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Home • Ardmore Pa Executors

Ardmore Pa Executors

When Should I Update My Ardmore Pa Last Will?

when-should-i-update-my-ardmore-pa-last-will-lawyers-attorneys

When Should I Update My Ardmore Pa Last Will? – Bio

John B. Whalen Jr Esq
Serving Ardmore Pa Probate Lawyers
1199 Heyward Road, Wayne, PA 19087

When Should I Update My Ardmore Pa Last Will? – Video

Filed Under: Ardmore Pa Attorneys Probate Tagged With: Ardmore Pa Executors, Ardmore Pa Last Wills

What Is A Ardmore Pa Last Will?

when-should-i-update-my-ardmore-pa-last-will-lawyers-attorneys

What Is An Ardmore Pa Last Will? – Bio

John B. Whalen Jr Esq
Serving Wayne Pa Probate Lawyers
1199 Heyward Road, Wayne, PA 1908

Wayne Pa Probate Lawyers Practice Areas

John provides a full range of services for Pa Wills: drafting, review, amendment, revocation, execution and probate. He provides reliable guidance for testators and executors.

His experience in the probate court, resolving issues related to the validity of wills, enables him to provide practical advice for testators from all walks of life. Similarly, his work in the formation of wills gives us keen insight into how executors should interpret various aspects of a will that may initially seem unclear.

Whether you are a testator formulating an estate plan or an executor implementing a decedent’s wishes, John B. Whalen, Jr. Esq. can simplify many complex aspects of the tasks before you.

He offers pertinent and personal legal advice to obtain the results you need in a timely manner with the least stress possible. Once executed, your will remains your final statement of your intentions until you amend or revoke it.

He recommends reviewing your will every three to five years and updating it to reflect your current wishes.

About Ardmore Pa Probate Lawyers – Review – Areas

He concentrates his three decade career in the legal areas Pa Probate,Pa Estate Planning including Pa Last Wills, Pa Powers of Attorney, Pa Living Wills), Pa Estate Administration, Pa Estate Taxation, Pa Estate Litigation, Pa Beneficiary Representation, and Pa Guardianships.

About Ardmore Pa Probate Lawyers – Review – Testimonials

Mr. Whalen has over 3,967 LinkedIn Profile Followers. 99 LinkedIn Peer Endorsements. 27 Avvo Peer Endorsements. 24 Martindale Peer Reviews. 12 Lawyers Client Reviews. 68 Avvo Client Reviews – over 5,000 Reviews

About Ardmore Pa Probate Lawyers – Review – Accolades

Mr. Whalen has achieved the AV Peer Review Rated Preeminentaward from Martindale, AV Peer Judicial Preeminent award, the Avvo Rated Superb 10.00 award, the Avvo Rated Top Lawyer award, the Clients’ Choice Award, and the Top One Percent (1%) award.

He is the recipient of the Legum Magister Post-Doctorate Degree (LL.M.) in Taxation (from the Villanova University School of Law), a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Wills, Trusts, and Estates, from the Widener University School of Law), and a recipient of the ABA-BNA Law Award for Academic Excellence (from the Widener University School of Law).

He has also been named as an Awesome Attorney in the field of Estate Planning Law (by the Suburban Life Magazine of the Philadelphia suburbs) for the years 2010 through 2018, and was Editor-in-Chief of the Delaware Law Forum at Widener School of Law.

About Ardmore Pa Probate Lawyers – Review – Curriculum Vitae

Mr. Whalen is a frequent speaker and writer on the areas of Probate, Wills, Trusts, Estates. He has spoken for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, spoken at the Widener University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and spoken at the Delaware County Estate Planning Council. He has also had his legal articles published by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, the Pennsylvania Law Weekly, the Philadelphia Business Journal, and the Martindale.Com website. He has had his law blogs published on the Lawyers.Com website.

Mr. Whalen is a member of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the United States Federal Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He is past president of the Delaware County Estate Planning Council, a past Internship Instructor of Conestoga High School, and Villanova University School of Law. He is a past member of the Chester County Estate Planning Council and a past President of the Chesterbrook Picket Post Condominium Association.

Ardmore Pa Beneficiary Lawyers

There are many factors that can affect the distribution of estate assets. In some cases, there may be a Pa Will that identifies you as a beneficiary; in other cases, there may not be a will at all. In still other cases, there may be a dispute involving the administration of the estate. For example, a beneficiary may disagree with how the executor or personal representative is distributing assets.

Ardmore Pa Estate Administration Lawyers

Pa Estate Administration is the process of settling a decedent’s affairs. When a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional time. In addition to grieving their passing, those that survive them must tie up all the legal and financial loose ends related to their life and estate. This includes addressing their Pa Last Will and following its instructions.

Ardmore Pa Estate Lawyers

Pa Estate law comprises many areas of law. However, all of these areas of law focus on taking care of one’s person and property. Estate law is all of the laws that impact how a person makes decisions and issues directives about their personal affairs. A Pa Estate is anything that makes up a person’s net worth. Very simply, an estate is what a person has in their own name alone.

Ardmore Pa Estate Litigation Lawyers

Most estates, especially when there is a proper will in place, are easily settled. Yet there are times when other factors complicate the issue, creating a situation that requires more careful consideration. For example, a family business, an estate that is in bankruptcy or an estate that holds significant amounts of real estate may become complicated quite quickly. This is where estate litigation comes into play.

Ardmore Pa Estate Planning Lawyers

An attorney who specializes in Pa Estate Planning can help you create a complete plan (including Pa Last Wills, Pa Powers of Attorney, and Pa Living Wills, etc.) to protect your spouse and children if you become unable to manage your financial affairs. Pa Estate Planning allows you to make decisions now so your wishes can be carried out if you die or become incapacitated.

Ardmore Pa Powers of Attorney Lawyers

When you execute a legal document called a power of attorney, you are authorizing another individual to make certain decisions on your behalf. The person who signs the document is called the principal and the person who is authorized to make decisions is known as the agent or attorney-in-fact.

Ardmore Pa Living Wills Lawyers

Living wills are also referred to as an advance directive or a health care directive. It is a legal document that communicates your desire in the treatment of serious medical problems in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. They do not go into effect unless you are incapacitated and unable to express yourself. Having a living will can relieve your close relatives from the burden of having to make the decision about whether to remove you from life support.

Ardmore Pa Trusts Lawyers

Trusts are legal documents that allow you to control how your assets will be allocated or managed. You are considered the grantor and the person that manages and distributes assets in the trust is known as the trustee. Individuals who receive money or other assets are the beneficiaries.

Property placed in a trust, unlike wills, is not subject to probate. You can also create a revocable trust which can be canceled or revoked at any time while you are alive. Trusts can be set up for a child’s education or to reduce estate taxes.

Ardmore Pa Last Wills Lawyers

A Will is an important document to execute in order to avoid disputes about how your assets will be divided when you die. The executor who administers the distribution of assets from your estate will allocate your possessions as you specified. You should periodically review your Will to make sure it is still relevant and accurate. Life changing events, such as the birth of a child or a marriage, may require amendments to the original document.

Ardmore Pa Last Wills Contest Lawyers

A loved one’s legacy can ease the pain of loss by reminding heirs of a departed family member’s enduring love. But when questions arise about the validity of a will or the management of estate assets, uncertainty can arouse animosity and prevent closure.

Ardmore Pa Estate Litigation Lawyers

Most estates, especially when there is a proper will in place, are easily settled. Yet there are times when other factors complicate the issue, creating a situation that requires more careful consideration. For example, a family business, an estate that is in bankruptcy or an estate that holds significant amounts of real estate may become complicated quite quickly. This is where estate litigation comes into play.

Ardmore Pa Estate Taxation Lawyers

When an individual acts in a fiduciary capacity such as a Pa Executor of a Pa Last Will or a Pa Trustee of the financial assets of another person or entity, they have the responsibility of keeping accurate financial records. Those records should show how money was spent, invested or distributed while under the fiduciary’s care and control. Proper accounting can bring to light the mismanagement or bad investment of funds should an issue arise with an interested party.

Ardmore Pa Guardianships Lawyers

The Pa Guardianship process can be filled with emotions. Realizing that a loved one is no longer capable of caring for his or her self can be difficult to accept. For the past twenty-five (25) years, Attorney Whalen has built a reputation for providing compassionate legal care for his clients, putting their needs and interests first while navigating emotionally trying circumstances.

Ardmore Pa Probate Law Lawyers

The Pa Probate process, itself, is a very simple process. However, it is merely the beginning of the Pa Estate Administration (also known as the Pa Estate Settlement) process, which involves settling a decedent’s affairs, and can (and does) involve many, many other steps, depending on many, many other things.


Ardmore Pa Attorneys Probate Wills Guide

The Ardmore Pa Attorneys Probate Guide is the core of this website. It consists of the best, most important articles on this website. Their focus is to provide the best and most complete information on various topics.


John B. Whalen, Jr., JD., LL.M., is an AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent 5.0 and Avvo Rated 10.0 Superb (obtaining over 95 client reviews and peer endorsements) premier and prestigious Attorney and Counselor at Law. He is located at 1199 Heyward Road Wayne Pa 19087. He serves all surrounding counties, on all 7 days, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on evenings, weekends, and holidays. He provides free initial consults all seven days, provides home visits, and provides flat fee structures. He can be reached by email at jw60297@me.com, and by telephone at 1-610-407-0220. He has amassed over 60 prestigious and premier professional awards and over 5000 client reviews and endorsements.


John B. Whalen, Jr., JD., LL.M., is an AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent 5.0 and Avvo Rated 10.0 Superb (obtaining over 95 client reviews and peer endorsements) premier and prestigious Attorney and Counselor at Law. He is located at 1199 Heyward Road Wayne Pa 19087. He serves all surrounding counties, on all 7 days, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on evenings, weekends, and holidays. He provides free initial consults all seven days, provides home visits, and provides flat fee structures. He can be reached by email at jw60297@me.com, and by telephone at 1-610-407-0220. He has amassed over 60 prestigious and premier professional awards and over 5000 client reviews and endorsements.

Filed Under: Ardmore Pa Attorneys Probate Tagged With: Ardmore Pa Executors, Ardmore Pa Last Wills

How Do I Probate A Will In Ardmore Pa?

how-do-I-probate-a-will-in-ardmore-pa

How Do I Probate A Will In Ardmore Pa? – Intro

The Pa Probate process, itself, is a very simple process. However, it is merely the beginning of the Pa Estate Administration (also known as the Pa Estate Settlement) process, which involves settling a decedent’s affairs, and can (and does) involve many, many other steps, depending on many, many other things.

How Do I Probate A Will In Ardmore Pa? – Definitions

In United States law and terminology, “probate” refers to proving that a will is valid.

In many U.S. states, a person would petition the court for probate, and then add the will that is to be considered to their petition.

Once probate is approved by the court, the petitioner officially becomes the Executor and then has full legal rights to be able to deal with the deceased individual’s estate.

How Do I Probate A Will In Ardmore Pa? – Misunderstandings

Although some states do have onerous Probate procedures (where “avoiding probate” may be a prudent strategy), Pennsylvania is not one of those states, In fact, Pennsylvania is very “Probate-Friendly.”

The most common misconception that surrounds a Pa Last Will is the process called “Probate” and the seemingly universal theme that it should be avoided at all costs.

Again, and virtually to the contrary, the word “Probate” is merely based on the Latin infinitive verb that means “to prove.” Nothing more!

How Do I Probate A Will In Ardmore Pa? – Documents

You will need the following documents to probate a Pa Last Will in Wayne PA.

  1. Original Will
  2. Original Death Certificate
  3. Petition For Probate
  4. Estate Information Sheet
  5. Check for the Probate Fee

How Do I Probate A Will In Ardmore Pa? – Register of Wills

At the Register of Wills Office, the PA Executor will take an oath and be sworn in as the Executor to the estate. Furthermore, the executor will pay probate fees. These fees depend on the size of the PA Estate.

How Do I Probate A Will In Ardmore Pa? – Short Certificates

A Short Certificate is a legal document that shows the decedent’s name and date of death. It will also show the name of the Executor/Executrix who has been named to handle the affairs of the estate.

  • Letters Testamentary (if the decedent had a Pa Last Will; or
  • Letters of Administration (if the decedent did not have a Pa Last Will

Having a Short Certificate indicates that one has been appointed by the Register of Wills and has been issued.

How Do I Probate A Will In Ardmore Pa? – Register of Wills Office

The Information below is to assist you in locating the Chester County Register of Wills in order to begin the Probate Process:

  1. Montgomery County Register of Wills
  2. 2 East Airy Street
  3. Norristown, PA 19401
  4. Monday thru Friday 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
  5. 610-278-3400

How Do I Probate A Will In Ardmore Pa? – Executor Duties

To complete the process of settling an estate, I guide individuals throughout Pennsylvania through the Probate and Estate Administration with confidence and efficiency.

  1. Getting court approval as executor/estate administrator and
  2. Posting bond (if required)
  3. Filing the Last Will with the appropriate probate court
  4. Locating beneficiaries
  5. Finding and assembling assets
  6. Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
  7. Hiring valuation, genealogy or other experts, when appropriate
  8. Paying creditors and claimants
  9. Collecting amounts owed to the estate
  10. Paying current and delinquent taxes as well as estate taxes
  11. Distributing property to beneficiaries

Executors can easily make mistakes due to inexperience, stress and hasty decisions. This can be costly, as executors can be held personally liable for beneficiaries’ losses. I guide Pa Executors through every step of the probate process, with reliable, detailed advice, so you can settle the testator’s estate as efficiently, quickly and easily as possible.

How Do I Probate A Will In Ardmore Pa? – Conclusion

I provide reliable guidance for Pa Testators and Pa Executors. My experience in the probate court, resolving issues related to the validity of wills, enables me to provide practical advice for testators from all walks of life. Similarly, my work in the formation of wills gives us keen insight into how executors should interpret various aspects of a will that may initially seem unclear. Whether you are a testator formulating an estate plan or an executor implementing a decedent’s wishes, John B. Whalen, Jr. Esq. can simplify many complex aspects of the tasks before you. I offer pertinent and personal legal advice to obtain the results you need in a timely manner with the least stress possible.


About Ardmore Pa Probate Lawyers – Review

The best gift you can give your loved ones is to have your Estate Planning complete. Unfortunately, to a great extent, misinformation about critical terms such as Pa Inheritance Tax, Federal Estate tax, Pa Probate, avoiding probate, simple will, Pa Living Will, and Pa Living Trust, tends to lead to misunderstandings of estate planning.

About Ardmore Pa Probate Lawyers – Review – Areas

He concentrates his three decade career in the legal areas Pa Probate,Pa Estate Planning including Pa Last Wills, Pa Powers of Attorney, Pa Living Wills), Pa Estate Administration, Pa Estate Taxation, Pa Estate Litigation, Pa Beneficiary Representation, and Pa Guardianships.

About Ardmore Pa Probate Lawyers – Review – Testimonials

Mr. Whalen has over 3,967 LinkedIn Profile Followers. 99 LinkedIn Peer Endorsements. 27 Avvo Peer Endorsements. 24 Martindale Peer Reviews. 12 Lawyers Client Reviews. 68 Avvo Client Reviews – over 5,000 Reviews

About Ardmore Pa Probate Lawyers – Review – Accolades

Mr. Whalen has achieved the AV Peer Review Rated Preeminentaward from Martindale, AV Peer Judicial Preeminent award, the Avvo Rated Superb 10.00 award, the Avvo Rated Top Lawyer award, the Clients’ Choice Award, and the Top One Percent (1%) award.

He is the recipient of the Legum Magister Post-Doctorate Degree (LL.M.) in Taxation (from the Villanova University School of Law), a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Wills, Trusts, and Estates, from the Widener University School of Law), and a recipient of the ABA-BNA Law Award for Academic Excellence (from the Widener University School of Law).

He has also been named as an Awesome Attorney in the field of Estate Planning Law (by the Suburban Life Magazine of the Philadelphia suburbs) for the years 2010 through 2018, and was Editor-in-Chief of the Delaware Law Forum at Widener School of Law.

About Ardmore Pa Probate Lawyers – Review – Curriculum Vitae

Mr. Whalen is a frequent speaker and writer on the areas of Probate, Wills, Trusts, Estates. He has spoken for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, spoken at the Widener University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and spoken at the Delaware County Estate Planning Council. He has also had his legal articles published by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, the Pennsylvania Law Weekly, the Philadelphia Business Journal, and the Martindale.Com website. He has had his law blogs published on the Lawyers.Com website.

Mr. Whalen is a member of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the United States Federal Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He is past president of the Delaware County Estate Planning Council, a past Internship Instructor of Conestoga High School, and Villanova University School of Law. He is a past member of the Chester County Estate Planning Council and a past President of the Chesterbrook Picket Post Condominium Association.

Ardmore Pa Beneficiary Lawyers

There are many factors that can affect the distribution of estate assets. In some cases, there may be a Pa Will that identifies you as a beneficiary; in other cases, there may not be a will at all. In still other cases, there may be a dispute involving the administration of the estate. For example, a beneficiary may disagree with how the executor or personal representative is distributing assets.

Ardmore Pa Estate Administration Lawyers

Pa Estate Administration is the process of settling a decedent’s affairs. When a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional time. In addition to grieving their passing, those that survive them must tie up all the legal and financial loose ends related to their life and estate. This includes addressing their Pa Last Will and following its instructions.

Ardmore Pa Estate Lawyers

Pa Estate law comprises many areas of law. However, all of these areas of law focus on taking care of one’s person and property. Estate law is all of the laws that impact how a person makes decisions and issues directives about their personal affairs. A Pa Estate is anything that makes up a person’s net worth. Very simply, an estate is what a person has in their own name alone.

Ardmore Pa Estate Litigation Lawyers

Most estates, especially when there is a proper will in place, are easily settled. Yet there are times when other factors complicate the issue, creating a situation that requires more careful consideration. For example, a family business, an estate that is in bankruptcy or an estate that holds significant amounts of real estate may become complicated quite quickly. This is where estate litigation comes into play.

Ardmore Pa Estate Planning Lawyers

An attorney who specializes in Pa Estate Planning can help you create a complete plan (including Pa Last Wills, Pa Powers of Attorney, and Pa Living Wills, etc.) to protect your spouse and children if you become unable to manage your financial affairs. Pa Estate Planning allows you to make decisions now so your wishes can be carried out if you die or become incapacitated.

Ardmore Pa Powers of Attorney Lawyers

When you execute a legal document called a power of attorney, you are authorizing another individual to make certain decisions on your behalf. The person who signs the document is called the principal and the person who is authorized to make decisions is known as the agent or attorney-in-fact.

Ardmore Pa Living Wills Lawyers

Living wills are also referred to as an advance directive or a health care directive. It is a legal document that communicates your desire in the treatment of serious medical problems in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. They do not go into effect unless you are incapacitated and unable to express yourself. Having a living will can relieve your close relatives from the burden of having to make the decision about whether to remove you from life support.

Ardmore Pa Trusts Lawyers

Trusts are legal documents that allow you to control how your assets will be allocated or managed. You are considered the grantor and the person that manages and distributes assets in the trust is known as the trustee. Individuals who receive money or other assets are the beneficiaries.

Property placed in a trust, unlike wills, is not subject to probate. You can also create a revocable trust which can be canceled or revoked at any time while you are alive. Trusts can be set up for a child’s education or to reduce estate taxes.

Ardmore Pa Last Wills Lawyers

A Will is an important document to execute in order to avoid disputes about how your assets will be divided when you die. The executor who administers the distribution of assets from your estate will allocate your possessions as you specified. You should periodically review your Will to make sure it is still relevant and accurate. Life changing events, such as the birth of a child or a marriage, may require amendments to the original document.

Ardmore Pa Last Wills Contest Lawyers

A loved one’s legacy can ease the pain of loss by reminding heirs of a departed family member’s enduring love. But when questions arise about the validity of a will or the management of estate assets, uncertainty can arouse animosity and prevent closure.

Ardmore Pa Estate Litigation Lawyers

Most estates, especially when there is a proper will in place, are easily settled. Yet there are times when other factors complicate the issue, creating a situation that requires more careful consideration. For example, a family business, an estate that is in bankruptcy or an estate that holds significant amounts of real estate may become complicated quite quickly. This is where estate litigation comes into play.

Ardmore Pa Estate Taxation Lawyers

When an individual acts in a fiduciary capacity such as a Pa Executor of a Pa Last Will or a Pa Trustee of the financial assets of another person or entity, they have the responsibility of keeping accurate financial records. Those records should show how money was spent, invested or distributed while under the fiduciary’s care and control. Proper accounting can bring to light the mismanagement or bad investment of funds should an issue arise with an interested party.

Ardmore Pa Guardianships Lawyers

The Pa Guardianship process can be filled with emotions. Realizing that a loved one is no longer capable of caring for his or her self can be difficult to accept. For the past twenty-five (25) years, Attorney Whalen has built a reputation for providing compassionate legal care for his clients, putting their needs and interests first while navigating emotionally trying circumstances.

Ardmore Pa Probate Law Lawyers

The Pa Probate process, itself, is a very simple process. However, it is merely the beginning of the Pa Estate Administration (also known as the Pa Estate Settlement) process, which involves settling a decedent’s affairs, and can (and does) involve many, many other steps, depending on many, many other things.


Ardmore Pa Attorneys Probate Wills Guide

The Ardmore Pa Attorneys Probate Guide is the core of this website. It consists of the best, most important articles on this website. Their focus is to provide the best and most complete information on various topics.


John B. Whalen, Jr., JD., LL.M., is an AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent 5.0 and Avvo Rated 10.0 Superb (obtaining over 95 client reviews and peer endorsements) premier and prestigious Attorney and Counselor at Law. He is located at 1199 Heyward Road Wayne Pa 19087.

He serves all surrounding counties, on all 7 days, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on evenings, weekends, and holidays. He provides free initial consults all seven days, provides home visits, and provides flat fee structures. He can be reached by email at jw60297@me.com, and by telephone at 1-610-407-0220.

He has amassed over 60 prestigious and premier professional awards and over 5000 client reviews and endorsements. Mr. Whalen has achieved the AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent award from Martindale, AV Peer Judicial Preeminent award, the Avvo Rated Superb 10.00 award, the Avvo Rated Top Lawyer award, the Clients’ Choice Award, and the Top One Percent (1%) award. Mr. Whalen is the recipient of the Legum Magister Post-Doctorate Degree (LL.M.) in Taxation (from the Villanova University School of Law), a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Wills, Trusts, and Estates (from the Widener University School of Law), and a recipient of the ABA-BNA Law Award for Academic Excellence (from the Widener University School of Law).

Filed Under: Ardmore Pa Estates Probate Tagged With: Ardmore Pa Executors, Ardmore Pa Last Wills, Ardmore Pa Probate Law

Ardmore Pa Estate Planning Attorneys Guide

ardmore-pa-estate-planning-attorneys-guide

Ardmore Pa Estate Planning Attorneys Guide

The best gift you can give your loved ones is to have your Pa Estate Planning complete.

Unfortunately, to a great extent, misinformation about critical terms such as Pa Inheritance Tax, Federal Estate tax, Pa Probate, avoiding probate, simple will, and Pa Living Trust, tends to lead to misunderstandings of estate planning.

These misunderstandings, in turn, tend to lead to mistakes in estate planning.

These mistakes, again, in turn, tend to lead to unintended results after one’s death.

In an effort to eliminate such misinformation, misunderstandings, and mistakes, this article will hopefully serve as a review – in very simple terms – of the basic, core issues of estate planning and its basic documents.

Ardmore Pa Estate Planning Attorneys – The Documents

There are four primary documents that tend to form the foundation of most good estate plans. These documents are a

  • Pa Power of Attorney,
  • Pa Advance Directive for Health Care (a Pa Living Will),
  • Pa Last Will, and (at, times)
  • Pa Trust

Although each document has a different purpose, each document designates someone who is responsible for carrying out the wishes set forth in the document.

I refer to these people – those in charge – as “The Bosses.

Ardmore Pa Estate Planning Attorneys – The Bosses

Each document has a boss who is in charge of carrying out the terms of that particular document. Under Pennsylvania law, the proper terms for the bosses are:

  • Pa Agent (under a Pa Power of Attorney),
  • Pa Surrogate (under a Pa Living Will),
  • Pa Executor (under a Pa Last Will),
  • Pa Trustee (under a Pa Trust).

Although a technical knowledge of these terms can be useful, it is not the point of this article. The focus is to illustrate that an Agent, a Surrogate, an Executor, and a Trustee are just the bosses of that respective document.

Ardmore Pa Estate Planning Attorneys – The Powers

Each boss has powers, and these powers can be summarized very simply.

  • Pa Agent (under a Power of Attorney) can help manage all of your affairs
  • Pa Surrogate (under a Pa Living Will) can ensure your end of life decisions.
  • Pa Executor (under a Pa Last Will) can administer your Pa Estate
  • Pa Trustee (under a Pa Trust) can monitor and manage your Pa Trust.

Again, and although a technical knowledge of the parameters of these various powers can be useful, it is not the point of this article. The focus is to illustrate that a Pa Agent, a Pa Surrogate, a Pa Executor, and a Pa Trustee can generally possess broad powers to act for you under that respective document.

Ardmore Pa Estate Planning Attorneys – The Traits

Although all four of the documents require bosses that possess certain traits or characteristics in order for that document to be as effective as possible, I have experienced that two traits should be inherent in all of the bosses of all four of the documents

  • Ability
  • Willingness.

Although the bosses of each of the documents should also possess additional traits for that particular document to be effective (all of which shall be addressed later), unless your boss is able and willing to act on your behalf, your desires and wishes may not be followed.

Ardmore Pa Estate Planning Attorneys – The Documents

There are four primary documents that tend to form the foundation of most good estate plans. A succinct review of each, and the misunderstandings of each, follows.

Ardmore Pa Powers of Attorney Lawyers

A Pa Power of Attorney can grant your boss (Pa Agent) the ability to control all of your affairs. It is a very powerful document; it can permit your Pa Agent the broadest of powers to do anything which you could have done (i.e., give all your money away), but yet, inherent in these broad powers, is the reality that your Pa Agent may actually do anything which you could have done (i.e., give all your money away).

A Pa Power of Attorney can be durable (effective after you are incapacitated), current (effective now), or springing (effective upon the happening of a future event (i.e., the decision by your treating physician that you can no longer act for yourself).

A common misconception is that a Pa Power of Attorney eliminates your ability to act for yourself. Quite to the contrary, and until you are deemed incapacitated, a Pa Power of Attorney should properly be viewed as a shared authority – you still retain all of the powers and decision making ability that you possessed before you executed the Pa Power of Attorney.

With respect to additional traits that your boss should possess (in addition to being able and willing), I have found that your boss (Agent) should also be:

  • Levelheaded
  • Familiar with your affairs.

Ardmore Pa Living Wills Lawyers

A Pa Advance Directive for Health Care can grant your boss (Pa Surrogate) the ability to execute your end of life decisions and decide whether life-sustaining measures should be used. The common misconception of this document is when it will become operative.

There are two triggers that must occur before your Surrogate is even given the option of acting: the first is that you must be unable to communicate your own decisions, and the second is that you must have been diagnosed with a terminal condition or as being permanently unconscious With respect to additional traits that your boss should possess (in addition to being able and willing), I have found that your boss (Surrogate) should also be:

  • Stoic
  • Strong.

Ardmore Pa Last Wills Lawyers

A Pa Last Will can grant your boss (Executor) the ability to administer your Estate.

The most common misconception that surrounds a Pa Will is the process called Pa Probate and the seemingly universal theme that it should be avoided at all costs.

Again, and virtually to the contrary, the word probate is merely the Latin infinitive verb that means to prove, and, although some states do have onerous probate procedures (where the avoidance of probate may be a prudent strategy), Pennsylvania is not one of those states. In fact, probating a Will in Pennsylvania is very simple.

Also very important is the fact that a Will only disposes of the assets (1) that you own in your individual name alone and (2) that possess no beneficiary designations (i.e., no tags). Consequently, items owned jointly with another are controlled by property law (not Will law) and will pass to the joint owner(s) at your death, and items that have beneficiary designations will be controlled by contract law (not Will law) and pass to the designated beneficiaries at your death. With respect to additional traits that your boss should possess (in addition to being able and willing), I have found that your boss (Executor) should also be

  • Honest
  • Diplomatic. 

Ardmore Pa Trusts Lawyers

A Pa Trust can grant your boss (Pa Trustee) the ability to monitor and manage your Pa Trust. The types of Trusts can be viewed simply as being either (1) revocable (which are created during your life and which become irrevocable upon your death), (2) irrevocable (which are created during your life and become irrevocable upon their creation), and (3) and testamentary (which are created under your Will and which become irrevocable upon your death

Vital is the fact that they can be extremely useful for individuals with Special Needs (i.e., autism, addictions, minors, etc). With respect to additional traits that your boss should possess (in addition to being able and willing), I have found that your boss (Trustee) should also be

  • Attentive
  • Decisive.

Ardmore Pa Estate Planning Attorneys – The Taxes

Another area of misconception in the estate planning area is the taxes that are imposed on value of your assets on the date of your death. Basically, two death taxes can be imposed on Pennsylvania residents:

  • Federal Estate Tax and the
  • Pa Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax.

Unlike the income tax, which is very descriptive in its title as it is imposed upon your income, the phrases Federal Estate Tax and Pa Inheritance Tax are misnomers that may tend to belie the actual fact that these are taxes imposed by virtue of your death.

Federal Estate Tax

The Federal Estate Tax begins at a wealth threshold. If you possess less than the wealth threshold at your death, the federal estate tax will not be applicable. If it is applicable, the tax is imposed on a percentage scale according to the amount of wealth (i.e., potentially 47% of the value of your assets above the current $1,500,000. 00 wealth threshold). This threshold has been, is, and is scheduled to continue to increase. In 2005, the threshold is $1,500,000. 00; in 2006, 2007, and 2008, the threshold is $2,000,000. 00; in 2009, the threshold is $3,500,000.00; in 2010, the Federal Estate Tax is scheduled to be eliminated; but in 2011, the Federal Estate Tax is scheduled to return with a threshold of $1,000,000.00.

Pa Inheritance Tax

The Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax has no wealth threshold and starts immediately. It is imposed on a percentage based on the relationship of the beneficiary.

  • 00.00% = Spouses and Charities;
  • 04.50% = Lineal Descendants;
  • 12.00% = Siblings; and
  • 15.00% = Collaterals (everyone else).

Ardmore Pa Estate Planning Attorneys – The Pointers

In conclusion, there are four basic pointers for all who are faced with estate planning.

  • First – title your assets with the utmost care (i.e., joint ownership, beneficiary designations, etc.)
  • Second – with respect to transferring your assets (i.e., re-titling, gifting, etc) during your lifetime, get advice before you do so (before the bombs go off).
  • Third – always have your estate planning documents up-to-date because laws, taxes, and people change.
  • Fourth – and most importantly – pick your bosses very carefully.

John B. Whalen, Jr., JD., LL.M., is an AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent 5.0 and Avvo Rated 10.0 Superb (obtaining over 95 client reviews and peer endorsements) premier and prestigious Attorney and Counselor at Law. He is located at 1199 Heyward Road Wayne Pa 19087. He serves all surrounding counties, on all 7 days, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on evenings, weekends, and holidays. He provides free initial consults all seven days, provides home visits, and provides flat fee structures. He can be reached by email at jw60297@me.com, and by telephone at 1-610-407-0220. He has amassed over 60 prestigious and premier professional awards and over 5000 client reviews and endorsements.

Filed Under: Ardmore Pa Estates Planning Tagged With: Ardmore Pa Agents, Ardmore Pa Executors, Ardmore Pa Guide Estate, Ardmore Pa Last Wills, Ardmore Pa Living Wills, Ardmore Pa Powers of Attorney, Ardmore Pa Surrogates, Ardmore Pa Trustees, Ardmore Pa Trusts

Ardmore Pa Last Wills Lawyers

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Ardmore Pa Last Wills Lawyers

A Pa Last Will can grant your boss (Pa Executor) the ability to administer your Estate.

With respect to additional traits that your boss should possess (in addition to being able and willing), I have found that your boss (Pa Executor) should also be

  • honest
  • diplomatic.

The most common misconception that surrounds a Will is the process called probate and the seemingly universal theme that it should be avoided at all costs.

Again, and virtually to the contrary, the word probate is merely the Latin infinitive verb that means to prove, and, although some states do have onerous probate procedures (where the avoidance of probate may be a prudent strategy), Pennsylvania is not one of those states.

In fact, probating a Will in Pennsylvania is very simple.

Also very important is the fact that a Will only disposes of the assets (1) that you own in your individual name alone and (2) that possess no beneficiary designations (i.e., no tags).

Consequently, items owned jointly with another are controlled by property law (not Will law) and will pass to the joint owner(s) at your death, and items that have beneficiary designations will be controlled by contract law (not Will law) and pass to the designated beneficiaries at your death.

Filed Under: Ardmore Pa Estates Planning Tagged With: Ardmore Pa Executors, Ardmore Pa Last Wills

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    John B. Whalen, Jr., JD., LL.M., is an AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent 5.0 and Avvo Rated 10.0 Superb (obtaining over 95 client reviews and peer endorsements) premier and prestigious Attorney and Counselor at Law. He is featured on Martindale.com, Nolo.com, Avvo.com, Lawyers.com, Justia.com, Lawyers of Distinction, and Linkedin. He has amassed over 60 prestigious professional awards and over 5000 client reviews and endorsements. He provides free initial consultations all seven days, provides home visits, a provides flat fee client structures. He can be reached by email at jw60297@me.com, and by telephone at 1-610-407-0220. He serves all surrounding counties, on all 7 days, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on evenings, weekends, and holidays. His main office is located at 1199 Heyward Road Wayne Pa 19087. Mr. Whalen serves, and has served, both individuals and attorneys in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Metropolitan Area (and throughout the country), including Chester County Pa, Delaware County Pa, Lancaster County Pa, Montgomery County Pa, and Philadelphia County Pa. He has served clients in Ambler Pa, in Ardmore Pa, in Aston Pa, in Berwyn Pa, in Blue Bell Pa, in Bridgeport Pa, in Broomall Pa, in Bryn Mawr Pa, in Chadds Ford Pa, in Chesterbrook Pa, in Chester Heights Pa, in Chester Springs Pa, in Coatesville Pa, in Collegeville Pa, in Conshohocken Pa, in Devon Pa, in Downingtown Pa, in Drexel Hill Pa, in Eagleville Pa, in Easttown Pa, in Elkins Park Pa, in Exton Pa, in Frazer Pa, in Great Valley Pa, in Haverford Pa, in Havertown Pa, in Jeffersonville Pa, in Kennett Square Pa, in King of Prussia Pa, in Lansdale Pa, in Limerick Pa, in Linfield Pa, in Linwood Pa, in Lower Merion Pa, in Malvern Pa, in Media Pa, in Narberth Pa, in Newtown Square Pa, in Norristown Pa, in Oaks Pa, in Overbrook Pa, in Paoli Pa, in Parkesburg Pa, in Phoenixville Pa, in Plymouth Meeting Pa, in Pottstown Pa, in Radnor Pa, in Ridley Park Pa, in Rosemont Pa, in St. Davids Pa, in Springfield Pa, in Strafford Pa, in Swarthmore Pa, in Thorndale Pa, in Tredyffrin Pa, in Trooper Pa, in Upper Merion Pa, in Valley Forge Pa, in Villanova Pa, in Wayne Pa, in West Chester Pa, in Westtown Pa, in Whitemarsh Pa, in Willistown Pa, in Wynnewood Pa, and in Yeadon Pa.