West Chester Pa Last Wills

Name: West Chester Pa Probate Lawyers
Address: 1199 Heyward Rd, Wayne, Pa, 19087
Telephone: 1-610-407-0220

What is a West Chester Pa Model Court Accounting?

What is a West Chester Pa Model Court Accounting? – Intro

As I have explained in West Chester Pa Beneficiary Lawyers, I have represented thousands of beneficiaries during my decades as an Estate Attorney. I can provide the necessary advice to protect your rights in nearly any Pa Estate, Pa Trust, and/or Pa Power of Attorney planning matter.

If you suspect that a Pa Will, a Pa Trust, and/or a Pa Power of Attorney does not reflect the wishes of the deceased, you have a right to challenge the proceedings in court.

What is a West Chester Pa Model Court Accounting? – Review

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 Pa 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.

Estate administration can be a complex and lengthy process with many bumps in the road. If you suspect your rights as a beneficiary are being challenged, you should seek the advice of an experienced estate planning attorney immediately. I can explain your rights and all your available options. Contact our Wayne, PA office today to schedule a free consultation with me.

What is a West Chester Pa Model Court Accounting? – Types

Every beneficiary and every fiduciary should understand Compelling Accountings and Defending Accountings. A court can require a fiduciary to provide a detailed report of the assets managed and justification for expenses incurred. This report is called an “Accounting”.

There are two forms of Accountings; Informal Accountings and Formal Accountings.

What is a West Chester Pa Model Court Accounting? – Informal Accountings

The fiduciary creates and submits an Informal Accounting only to the interested parties without court oversight. An Informal Accounting’s complexity will depend on what information the interested parties require. Some beneficiaries only want copies of bank statements while others require detailed breakdowns and reports.

What is a West Chester Pa Model Court Accounting? – Formal Accountings

The fiduciary submits a Formal Accounting to the court, as well as to all interested parties. The fiduciary files Formal Accountings in specific, detailed formats. It takes a great deal of time to learn these formats. To save time, judges want all Accounting in the same format. A Formal Account will require a filing fee and at least one court appearance.

What is a West Chester Pa Model Court Accounting? – Format

You are not allowed to use Excel Spreadsheets, Quicken, Quickbooks, or other similar financial programs. The only acceptable format is a Model Court Account.

What is a West Chester Pa Model Court Accounting? – When To Compel

An interested party does not need a specific reason to compel a Formal Accounting. Obtaining a Formal Accounting is a right. But, Formal Accountings are expensive so shouldn’t be sought lightly.

Common reasons to seek a Formal Accounting include if you believe the Pa Executor, Pa Agent or a Pa Trustee has committed Theft, Misappropriation of Property, Co-Mingled Assets or has Abused Power. Suspicion that these acts took place is not enough, you must provide the judge evidence.

If an interested party believes that an Executor, Agent or Trustee has stolen property, misappropriated property, co-mingled assets or abused power, it is wise to hire an Estate Litigation Attorney to force the fiduciary to file a Formal Account. In this process, the Estate Litigation Lawyer can obtain an order allowing discovery. This allows the lawyer to depose the fiduciary, subpoena evidence, obtain records and interview witnesses.

If the fiduciary will rectify the harm, the judge will hold a hearing where the Estate Planning Lawyer will present the evidence gathered. If after hearing all the evidence the judge finds the fiduciary was wrong, the judge can order the asset returned and surcharge the fiduciary for expenses and order the fiduciary’s removal.

What is a West Chester Pa Model Court Accounting? – Conclusion

There are many times when an Accounting should be provided. There are many situations where an Accounting should be compelled. I will review those times and situations in further posts.

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).

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How Do I Probate A Will In West Chester Pa?

How Do I Probate A Will In West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester Pa? – Documents

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

Original Will
Original Death Certificate
Petition For Probate
Estate Information Sheet
Check for the Probate Fee

How Do I Probate A Will In West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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:

Register of Wills
Chester County Justice Center
201 W. Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
Monday thru Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
610-344-6335

How Do I Probate A Will In West Chester 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.

Getting court approval as executor/estate administrator and
Posting bond (if required)
Filing the Last Will with the appropriate probate court
Locating beneficiaries
Finding and assembling assets
Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
Hiring valuation, genealogy or other experts, when appropriate
Paying creditors and claimants
Collecting amounts owed to the estate
Paying current and delinquent taxes as well as estate taxes
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 West Chester 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.

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).

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West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

Wayne 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.

West Chester 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).

West Chester 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 premier and prestigious Attorney and Counselor at Law.

He is featured on Avvo, Justia, Lawyers, LinkedIn, Martindale, Nolo, and Thumbtack. He has amassed over 70 prestigious professional awards and over 5000 client reviews and endorsements.

His main office is located at 1199 Heyward Road, Wayne, PA, 19087, and he serves all surrounding counties, on all 7 days, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

He can be reached by email at jw60297@me.com, and by telephone at 1-610-407-0220.

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.

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 2020, and was Editor-in-Chief of the Delaware Law Forum at Widener School of Law.

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West Chester Pa Probate Law Lawyers

west-chester-pa-probate-attorneys-lawyers

West Chester Pa Probate Law Lawyers

West Chester Pa Probate Law Lawyers – Definition

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.

West Chester Pa Probate Law Lawyers – Misunderstandings

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 verb that means “to prove.” Nothing more!

About West Chester Pa Probate Lawyers

My Firm Handles Legal Matters in the areas of Pa Wills and Pa Probate, Pa Probate and Pa Trust Litigation, and Pr Probate Litigation.

Committed To Reliable Service

John B. Whalen, Jr. Esq. advocates for clients in Pa Last Wills and Pa Probate, Probate and Trust Litigation and Probate Litigation cases. Based in Wayne, I am familiar with the courts throughout all of Southeastern Pennsylvania. I have the necessary skill to help you resolve your legal problem. With almost thirty (30) years of experience, I am focused on your success. Please read my profile to learn more about my professional background.

I am an expert In All Areas Of Pennsylvania Probate, Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Estate Taxation, Estate Litigation, and Estate Representation.

John B. Whalen, Jr. Esq. has a thorough understanding of Pennsylvania law. I work hard to help you get the best possible results in the following practice areas:

Pa Last Wills and Pa Probate: Whether you’re planning the parameters of your future medical care or establishing support for loved ones upon your death, a wills and probate attorney can help.
Pa Probate and Pa Trust Litigation: Pa Probate and Pa Trust disputes arise when beneficiaries suspect that a Pa Last Will or a Pa Trust documents are invalid or that fiduciaries are mismanaging assets. John B. Whalen, Jr. Esq. has the necessary experience to represent either side in probate and trust litigation.
Pa Probate Litigation: If you suspect that a will or trust does not reflect the wishes of the deceased, you have a right to challenge the proceedings in court. John B. Whalen, Jr. Esq. has the necessary experience to represent you in probate and trust litigation.
Pa Orphans’ Court Litigation: When a Pa Last Will or a Pa Trust does not clearly define the intentions of the deceased, disputes may arise between beneficiaries. If it can be shown that the will was not executed according to the decedent, the case may go to Orphans’s Court. I have the skills and experience necessary to guide you through the legal process.
Pa Probate and Pa Estate Administration: I guide will executors and estate administrators through the complex probate process with assistance in collecting, valuing, protecting and liquidating the assets of the estate.
Pa Guardianships: When devising your estate plan, the care of your minor child, incapacitated parent or disabled adult child is likely your priority. I can provide you with sound advice and professional assistance with crucial decisions about the financial support, protection, conservatorship and guardianship of your dependents.
Pa Last Wills: Drafting a will is an important and necessary step in your life, allowing you to make your intentions known about a number of important issues. To make your will effective as well as valid, it is essential to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney.
Pa Powers of Attorney: I advise on and prepare Pennsylvania powers of attorney. As an experienced estate planning lawyer, I work with individuals and businesses to make sure that legal authority for vital tasks is transferred in the event of a person’s incapacity.
Pa Living Wills (Pa Advance Directives): I draft and execute Pennsylvania advance directives. As an experienced estate planning attorney, I am dedicated to ensuring that your wishes are carried out with the least possible burden on your family.

Practice Areas

He concentrates his three decade career in the legal areas of 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.

Client 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

Professional 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.

Curriculum Vitae

Mr. Whalen is a frequent speaker and writer on the areas of Probate, Wills, Trusts, Estates, and 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, a past President of the Chesterbrook Picket Post Condominium Association.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester Pa Estate Law 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

A limited power of attorney restricts the permissible activities of the agent to a specific period of time. For instance, if you are in the military and are being deployed overseas for six months, you can set up a limited power of attorney with an individual you trust. That person may be granted access to your bank account so they can pay your mortgage or other monthly expenses while you are away from home.

A durable power of attorney, unlike other forms of this type of legal document, does not expire if the principal becomes incapacitated. The agent may continue to make financial and medical decisions as indicated in the original document.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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.

West Chester Pa Last Wills Contests 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.

West Chester Pa Estate Litigation Lawyers

West Chester 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.

West Chester 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. That’s why you need aProbaten attorney who offers legal services with compassion. 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.

West Chester Pa Probate Law Lawyers

West Chester Pa Probate Attorneys Guide

The West Chester Pa Probate Attorneys Guide is the core of this website. It consists of the best, most important articles, posts, and pages on this website. Its focus is to provide the best and most complete information on a particular topic, rather than to sell my services.

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Filed Under: West Chester Pa Probate Tagged With: West Chester Pa Executors, West Chester Pa Last Wills

West Chester Pa Last Wills Contests Lawyers

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West Chester Pa Last Wills Contests 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.

If you, as a beneficiary, suspect that a will does not reflect the wishes of the deceased, you have a right to challenge the proceedings in court. Similarly, if you believe an executor, trustee or estate administrator is mismanaging estate assets, you have standing to raise that issue.

On the other hand, an executor or estate administrator is entitled to a vigorous defense against accusations of incompetence or unlawful conduct.

I provide highly professional representation for aggrieved beneficiaries and accused fiduciaries in estate disputes.

Challenges To The Validity Of A Last Will

There are several bases for challenging a Pa Last. These include:

Lack of capacity — This ground alleges that the testator was not of sound mind at the time the will or trust was executed.
Undue influence — Documents might be invalid if a person with access to and power over the testator used emotional manipulation to gain special consideration in the will.
Fraud — This ground alleges the testator was deceived about the contents of the document at the time of execution.
Void for vagueness — This ground asserts that the terms of a will are open to conflicting interpretations and it is impossible to know which interpretation is correct. A challenger can prevent part or all of the will from being implemented.

Many probate disputes stem from suspicions that a particular individual took advantage of the declining health or dementia of the deceased to insinuate himself into the will to the detriment of the rightful heirs.

The court looks very harshly on this type of elder exploitation.

However, it is important to note that disappointment is not grounds for an heir to challenge a will.

All challenges must be supported by reliable evidence.

Breach Of Fiduciary Duty In Estate Settlement and Trust Management

The executor of a will or the administrator of an intestate estate is a fiduciary with a legal duty to manage estate assets according to the testator’s wishes and for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The fiduciary must perform at a professional standard so that assets are not lost due to waste, fraud, misallocation or mismanagement. Beneficiaries may challenge deliberate or negligent misconduct and demand a full accounting. I have vast experience on both sides of trust and estate controversies. I have close associations with forensic accountants who can render accurate assessments of asset management and help us assemble evidence to prove or rebut allegations.

Don’t Expect Success If You Handle Objections Yourself

Many people hesitate to hire an attorney because they wish to keep a family dispute within the family.

However, the court may treat your suspicions lightly if you raise them without a professional presentation and a firm basis in the law that an attorney can provide.

Moreover, a seasoned attorney who has been through such negotiations before is likely to produce a settlement that satisfies all parties and allows the proceedings to move forward at less cost to the estate.

Contact an established trust and estate litigation lawyer in Pennsylvania

Conflicts among beneficiaries or between beneficiaries and fiduciaries can be very destructive without experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel. John B. Whalen, Jr. Esq. provides capable representation for beneficiaries and fiduciaries throughout Pennsylvania. Call today or contact me to schedule a consultation.

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Filed Under: West Chester Pa Estate Litigation Tagged With: West Chester Pa Executors, West Chester Pa Last Wills

West Chester Pa Last Wills Lawyers

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West Chester 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.

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.

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Filed Under: West Chester Pa Estate Planning Tagged With: West Chester Pa Executors, West Chester Pa Last Wills