Estate Attorney Drafting Wills For People In Bradford County
A will is one of the most important steps you can take toward protecting your family. With a will, you can clearly state your wishes and determine which assets you would like to go to which beneficiaries. As an estate planning firm that has been serving Northeastern Pennsylvania since 1972, lawyer J. Wesley Kocsis at Kocsis Law Office PC understands the importance of having a will for both you and your loved ones. The sole lawyer at the firm has the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to draft a will that both reflects your wishes and that is legally enforceable.
Why Having A Will Matters
In Pennsylvania, a will can allow you to make decisions about what happens to your assets after you pass. If you die without a will in Pennsylvania, the state may determine the distribution and handling of your assets. By having a well-drafted will, you can direct the distribution of your assets how you see fit and protect specific assets for family members and other beneficiaries, like sentimental items or family property. Having a will can also make the probate process smoother for your loved ones. That’s particularly true when paired with broader preparation through estate planning. If probate becomes necessary, J. Wesley Kocsis can also help with probate and estate administration.
Guardians, Asset Distribution And Planning For The Unexpected.
A few of the most important things a will can do for you are name a guardian for your children, determine who the executor of your estate is and also provide guidance to loved ones on certain matters if you were to pass or become incapacitated unexpectedly. While standard wills typically focus on property and guardianship, living wills and health care directives can help put plans in place for medical and financial decisions should you no longer be able to make those yourself.
When To Update Your Will
Life can change fast. And when it does, you may want to consider updating your will to reflect those changes. Events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or a home purchase can all be reasons to make adjustments to your document. You may also want to adjust your will after major financial changes, such as suffering a serious injury. That way, you can align your plan with your current goals and circumstances.
Wills In Pennsylvania FAQs
These are common questions the firm hears from clients looking to draft or update their will:
Do I need a lawyer to create a will in Pennsylvania?
You are not required to hire a lawyer to write a will, but working with an attorney can help you avoid mistakes that create confusion or disputes. A properly prepared will should meet Pennsylvania execution rules and clearly reflect your intent. Their attorney can also help you coordinate beneficiary designations and other planning choices. This can give you more confidence that you will hold up when it matters.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Pennsylvania?
When someone passes and doesn’t have a will, Pennsylvania’s intestate succession laws can determine who gets what out of the estate. That may not match what the person would have wanted, especially in blended families or situations involving minor children. The court must also appoint an administrator, which can add time and stress. A will helps you keep control over these decisions.
When should I update my will after a major life event?
You may want to adjust your will after a major life event like
- Marriage
- Divorce
- The birth or adoption of a child
- A significant move
- A major change in assets
You may also want to update your will after a major health change or after receiving substantial funds. Kocsis Law Office PC can help you decide what needs to change and what can stay the same.
Create A Will That Can Reflect And Uphold Your Wishes
When you include a will as part of your estate plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be reflected and that your loved ones can get the assets you want to give them. To start working on or modifying your will, schedule a free consultation by calling 570-882-4160 or by visiting the firm’s contact page.