Estate Planning Lawyers in Sunbury, PA

Estate planning is a simple step to protect your assets and provide for your family for life. It can even have considerable tax and healthcare benefits. Whether you need a will, power of attorney, or trust fund for your grandchildren, contact the dedicated estate planning attorneys at Mette Law. We offer many types of legal services to residents in Sunbury and throughout Pennsylvania.

A Valid Will is Essential to Future Planning

Estate planning often begins with executing a will. Your estate will pass via Pennsylvania’s intestate succession laws without a valid will. PA intestate laws are more complicated than traditional succession laws and can even force your spouse to forfeit nearly half of your estate to an estranged parent.

Executing a Valid Will

Importantly, there is a difference between a document setting forth your preferences and a validly executed will under state law. Your intended beneficiaries are only entitled to legal protection in Orphan’s Court (Pennsylvania’s equivalent of surrogate or probate court) if you execute a signed written document in the presence of two witnesses who also sign the document. The will must also contain specific language indicating ‘testamentary intent’. A will is invalid unless drafted, reviewed, and executed by an experienced Sunbury estate lawyer.

Ensuring Lawful Estate Transfers

Using the wrong phrasing or bequest (gift) conditions can invalidate your will. For these reasons, working with a dedicated wills lawyer is essential to ensure the document is lawful and customized to meet your needs. We can recommend including provisions setting forth alternative beneficiaries, preventing challenges, and even ensuring your pets are cared for.

Trust Fund Management

Our dedicated estate planning attorneys can recommend transferring certain assets into a trust fund. You can still retain control over a trust during your lifetime while benefiting from the tax breaks and legal protections offered by certain trust accounts.

Trust Fund Benefits

While transferring valuable assets into a trust is often difficult, this may be necessary to ensure you receive quality health benefits as you enter your golden years. Failing to plan now can leave your estate vulnerable to Pennsylvania’s Estate Recovery Programs for long-term care residents. Our clients commonly set up trust funds to control and protect the following assets:

• Residential home
• Commercial properties
• Businesses
• Retirement funds
• Pets
• Inheritances
• Collector’s items
• Charitable donations

Trusts offer another layer of legal protection if you anticipate potential family disputes over your estate. Assets held in trust generally do not pass with your will and cannot be accessed by non-beneficiaries. Our legal professionals and financial partners can also act as neutral trustees, ensuring strict compliance with your wishes.

Customized Sunbury Estate Plans at Mette Law

Every estate is unique. Whether you want to protect your home, execute a health care proxy, or set money aside for your church, discuss the best options for your estate with our dedicated Sunbury estate planning lawyers. Schedule a customized estate consultation with our experienced Pennsylvania legal professionals today by calling 717-232-5000 or connecting with us online.