Fullerton, PA Wills And Trusts Lawyer

If you have not taken the time to create an estate plan, you may be setting your family up for a difficult legal position when you pass away. While no one wants to think about their own demise, death is inevitable. Your family will already be in the midst of mourning you and dealing with an overwhelmingly emotional time; the last thing they should have to worry about is dividing and distributing your assets, trying to avoid and prevent conflicts between heirs, and going through the time-consuming and expensive Pennsylvania probate process. The consequences of passing on without a plan for your estate can’t be overstated, so it’s crucial to let an experienced estate planning professional help you save your family from them. Our Fullerton wills and trusts lawyer has been helping clients take advantage of these valuable tools for over 15 years, and can help you address the specific goals you have for your estate and for your family. Call to schedule your free consultation and get your questions answered today!

Why Do I Need A Will?

Wills are important estate planning documents because they often detail your final wishes when it comes to money, property, and more. This is how your voice is able to be heard even after you’re gone. Without a will, someone else – like a judge – will be the one to decide how your estate is divided and distributed. This creates an unfortunate opportunity for family members to antagonize each other and start conflicts over who should inherit what. You know your unique family dynamics better than anyone, so it is the best option to have a will in place, thus eliminating these negative situations from being initiated. 

Many people are unaware that there are actually different types of wills, and our Fullerton wills and trusts lawyer can help you choose the one that is most functional for your circumstances. Some possibilities are:

• Testamentary will – this type of will is what you might consider a “typical” will which lists your assets and how you would like them distributed after your death, as well as your funeral and burial instructions
• Joint (or mirror) will – a will written for two parties – usually a married couple – that designates their assets together
• Pour-over will – a will that transfers remaining assets to a trust 
• Living will – a will that expresses your preferences for end-of-life medical treatment
• And more!

Why Do I Need A Trust?

Trusts are also a rewarding estate planning tool that have many benefits. For one, trusts bypass the Pennsylvania probate process and transfer directly to the designated beneficiary. This saves your family the time, money, and stress caused by probate, and protects your privacy as it remains out of the public court system.

There are various types of trusts, including:

• Revocable trusts – trusts that permit you to change the terms of during your lifetime
• Irrevocable trusts – trusts that generally do not permit you to change their terms  after they are created
• Charitable trusts – trusts that permit you to leave a portion or all of your assets to a charitable organization of your choosing
• Special needs trusts – trusts that permit you to set aside funds for a dependent with special needs without jeopardizing their access to government benefits
• And more!

Why Do I Need A Fullerton Wills And Trusts Lawyer?

Wills and trusts are often governed by each state’s individual laws, and must be created in a way that remains compliant with those guidelines. There are many sources – especially on the internet – that claim to allow you to compose your own will, or build your own trust, without the assistance of an attorney. However, these “DIY” kits are often generic and may not be acknowledged in the eyes of a Pennsylvania court. It is in your best interest to allow our knowledgeable and practiced Fullerton wills and trusts lawyer to help you navigate your estate planning, so that your family isn’t blindsided by a judge who may determine the documents are illegitimate. 

Trust Daly Law Offices To Provide A Personalized Estate Planning Experience

You need legal aid that makes your family and goals a priority. Some larger firms may not be able to give you the individual attention you deserve when it comes to protecting your legacy, but Daly Law Offices can guarantee it. Call today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about the estate planning process.