Mail:
michael@marks-law.com

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Member
National Association of Elder Law Attorneys

 

 
What is Estate Planning?

Estate Planning is the process of making plans and arrangements that say how your affairs will be handled after you die, or if you are disabled during your lifetime. Your Estate Plan consists of legal documents, including your Will, Power of Attorney, Living Will or Trust, and also consists of other arrangements that you have made, such as:

   • bank account ownership,
   • life insurance beneficiaries,
   • IRA/retirement plan beneficiaries,
   • the title to your house and other assets.

We tailor your will and estate plan to your unique circumstances, and work with your accountant, financial advisor and other professionals when needed.


Why Should I Have an Estate Plan?

Making a Will and an Estate Plan allows you to choose how you want your affairs to be handled after your death or disability, and by whom. If you do not make a Will and an Estate Plan, your property and your affairs may not be handled as you might want them to be.

A poor estate plan can result in unnecessary taxes and legal expenses, catastrophic costs for long term or nursing care, and heartache and disappointment. It can prevent you from accomplishing goals you may have for your family.


What Is A Will?
A Will is a legal document that says how your affairs will be handled after your death. Your Will says who will inherit some or all of your property from you, who will be in charge of winding up your affairs, and who will serve as Guardians or Trustees for your minor children or others.

What Is A Power Of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that says who will handle your affairs if you are disabled or incapacitated by illness or injury during your life


How Much Does It Cost?

Making a Will and an Estate Plan allows you to choose how you want your affairs to be handled after your death or disability -and by whom. If you do not make a Will and an Estate Plan, your property and your affairs may not be handled as you might want them to be.


When Should I Make A Will, Power of Attorney And Estate Plan?

Immediately! Everyone should have a Will, Power of Attorney and carefully planned estate arrangements at all times.


Can I Change My Will Or Estate Plan?

A good estate plan is usually flexible, allowing for changes at any time. We help you carefully consider the options and alternatives, such as an Irrevocable Trust (which may not be changed once established) before entering into any inflexible arrangements.


When Should I Review My Will Or Estate Plan?

• If your family circumstances have changed;
• If you or a family member are in need of long term or nursing    home care;
• If your financial circumstances have changed;
• If you want to change the provisions in your Will or Estate    Plan; or
• If the estate or tax laws have changed.



We will gladly review your Will or Estate Plan
to ensure it is up-to-date.