ESTATE PLANNING

Many people believe that estate planning and asset protection are only for the wealthy. This is simply not true. Regardless of the size of your estate, proper planning can save time and expense.

The Pittsburgh wills attorneys at Marks Elder Law help clients throughout Western Pennsylvania take advantage of the following benefits of having a legally executed will in place:

A simple first step to planning. Estate planning is a must for anyone who wants to make sure that their final property and health care wishes are honored, and that their loved ones are provided for. A proper estate plan can:

• Ensure that your property will pass to those you have chosen, as quickly and efficiently as possible
  
  
• Minimize the amount of taxes that will be paid in order for your assets to be transferred after your death
  
  
• Ensure that your wishes for your health care are honored

Creating a will can be as simple as leaving all your assets to a single beneficiary, or leaving specific items to a variety of people, or a combination of both options. Although you can change a will at any time, there is no requirement to update it for every future property acquisition—not true when you create a trust.

A Will is iInexpensive to file. The potential simplicity of a will also makes it economical. Particularly if you have taken the time to itemize your assets and intended beneficiaries before seeking legal counsel, attorney fees are likely to relate to administration of the document.

Preparation for a Trust. If you want to take advantage of the benefits provided by a trust, the process is well-served by the time already spent writing a will. And, until your trust is completed, you already have an important document legally filed to protect your heirs.

We listen to our clients’ needs and circumstances, and draft legally solid documents:

• Wills
• Testamentary Trusts in Wills for children and dependents
• Naming Guardians in Wills in the event of both parents’ death
• Trusts designed to minimize or eliminate state and federal estate tax
• General Durable Powers of Attorney for financial matters
• Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care Decisions
• Health Care Directives (“Living Wills”)
• Community Property Agreements.
• Mental Health Advance Directive
• Memorial Instructions

Planning for your estate is a critical part of wealth planning. The skilled Pittsburgh attorneys at Marks Elder Law have the experience needed to help you throughout this process. If you are interested in meeting with a wills attorney in Pittsburgh, contact Marks Elder Law today.