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Wills Lawyer Philadelphia

Serving Bucks County, Northeast Philadelphia, and Montgomery County

It’s not always comfortable, but there comes a time when each of us must consider the reality that we won’t be around forever. To ensure that your wishes are met, and those you care for are protected in the aftermath of your death, a well-planned and organized will is crucial.

Furthermore, to ensure that your will reflects your desires and values, protects your assets, avoids uncertainty and confusion, and minimizes estate taxation, it’s best to employ the assistance of a skilled will lawyer throughout the drafting process. These can range from drafting wills, power of attorney, health care proxy, and living wills.

A will specifies what is to happen to the person’s property for whom it is drafted, known as the “testator,” in the event of his or her death. It may also express any of his or her last wishes. This can include what they would like to be done with their body. Who they designate to be the guardian of any minor children they have in the tragic event that both parents die.

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a will can be drafted at any time, so long as the testator is over the age of 18, of sound mind and body, and not being unduly influenced by another person. Therefore, as an adult, it’s never too early to draft your will.

Without a will, a person dies intestate, which means that a set of standard rules will determine the distribution of your property rather than your wishes. Our probate lawyers can help you navigate the process if your family member has passed away.

With legal services from a will lawyer, you can prepare an advance directive or medical power of attorney, which can allow you to maintain control over your life's important decisions. If you become terminally ill and are unable to express your wishes, you can use a living will to direct the treatment you request.

Besides the aforementioned requirements regarding the state of the testator, there are also two other requirements that the will itself must meet to be considered valid.

Firstly, the will must be written rather than oral. Secondly, the will must be signed by two witnesses who have no personal stake in it. Without the will meeting both these requirements, the person dies intestate, just as if no will existed in the first place.

Just what provisions your will ought to include depends on your situation and your wishes. It’s best to work with a Philadelphia, PA Wills Attorney with years of experience to draft a will that accounts for a wide range of considerations. These considerations may include:

  • Who is to be the executor of your estate
  • Who you would like to inherit what property
  • Whether you are leaving any gifts to minors, which will require trust in order to execute
  • Whether you wish to leave any portion of your estate as a gift to a charitable organization
  • Any conflicts which may exist with family members
  • Planning to account for and limit federal and state taxation
  • What you would like to be done with your remains
  • Guardianship of any minor children you have, where applicable

Philadelphia Lawyer For Wills

You need an estate plan if you have other plans for distributing inheritance. Providing clients with carefully drafted estate planning services based upon their unique goals and needs is one of the primary legal services offered at Velter Yurovsky Zoftis Sokolson, LLC.  We strive to craft estate plans that reduce confusion.

With a focus on detail and a broad legal knowledge base, we are one of Philadelphia's leading estate planning firms. Contact our Philadelphia Wills Lawyer to learn more about our estate planning services.

Furthermore, your Will should be reviewed regularly — at least every three years — to ensure that it is still reflective of your wishes and applicable given any changes in the situation which have transpired.

Living Wills Lawyer In Philadelphia

If you are looking to protect your family and interests in the Philadelphia area, and approach the future with the peace of mind that comes from a well-drafted will, call law firm Velter Yurovsky Zoftis Sokolson, LLC at 215-969-3004.

With over 75 years of combined experience, our Philadelphia, PA Will Lawyers have the knowledge and dedication necessary to help you plan your estate in a manner best suited to your wishes. Our law firm offers free consultations and legal advice to all prospective clients for drafting a power of attorney, estate planning, wills, and living wills; so don’t hesitate, to call today.

 

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