Northampton, PA Wills And Trusts Lawyer

Estate planning can be a difficult process to initiate for a multitude of reasons. For one, many people are uncomfortable thinking or talking about death. In addition, it can be stressful to begin a legal process when it doesn’t feel entirely necessary. However, waiting until it’s too late to make a plan for your hard-earned assets can create problems for the loved ones you leave behind. That’s why it’s in your best interest to make a plan now, rather than later. Our Northampton wills and trusts lawyer can work with you to protect your assets and ensure your loved ones will easily inherit what you wish for them to have. Call Daly Law Offices today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about our services, which include:

Wills

A will is a legal document that details how you would like your assets, possessions, or other property to be distributed following your death. You can name family members or other individuals who you would like to inherit certain possessions or amounts of money, or even specify that you would like to make a donation toward a charitable cause out of your estate.

Trusts

A trust is a legal entity that an individual transfers their assets into to be managed by a trustee. The grantor (creator) outlines terms for the trust which must be followed by the trustee for the benefit of the beneficiaries. While the grantor may choose to be their own trustee, they will need to name another person who is to become the trustee if they die or become otherwise incapacitated. 

Commonly Used Wills And Trusts

There are many different types of wills and trusts a person can have. Our Northampton wills and trusts lawyer can advise you on which would best suit your specific needs based on the goals you would like to accomplish. Some of the most common are:

• Last will and testament, or traditional will
• Joint will which acts for two people (usually married couples)
• Pour-over will which converts to a trust at the time of death
• Living will which outlines your wishes for medical care and other life saving measures
• Revocable trust which can be altered at any time
• Irrevocable trust which cannot be altered at any time
• Charitable trust which will be given to a charity organization
• Special needs trust which allows a person with special needs to save or inherit money without risking their government benefits by exceeding the asset ceiling

Why Do I Need A Will Or Trust?

Many people are unaware of the chaos that can be caused for their loved ones by dying without any sort of will or trust in place. In this event, the courts must decide what to do with your assets in a long and expensive legal process called probate. This can be extremely stressful for your family members to have to endure while they are also grieving your loss. 

Another pitfall to be aware of is that, with no plan or directives, everything will be distributed according to Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws and neither you nor your family get a say in any of it. You know your family’s unique dynamics better than the courts, so don’t let them make these important decisions. 

Our Northampton Wills and Trusts Lawyer Can Simplify The Process

If you’re feeling uneasy about engaging in a legal process, you can rest assured that our firm will do our utmost to keep the burden off of you. At Daly Law Offices, our lead attorney Joshua N. Daly has nearly 15 years of experience in the drafting of wills and trusts tailored to the needs of clients. He is dedicated to providing the highest quality of personalized services with professional integrity. Call today for your free consultation and learn more!