Trustworthy Attorneys for PA Estate Law
PA Estate Planning Attorneys
Protect Your Assets for Future Generations
The law firm of McNickle & Bonner, LLP has the highest rating given by its peers, an AV® rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, which is given by fellow attorneys and judges, reflecting the highest standards of legal representation and ethical conduct. As such, McNickle & Bonner, LLP knows how to handle your estate planning needs from the simplest wills to the most complex estates.
At McNickle & Bonner, LLP, our will and estate attorneys meet with individuals to learn their goals and concerns regarding the transfer of assets upon death, the savings of inheritance tax, and the elimination of probate costs. Each plan our probate attorneys prepare is uniquely tailored to suit individual and family needs.
A Comprehensive Estate Plan Includes the Following Elements:
-
Wills — Ensure property distribution according to your wishes with a will that stands up in court against scrutiny. Without a will, the state determines who receives your hard-earned assets.
-
Trusts — Invest and manage assets for the benefit of your loved ones or business. We handle all types of trusts, including revocable and irrevocable trusts.
-
Powers of Attorney — Determine a trusted individual or institution to make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated.
-
Healthcare Powers of Attorney — Stipulate administration of medical treatment in the event you are no longer able to make your own medical decisions.
-
Living Wills — Should you be in a vegetative state with no hope of regaining consciousness, you can give the power to a trusted loved one to decide to withhold life support and let you pass peacefully to end your suffering.
-
Family Limited Partnerships — Forming such a partnership can be an effective tool to protect income streams and reduce inheritance taxes.
If inheritance tax planning and other estate tax consequences are your concern, contact McNickle & Bonner, LLP to prepare the right estate plan for you.
Probating Your Loved One's Will
In the aftermath of a loved one’s death, handling legal matters can feel overwhelming. McNickle & Bonner, LLP can help you navigate the labyrinth of probate court, ensuring all your documents are in order to probate the will and transfer the assets as provided in the will. The estate administration process includes:
-
Opening the Estate
-
Assisting in the appointment of the Executor of the estate
-
Identifying and inventorying the property
-
Appraising the property
-
Determining and calculating all exemptions and deductions from inheritance taxes owed
-
Paying debts and taxes
-
Preparing and filing the PA Inheritance Tax Return
-
Preparing and filing the Federal Estate Tax Return
-
Distributing property as directed by a will
-
Transferring title and ownership of assets to the property beneficiaries
-
Preparing and filing the Family Settlement Agreement
-
Preparing and filing the First and Final Account
-
Closing the Estate
As experienced estate planning attorneys, we will ensure that you pay the least amount of inheritance tax and probate costs so the greatest amount is transferred to your loved ones.
​
McNickle & Bonner, LLP makes a commitment to every client. The will attorneys at our local law firm provide high-quality legal counsel. McNickle & Bonner, LLP serves Mercer, Lawrence, Butler, Venango, Allegheny, Beaver, and Crawford counties. Parking is available onsite.
Need an attorney that does wills? Have questions about inheritance laws, intestate laws, or estate laws? In search of low cost probate attorneys? Then let our estate lawyers tell you about your beneficiary rights and guide you through the estate administration process. Please call us at 724-458-9550 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
-
What is the role of an estate attorney?Estate law attorneys help clients determine the specifics of estate distribution. This can include providing counsel on establishing a trust where assets are set aside for future beneficiaries. An estate lawyer can also draft wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents.
-
Do you need an attorney to write a will?You are not required to hire a lawyer to prepare your will, but you will likely want a lawyer's assistance in estate planning and establishing trusts so your wishes are fulfilled and your will stands up in court. An experienced estate lawyer will be able to help you prepare the necessary legal documents and tax filings.
-
What is probate?Probate is the legal process that ensures after someone's death that their estate passes to the proper people, and that any taxes or debts are paid. Probate is when the instructions in the person's will are carried out, if one exists. A probate lawyer ensure the probate process goes smoothly through the probate court process.
-
Is an attorney needed to do a "will reading" after someone dies?"Despite what you see in movies and TV, an attorney is not required to read the will aloud. In real life, each beneficiaries will usually receive a copy of the will separately during the probate process. If an attorney is involved, they may gather beneficiaries together to explain confusing terms or potential issues. The executor of the will is assigned by probate court, and this duty is usually carried out by an attorney well-versed in wills and estate law.
