Estate Planning Attorney Milton, PA

Everyone can benefit from creating a comprehensive estate plan, regardless of age or net worth. Estate planning allows you to determine how you want your assets to be distributed during your lifetime or after you die—but it also allows you to name guardians for your minor children, provide instructions for what you want to happen if you’re incapacitated, plan for Medicaid, and more.

Without an estate plan, state law—not you or your family—will determine what happens to your property after you die. Pennsylvania intestate laws may not necessarily align with your personal preferences. Creating a comprehensive estate plan is the best way to protect your health, your family, your interests, and your assets, all while avoiding the hassle and expense that comes with probate.

Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC serves Milton, PA and surrounding counties. Our team can help you build a personalized estate plan to address your needs and goals. If you’re ready to create or update your estate plan, call us today for a consultation.

Why Choose Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC for Your Estate Planning Needs?

For over 50 years, Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC has provided trusted legal counsel to clients across Pennsylvania. Our firm has built a strong reputation for knowledgeable, compassionate representation, particularly in elder law, estate planning, and estate administration. Our team is led by attorneys Marianne Kreisher and Marissa Marshall, both of whom are Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELAs).

When you choose Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC for your estate planning needs in Milton, PA, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive, team-based approach that goes beyond drafting documents. A strong estate plan doesn’t use a cookie-cutter approach for each client. That’s why we take the time to tailor each plan to reflect your unique family, financial, and long-term care goals.

In addition to our core legal services, we offer expanded support through our affiliated companies:

KMA Guardianship & Fiduciary Services, which provides guardianship, trustee, and financial agent services for those with special needs.
KMA Real Estate Settlement Services, which assists with real estate transactions and offers title insurance. Our goal is to ensure a seamless process when property is part of your estate plan.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services in Milton, PA

Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC offers a range of estate planning services for clients throughout Milton and the surrounding communities.

Wills

Wills are the cornerstone of most estate plans. A well-written will allows you to direct how your assets will be distributed, name guardians for minor children, and appoint an executor to oversee the administration of your estate.

Without a valid will, Pennsylvania’s intestate succession laws (20 Pa. C.S. § 2101 et seq.) will determine who receives your property, which may not reflect your intentions.

It’s important to make sure your will is legally sound. Under Pennsylvania law (20 Pa. C.S. § 2501), a will must meet specific legal requirements to be valid. Working with an experienced attorney ensures that your will is legally sound and clearly communicates your wishes.

Trusts

Trusts can help manage and protect your assets during your lifetime and after your death. We assist clients in creating a variety of trusts, including:

Revocable living trusts: These trusts can be altered during your lifetime and help avoid probate.
Irrevocable trusts: Irrevocable trusts can protect your assets and may provide tax advantages.
Testamentary trusts: These trusts are established through your will and activated upon your death.

Trusts are especially useful when you want to reduce estate taxes, plan for incapacity, or provide for a loved one with special needs. A properly structured trust can ensure continuity and peace of mind. Because trusts—and the assets within those trusts—don’t go through probate, your assets can seamlessly transfer to your beneficiaries. Similarly, because probate is a matter of public record, creating trusts can provide privacy for your loved ones.

Powers of Attorney

A durable financial power of attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become temporarily or permanently incapacitated. Their duties typically include paying bills, managing investments, or handling property transactions. All financial powers of attorney must meet statutory requirements to be valid and enforceable.

We also help clients prepare healthcare powers of attorney. This allows you to authorize a designated agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to communicate your wishes. A healthcare power of attorney ensures that someone you trust can act in accordance with your preferences during a medical crisis.

Advance Directives

Advance directives are commonly called “living wills.” This legal tool allows you to specify which medical treatments you wish to receive (or avoid) if you are unable to express your wishes. This can include decisions about life-sustaining treatments like mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes, and resuscitation.

Pennsylvania law supports these directives. The state legislature has listed requirements to ensure your advance directive is valid.

Finally, an advance directive helps relieve your loved ones from making emotionally difficult decisions during a crisis.

Medicaid and Asset Protection Planning

Many families worry about the cost of long-term care and whether they’ll need to spend down their assets to qualify for Medicaid. Unfortunately, the rules surrounding Medicaid eligibility are complex. Many Medicaid recipients are unaware of the five-year lookback period, during which asset transfers can affect your application.

Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC believes it’s never too early or too late to start Medicaid planning. We help clients navigate these rules with proactive planning strategies. Depending on your assets and goals, we may recommend irrevocable Medicaid asset protection trusts, gifting programs, and coordination with long-term care insurance. Our goal is to preserve your assets while ensuring access to the care you need—without jeopardizing your financial future or legacy.

Our Estate Planning Process

When you’re creating an estate plan in Milton, PA, one-size-fits-all solutions just won’t do. We believe that estate planning should be a collaborative process customized to your unique needs. Here’s what to expect:

Initial consultation: We begin with a personal consultation. This helps gain a clear understanding of your goals, family structure, assets, and general concerns. During this meeting, we will identify any issues that may impact your estate and recommend the best planning strategies for you.
Developing a customized estate plan: Next, our experienced attorneys will design a customized estate plan. We work to address your current needs and anticipate any future challenges. Whether you’re planning for your minor children’s care, protecting a family business, or preparing for long-term healthcare, we will find the right solutions. We are also happy to coordinate with your financial advisor, accountant, or other professionals to create a cohesive and effective strategy for protecting your legacy.
Drafting and execution: After we work with you to create your estate plan, our firm will prepare each legal document to comply with Pennsylvania law. Once your legal documents are ready, we’ll guide you through a formal signing process to ensure your plan is legally binding and properly executed.
Ongoing support: Life changes—and so should your estate plan. We can keep your plan current with changes in your family, financial situation, and the law. Our team is always available to update your documents or answer questions.

Create Your Comprehensive Estate Plan with Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC

Planning ahead is one of the most important gifts you can give to your loved ones. A well-crafted estate plan offers peace of mind, protects your assets, and ensures your wishes are carried out.

At Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC, we are proud to offer trusted, personalized estate planning services backed by over 50 years of experience and guidance from two Certified Elder Law Attorneys. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an estate planning lawyer serving Milton, PA.