Estate Planning Lawyer Serving Williamsport

There are several misconceptions about estate planning. Many people think it is something only older individuals need to worry about. Or that only high-net-worth individuals need to create an estate plan. At Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC, we want people to know that estate planning is for everyone.

Our skilled and compassionate estate planning attorneys understand that talking about what happens after you pass away may be uncomfortable. We are committed to making the conversation as easy and stress-free as possible. We’ll listen to you and keep your goals and concerns in mind when helping you create a comprehensive estate plan.

For over 50 years, the Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC team has been assisting Pennsylvania residents by providing effective and responsive legal representation. We proudly serve residents in the Williamsport area and are passionate about helping them protect themselves and their loved ones with a plan for the future. Contact our office today at 570-784-5211 and request a confidential consultation where we can discuss your legal needs.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is a crucial tool that can help you protect yourself and your family members today and into the future. Estate planning is the process of protecting and managing the distribution of a person’s estate and assets. While many people think of an estate plan in terms of what happens to their assets after death, a comprehensive estate plan can also protect you in the event of significant illness or incapacitation.

Sharing your opinions on what should happen to you and your estate is only part of the equation. In addition to a frank discussion with family or friends, you must put legal protections in place, explicitly outline your wishes, and give others the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated.

At Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC, our sensitive and experienced Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys know how to manage difficult conversations and help make the estate planning process as stress-free as possible.

Estate Planning Is More Than Creating A Will

Contrary to popular belief, a will is not an estate plan. A will is one piece of a comprehensive estate planning strategy. You can utilize several other vital tools to craft a personalized estate plan that addresses your unique goals and concerns. Some common estate planning tools that you may want to consider include:

Will – A will is a legal document that outlines your final wishes, such as distributing your assets and property to named beneficiaries or appointing a guardian for minor children. Drafting a will is vital to an estate plan because it allows you to dictate what you want to happen after your passing. Without a will, a Pennsylvania court distributes your assets according to the Commonwealth’s intestate succession laws.
Trusts – A trust is a legal entity that a person can use to hold or manage assets for the benefit of named beneficiaries. Trusts are a valuable estate planning tool because they allow individuals to help family members avoid probate. Some trusts also protect assets from creditors and may reduce estate taxes. Trusts can be either revocable or irrevocable. Each has unique benefits and drawbacks that you can discuss with an experienced estate planning attorney. There are a variety of trusts for specific purposes. Older adults and those with special needs may want to consider special needs trusts or Medicaid trusts.
Power of attorney – Young and older adults should also consider the benefits of including powers of attorney in their estate plan. A power of attorney grants another individual the legal authority to make vital decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated due to injury or illness. Pennsylvania recognizes several forms of power of attorney, including general, health care, financial, and limited power of attorney.
Health care directives – Pennsylvania also recognizes different types of health care directives. Health care directives give you the power to direct your medical care when you cannot advocate for yourself. These legal documents outline your health care choices and preferences, such as life support treatments, end-of-life care, and who can make health care decisions if you’re unable to make them yourself.
Medicaid planning – Nursing home, and long-term care costs are skyrocketing. In some cases, Pennsylvania nursing home costs in the Williamsport area can reach $127,568 annually. Medicaid planning can help older adults protect their assets while keeping them eligible to apply for Medicaid benefits.
Guardianship designations and special needs planning — Children and older adults with special needs have unique physical, mental, and financial needs and goals. Special needs planning helps families prepare for long-term physical and mental healthcare needs and the financial stability of family members with disabilities or special needs.

A skilled Pennsylvania estate planning attorney can evaluate your financial situation and help craft a customized estate plan that puts the decision-making power back into your hands. We can also provide legal solutions tailored to your concerns about asset protection, family law, guardianship, and additional estate planning issues.

Why Do You Need An Estate Plan?

You can move through your entire life without ever giving a second thought to creating an estate plan. Unfortunately, when you pass away without one, you are giving away control of your estate to the courts or family members you may not want to oversee your affairs. When you work with an attorney serving the Williamsport area, you can craft an estate plan that helps you maintain control over what matters and outline your wishes for the future.

An experienced estate planning attorney can help you create an estate plan that addresses common concerns such as:

Ensuring your final wishes get carried out
Minimizing tax implications and expenses for family members
Protecting the interests of your beneficiaries
Preparing for a healthcare emergency or illness
Distributing assets to people or causes of your choosing
Ensuring minor children are cared for by people you choose
Protecting your assets and managing Medicaid eligibility guidelines
Making provisions for disabled dependents

When you have a comprehensive estate plan, you gain peace of mind. You know that your wishes will be honored, your estate has legal protections, and your family members or other beneficiaries will be taken care of. All adults can benefit from drafting an estate plan and periodically revisiting their wishes as they encounter life’s milestone events.

Let An Experienced Pennsylvania Estate Planning Help You Prepare For The Future

At Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC, we passionately provide high-quality representation to Pennsylvania residents who need legal solutions. Our legal team understands what’s important to you and will use our knowledge and resources to manage any issues you may face when creating an estate, life care, or Medicaid plan.

Contact our office today and arrange a confidential consultation to learn more about estate planning. We are happy to serve those living in the Williamsport community and throughout Lycoming County. We offer in-home, office or virtual appointments for our clients.