Easton, PA Wills and Trusts Lawyer

If you own property or have family, you need to have a will and trust. Wills and trusts are legal documents that provide for the distribution of your estate to your loved ones according to your wishes if you die or become incapacitated unexpectedly. They can clarify who you want to receive your possessions and assets, so that there’s no confusion with the Pennsylvania courts or with your family members.
For most Pennsylvania residents, making a will or trust can be an intimidating, confusing legal step to take. However, because these documents are so sensitive, personal, and important, you shouldn’t try to create them on your own. Our Easton wills and trusts lawyer can take the stress out of planning for the future and draft documents that reflect your unique needs. Call Daly Law Offices today to book a free consultation and get started!

Who Needs A Will And Trust?

Nearly everyone living in Pennsylvania needs to have both a will and a trust. While it’s common knowledge (for the most part) that everyone needs a will, many think that trust – fiduciary relationships that own and manage your assets outside of your name during your lifetime and transfer them to your beneficiaries upon your death – are only reserved for the wealthy. However, there are numerous benefits to trusts, including securing your assets, reducing taxes, allowing you to qualify for income-based aid, bypassing probate, and more. Even if you consider yourself of modest means, if you own property (especially real estate), a trust can protect your hard-earned assets and ensure that they transfer directly to your family upon your death or incapacitation.

Why Should You Have A Will And Trust?

Without a will or trust drafted by an Easton wills and trusts lawyer, you won’t have much control over what happens to your family or your assets if anything happens to you. 

Without a will, Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws will govern who gets what, what happens to your minor children, and all other aspects of administering your estate. Typically, these laws will give your property and assets to your closest living relative. However, the laws don’t know your specific family dynamics. If you have a blended family, or a family member who struggles with addiction, or an estranged family member, for example, you may not want your assets to go to your closest living member, but if no will is present, your wishes won’t be known or honored. Family members will also have little say, even if they knew or think they knew what you would have wanted. A will gives you some say into what happens to the property you own. 

If you have a will, but no trust, your assets will have to go through a Pennsylvania court process known as probate before they can be transferred to your beneficiaries. Probate can take several months to several years to complete, and may cost your family thousands of dollars in legal fees. During the probate process, your loved ones may be unable to take possession of or sell items you designated for them. 

A will and a trust together avoid the probate process entirely. With both of these legal documents, your loved ones won’t have to experience the stress of settling your estate on top of mourning your loss.

Which Type Of Will Or Trust Do You Need?

Several types of wills and trusts exist to cover varying life circumstances, including:

• Last wills and testaments: This is what most people think of when they think of a typical will – it lists out how your assets should be distributed upon your death as well as providing for funeral and burial instructions.
• Joint or mirror wills: Wills written by at least two parties designating their assets together, such as a married couple
• Living wills: Also known as advance directives, these give directions for end-of life treatment if you are incapacitated
• Revocable trusts: Trusts that you can change the terms of during your lifetime, often with less tax protection
• Irrevocable trusts: Trusts that you generally cannot change the terms of during your lifetime, often with more tax protection
• Charitable trusts: Trusts that donate your assets to charity
• Special needs trusts: Trusts that designate the management of funds for a family member with special needs; these types of trusts can allow your loved one qualify for government aid
• And more

Our knowledgeable Easton wills and trusts lawyer can help you understand what types of wills and trusts are available to you and which you should choose based on your legal goals and specific life situation. 

How Daly Law Offices Can Help You

Many people procrastinate getting their affairs in order because it can seem overwhelming, but planning ahead now can save your family from additional expenses, frustration, conflict, and financial hardship later on, and we can simplify the process. Attorney Joshua N. Daly has over 15 years of experience helping families in Pennsylvania draft wills and trusts that will effectively protect what matters most to them. His skill and reputation for excellence has earned him membership of the prestigious National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys (PA l ELA), and Estate Planning Council of the Lehigh Valley, in addition to being awarded the Lawyers of Distinction 2022. You can rely on his experience to give you peace of mind. Call today to book a free consultation and learn more about what Daly Law Offices can do to serve you!