Estate Planning

Estate planning attorneys in Pennsylvania provide essential legal services to individuals and families seeking to protect their assets, ensure their wishes are carried out, and secure their legacy. These attorneys help clients develop comprehensive plans that address asset distribution, incapacity planning, tax minimization, and other estate-related concerns. Attorney Eberle typically offers the following key services.

Wills and Trusts

A Last Will and Testament outlines how a person’s assets should be distributed upon their death and can also name guardians for minor children. Without a valid will, Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws dictate how an estate is distributed, which most often do not align with the decedent’s wishes.

Attorney Eberle also helps clients create revocable and irrevocable trusts, which can provide more control over asset distribution, avoid probate, and offer potential tax benefits. Trusts are commonly used to protect assets for beneficiaries, minimize estate taxes, and establish conditions for inheritance.

Powers of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney allows an individual (the principal) to appoint someone (the agent) to handle financial and legal matters on their behalf if they become incapacitated. Without this document, loved ones may need to go through a costly and time-consuming guardianship proceeding to manage the individual’s affairs.

Similarly, a Healthcare Power of Attorney (Medical Power of Attorney) designates a trusted person to make medical decisions if the individual is unable to do so. This ensures that healthcare choices align with the principal’s preferences.

Advance Healthcare Directives (Living Wills)

An Advance Directive, also known as a Living Will, is a crucial document that outlines an individual’s wishes regarding medical treatment in case of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness. Attorney Eberle drafts these documents to guide family members and medical providers in making end-of-life decisions, preventing unnecessary suffering and potential disputes.

Probate and Estate Administration

Attorney Eberle assists executors and personal representatives with probate and estate administration after someone passes away. In Pennsylvania, probate is the legal process of validating a will, settling debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. Attorney Eberle helps navigate the process, ensuring compliance with state laws, preparing necessary court filings, and managing disputes among heirs.

For estates with significant assets, Attorney Eberle may advise on strategies to minimize probate through trusts, beneficiary designations, and jointly owned assets.

Asset Protection and Medicaid Planning

Attorney Eberle help clients safeguard assets from potential creditors, lawsuits, and long-term care expenses. Medicaid planning is particularly important for those concerned about affording nursing home care. Attorney Eberle develops strategies to legally structure assets, such as through Medicaid-compliant trusts, to help clients qualify for benefits while preserving wealth for heirs.

Special Needs Planning

Families with disabled or special needs individuals require specialized estate planning. Attorney Eberle creates Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) to ensure that beneficiaries receive financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for government assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

Business Succession Planning

For business owners, Attorney Eberle develops succession plans to ensure a smooth transition of ownership. This can involve structuring buy-sell agreements, setting up trusts to hold business interests, and implementing tax-efficient strategies to transfer assets to the next generation.

Conclusion

Attorney Eberle provides a wide range of services designed to protect assets, ensure smooth estate transitions, and secure financial futures for individuals and families. By working with an experienced attorney, clients can develop a customized plan that meets their needs and provides peace of mind for their loved ones.