The internet is truly a wonderful thing, and it has had an enormous impact on the ability to share, access and challenge information. In fact, for many Philadelphia residents who seek answers on virtually any topic, the internet is the first place that they turn. It...
Your Lawyers For Life
Year: 2016
Handling real estate during estate planning
When structuring one's estate, it is important to address each and every asset type differently. For example, cash held in a savings account will be handled differently from an investment account. A treasured stamp collection will need a different approach than shares...
Lack of estate planning may lead to future family squabbles
Not everyone in the Philadelphia area looks forward to discussions regarding personal mortality. In fact, some people try to avoid the estate planning topic at all costs. However, in the past year, there have been some very high-profile situations that appear to be...
Estate planning often includes digital assets
Some people in Pennsylvania may still be getting used to showing personal photos from a cell phone or computer instead of from a dusty photo album on the shelf. However, as technology develops and evolves, it begins to affect people's lives in surprising ways. One of...
“Modern Family” provides estate planning viewpoints
The hit television series "Modern Family" is a favorite among viewers and critics alike. Many in Philadelphia tune in every week to watch the antics of the Dunphy family. A recent article used the family dynamics at play on the show to illustrate the various estate...
How to decide on estate administration duties
Once an estate plan has been crafted and is nearing completion, Philadelphia families must turn their attention to determining who will be responsible for carrying out the tasks outlined within the plan. These decisions are just as important as those laid out within...
Weighing the pros and cons of trusts and annuities
For some Philadelphia families, estate planning is not a simple matter. In cases where one child is struggling while his or her siblings are thriving, it can be difficult to know how to best pass on an inheritance. Some families consider annuities and trusts as estate...
Easing the process of gathering assets following a loss
For many Philadelphia families, the focus of estate planning efforts is on achieving a smooth transfer of wealth from one generation to the next. However, it is also important to give some consideration to the tasks that will be required of the person who is handling...
How to take steps to protect against probate litigation
Philadelphia residents often spent considerable time and effort creating an estate plan that reflects their sincere intentions. Having those plans altered by probate litigation is often not something that individuals or families think about, although there is a risk...
Proposed IRS changes could impact estate planning
In early August, the Internal Revenue Service released proposed regulations that could have a major impact on the estate plans of many Philadelphia residents. The proposed changes would serve to limit the benefit of certain discounts that are made available through...