Clear And Concise Estate Planning And Probate Guidance
Clear direction over your family’s financial future can be one of the most valuable and rewarding gifts you can offer your loved ones. Whether you are a newly married couple or are advancing in age, a properly completed estate plan can help your family avoid unnecessary financial and emotional hardship in the future and offer you the peace of mind in knowing that your loved ones will be cared for throughout any contingency.
When addressing the many documents relating to an effective estate plan, the guidance of an experienced Columbia County estate planning attorney can be invaluable in helping you maximize your family’s protection.
At the Law Offices of David H. Trathen, I work diligently to address the estate planning and probate concerns of clients throughout the Columbia County, Pennsylvania, area. With over 30 years of experience and a detailed knowledge of the estate planning process, I am confident in providing clear and concise direction to clients with even the most complex estates.
Detailed Attention To Your Estate Planning
Whether you wish to complete an initial estate plan or review an existing plan, I have the experience needed to help you address the many issues involved in your proceedings, including:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Powers of attorney for finances and other needs
- Estate administration/probate
- Living wills and other advance directives
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Tax planning
In an effort to help you complete all necessary documents as effectively as possible, I conduct a thorough examination of your estate and your goals, and offer the advice you need to address your unique issues in the detail they require.
Compassionate Guidance Throughout The Probate Process
Losing a loved one is never easy. Unfortunately, your loss may lead to complicated probate proceedings – legal issues that can be difficult to address while you are focusing on your grief.
My probate representation is designed to help you guide your family through the proceedings following your loss as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Whether you simply need assistance traversing the probate process or require more complex guidance contesting a will or addressing other complicated probate concerns, I have the experience and knowledge needed to help you find resolutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Estate planning and probate are often clouded by myths and unnecessary complexity, but your family deserves a plan that actually works when it matters most. With over three decades of experience in the Columbia County court system, I provide these straightforward answers to help you secure your legacy without the sugar-coating.
What is the difference between estate planning and probate?
Estate planning is the proactive process of creating legal documents – like wills, trusts and powers of attorney – to manage your affairs while you are alive and dictate how assets are distributed after you pass. Probate, on the other hand, is the court-supervised legal process of validating a will and settling an estate after someone has died. My goal is to use smart planning now to make the probate process as fast and inexpensive as possible for your loved ones later.
How long does the probate process typically take in Columbia County?
While probate sometimes finishes sooner, Pennsylvania estates generally remain open for at least one year to allow the mandatory creditor claim period to expire before final distribution. The Pennsylvania inheritance tax return is due within nine months, but an estate can secure a 5% discount on the tax bill if payment is made within three months of the death. I don’t sell false hope regarding speed; probate is a marathon, not a sprint, but my experience ensures we stay on track and avoid the procedural errors that cause unnecessary delays in front of a judge.
Do all assets have to go through probate when someone passes away?
No, not every asset is subject to probate. Nonprobate assets like joint accounts or life insurance pass to beneficiaries without a will, but they must still be reported on the Pennsylvania inheritance tax return. During our consultation, I’ll give you a blunt assessment of your assets to determine which will require formal probate and which can be transferred more efficiently.
Contact The Law Offices of David H. Trathen Today
Contact my office online or call me at 570-284-3088 or toll free 877-772-5261 to discuss your estate planning or probate concerns today.