Wills and Estates

Many people spend less time preparing for the distribution of their estate than they do planning a trip to the beach.  Yet which is more important?  Certainly you don’t wish for your estate to be eaten up in taxes, fought over by creditors, or the source of a feud among inheritors and family.

And estate planning is about more than what happens when you are no longer around.  It involves:

• When and how to distribute your assets during your lifetime, if conditions are right
• How your assets are managed if you become unable to manage them yourself
• How your personal care will be managed for you if you become unable to care for yourself
• Preparing Powers of Attorney and Living Wills
• How your assets are distributed to your inheritors after your death

Estate Planning involves judgment and skills acquired only through professional training and experience. For experienced estate planning attorneys, Contact Grudowski & Thompson, P.C.  today, or complete our short Intake Form, providing our partners with a basic sense of your needs and situation.  We’ll be in contact shortly.

Preparing a Valid Will

Your will is too important to be left to standardized kits and computer software.  A will that is not drafted to comply with Pennsylvania laws could result in your estate being distributed in a way you would not approve.  Worse, your family may incur unnecessary legal costs if your Will is challenged.  Dying without a Will could result in your minor children being placed in the care of a court-appointed guardian.

Don’t let it happen to you.  Your Last Will and Testament deserves the professional attention that only an estate attorney can provide.   Contact Grudowski & Thompson, P.C.  today, or complete our short Intake Form for more information.

What is Probate and Estate Administration?

Probate is an estate administration process that occurs when someone dies owning assets in his or her name alone, and an Executor (if named in the will), or an Administrator, must settle the decedents affairs.  It is meant to protect beneficiaries and creditors and assure proper distribution of estate assets.

Even for a small estate, probate can present unforeseen challenges.  Don’t try to go it alone.  Our qualified estate planning attorneys are here to help.  Contact Grudowski & Thompson, P.C.  today, or complete our short Intake Form for more information.

What is a Trust?

A trust is a legal entity to which your assets can be transferred for management by a Trustee.  Trusts can be created while you are living (a Living Trust) to manage your assets while you are alive or to help your heirs manage their inheritance after your death.

There are a number of types of trusts, each with its own benefits.  Trusts can ensure flexibility in your asset management and may have tax benefits, but you should consult a qualified estate attorney to find the trust that best meets your particular situation.

Contact Grudowski & Thompson, P.C.  today, or complete our short Intake Form for more information.

Service Area

A Pittsburgh law firm providing a wide range of services, Grudowski & Thompson, P.C. assists clients throughout Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, including Pittsburgh, Greensburg and surrounding areas and the communities of Coraopolis, Cranberry, Greensburg, Monroeville, Moon, Mt. Lebanon, Murrysville, North Hills, Oakland, South Hills, Upper St Clair, and more.

Disclaimer

Please visit our Disclaimer Page for information on the materials presented by this website and the attorney-client privilege.

Return to Top