Probate is the legal process of transferring property following a person’s death. Although probate customs and laws have changed over time, the purpose has remained much the same: an individual formalizes their intentions as to the transfer of their property at the time of their death (typically through a Will), their property is collected, certain debts are paid from the estate and the property is distributed accordingly. There is no legal requirement that anyone has a Will, but it gives you an opportunity to make your wishes are known, such as the distribution of assets, who is to serve as guardian of your children, where they are to be educated, etc. A Will also gives you the opportunity to exercise your generosity toward the various religious, charitable and educational institutions that have earned your respect and admiration over the years. Without a Will or a Trust, it will be the government, and not you, who will decide how your property and possessions are distributed. Good estate planning is more than just a simple Will. Estate planning minimizes potential taxes and fees, such as the transferring of assets at the lowest possible Federal and State gift and estate tax, and sets up contingency planning to make sure wishes regarding health care treatment are followed before and after death. A good estate plan also coordinates what happens to a home, investments, business, life insurance, employee benefits (such as a 401K plan) and other property in the event of disablement or death. The Philadelphia estate planning lawyers of Brooks, Bradley & Doyle can show you how to arrange for the transfer of a number of assets outside your estate, by gifts to your children and the like. They can also assist you in the creation of Living Trusts, which have the effect of providing your heirs with the beneficial use of your assets while indefinitely postponing the imposition of taxes. The Philadelphia probate attorneys of Brooks, Bradley & Doyle are exceptionally skilled at drafting Wills and Trusts that give precise effect to your intentions. They understand that some people find the entire process morbid and stressful and they are sensitive to those feelings. They know and understand how to help you put together just the right estate plan to suit your needs, and they know how to get it done quickly.
If you or a loved one needs business or real estate litigation advice, require the services of an experienced estate planning attorney, or have questions and want legal counsel on any of the information provided within, please contact the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania litigation attorneys of Brooks, Bradley & Doyle today, at 610-565-4800, or use the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free consultation with an experienced and trusted Philadelphia civil litigation lawyer.
Brooks, Bradley & Doyle
21 West 2nd Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: 610-565-4800
Fax: 610-565-2551
At the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania law firm of Brooks, Bradley & Doyle there is never any confusion about the attorney/client relationship; the client and the client’s interests are the number one priority. Learn More