Estate Planning Lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA Provide Comprehensive Services

Protecting you now and in the future

Estate planning is an important task that requires qualified legal guidance. At Feldstein Grinberg Lang & McKee, P.C., we embrace the chance to help you protect your family and your future. We understand that estate planning needs to be modified as our assets and our families’ needs change over time. Our attorneys are prepared to partner with you to handle all your estate planning needs.

What happens in the probate process?

Probate is the process by which a will is deemed legally valid. The probate process greatly depends on whether or not the deceased died with a valid will. If you die intestate, or without a will, the state determines how your assets will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy. Of course, it is much better to have a will in place so that your assets pass to the people you want to receive them. Will disputes most often occur over questions of validity or the will’s contents.

What are the benefits of trusts?

A trust, in the simplest terms, is the right to property held by one person for the benefit of another. Unlike a will, which dictates how the decedent’s assets are distributed following their death, a trust becomes effective during the grantor’s lifetime and can remain in effect for many years following their death. Unlike wills, trusts, if enacted properly, can provide a means for avoiding probate. Our family law attorneys can help you determine the type of trust that fits your family’s needs. Common types of trusts are:

• Revocable trusts. A revocable trust is one of the most commonly used trusts because it can be revoked or changed so long as the person who created it is still living. There are many trusts in this category.
• Irrevocable trusts. An irrevocable trust is one that cannot be revoked or changed after it has been signed. The irrevocability is what makes these trusts useful for tax planning and asset protection. Life insurance trusts and spendthrift trusts are irrevocable trusts.
• Charitable trusts. A charitable trust is one in which at least one of the beneficiaries is a charity or nonprofit.
• Special needs trust. This type of trust is created for the benefit of a person receiving government benefits resulting from a physical or mental handicap. The purpose of the trust is to allow outside sources to provide the beneficiary with supplemental funds without endangering his or her right to receive government benefits.

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will determines where your assets ultimately go while a trust controls when, where and how those assets are distributed. A will must go through the probate process while a trust provides a means for avoiding probate. Our Pittsburgh attorneys can fully explain how a will and a trust work in your individual situation.

Why do I need an estate plan?

Most people want to leave their legacy to their children, not to the government, so having a comprehensive estate plan is a wise decision. And it’s a wise decision for everyone, no matter what the size of your estate is or how many assets you own. If you want to protect your family and your wealth, now and in the future, let an estate planning attorney with our firm assist you.

Schedule your consultation with Pittsburgh estate planning attorneys

The attorneys at Feldstein Grinberg Lang & McKee, P.C.  have helped thousands of Pennsylvania families determine exactly what they need and exactly how their goals can be achieved. Contact us online or by calling 412-471-0677 for your confidential consultation. We provide flexible hours by appointment.