Wills And Powers Of Attorney: Peace Of Mind For Latrobe Families

Wills and powers of attorney are important tools for safeguarding your future and that of your loved ones. These documents play a vital role in ensuring that your wishes are respected and your family is protected. By planning ahead, Latrobe families can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their health care decisions are honored and their legacy is secure.

At Latrobe Law Associates, LLC, we provide personalized guidance on wills and powers of attorney as part of our comprehensive estate planning services in Westmoreland County. Established in 2013, our firm boasts award-winning lawyers with almost 40 years of combined experience. We pride ourselves on offering direct attorney accessibility and involvement throughout every case. With an established reputation in the Latrobe community, we focus on providing high client satisfaction and positive experiences.

Wills And Inheritance Laws In Pennsylvania

A will is a core testamentary document that outlines your wishes regarding your property, legal guardianship for minor children, executor appointment and other aspects of your estate. In Pennsylvania, a will must be in writing, signed by the testator (creator) and witnessed by two individuals.

There are several things to know about Pennsylvania laws regarding estates and inheritances. Pennsylvania inheritance laws protect the rights of surviving spouses to receive a portion of the estate. If you pass away without a will or other estate plan, your property will be divided in accordance with Pennsylvania’s intestate laws, which dictate how assets are distributed among surviving family members based on their relationship to you.

Pennsylvania also imposes inheritance taxes that should be taken into consideration as part of your estate plan. Our Latrobe estate planning attorneys can help you explore trusts and gifting strategies to reduce tax burdens and preserve more of your estate for your loved ones.

Living Wills: Making Your Health Care Wishes Known

Pennsylvania’s advance directive laws empower individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in the event of incapacity. Also known as a living will, an advance directive allows you to maintain control over your health care decisions while you are still capable of making them.

For those with progressive conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, creating a living will while you still have the capacity to do so ensures that your health care wishes are honored, even if you are unable to communicate them later. Our Latrobe living will attorneys can help you prepare these essential documents.

Powers Of Attorney: Choosing Your Trusted Representative

Powers of attorney are another critical tool for incapacity planning. They are available for both finances and health care, which differ as follows:

• A durable financial power of attorney authorizes your chosen agent to handle your financial affairs if you become legally incapacitated.
• A medical power of attorney in Pennsylvania empowers you to designate a health care surrogate, who will act as your representative and make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

These documents complement each other, providing a comprehensive umbrella of protection in the event of incapacity. It is also important to have a power of attorney in place before you have a condition that undermines your capacity. If you wait until you need a power of attorney, you may then not have the required capacity to establish one. In that event, you could require a guardianship to manage your affairs. A guardianship is typically more costly, takes more time, and requires sometimes unpleasant court hearings.

Selecting agents to act on your behalf requires careful consideration. Choose someone you trust who knows you well. They should understand your wishes and values.

Asset Protection Strategies For Pennsylvania Residents

Protecting assets from high health care costs is a concern for many Pennsylvania residents, especially as they age. Strategies such as establishing trusts can shield your assets while maintaining Medicaid eligibility. These trusts must take into account the Medicaid lookback period to avoid penalties. Our Latrobe estate planning attorneys can help you create an asset protection plan to safeguard your savings and financial security.

Stay Up-To-Date On Your Will And Powers Of Attorney

Estate planning is not a “one-and-done” deal. It is important to keep your estate plan current. Life changes – such as marriage, divorce, the death of a loved one or the birth of a child – may require updates to your estate documents. Health changes such as serious diagnoses also necessitate a review of your health care surrogate, living will and other designations. Our Latrobe estate planning attorneys recommend reviewing your plan every few years or after significant life events.

Local Considerations For Wills And Estates

The Westmoreland County Orphans’ Court handles estate-related matters for Latrobe and surrounding areas, including probate and estate administration. Our Latrobe estate planning attorneys are familiar with local court procedures, which enhances our ability to provide valuable guidance on estate plans.

Take The Next Step Toward Securing Your Future

At Latrobe Law Associates, LLC, we are dedicated to helping you create a secure future for yourself and your loved ones. Our team is ready to assist with wills, durable powers of attorney in Latrobe, asset protection and all aspects of estate planning. Contact us today at 724-539-1111 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards peace of mind.