Trustworthy Elder Law And Wills Attorney In West Chester
Many people try to write their own wills or wait until a sudden health crisis happens. These choices often lead to messy, expensive legal problems down the road. At Rolcik Law in West Chester, we help families craft strong elder law wills.
Getting help from an experienced elder law attorney is the best way to address these issues instead of trying to tackle them yourself. Do not wait until it is too late and complicated.
Our Approach To Wills
Attorney Karen A. Rolcik will help guide you through the process of creating a will that reflects your wishes after your passing. A common misconception is that if a person has a will, the probate process can be avoided. This is incorrect. A will must be presented to the probate court to be authenticated, to have an executor appointed and to have the estate administered under court supervision.
Proper planning helps prevent conflicts among family members and loved ones. Wills are designed to accomplish the following:
- Designate an executor: This is the person or persons whom you trust to carry out your wishes as expressed in your will.
- Identify beneficiaries: Name the individuals who will inherit from your estate.
- Distribute assets: Set forth your wishes as to how much each beneficiary will inherit from your estate.
- Establish a testamentary trust: If you want to place conditions upon when a beneficiary will receive his or her inheritance such as age, accomplishments, etc., a trust can be established in the will. However, such a trust will be supervised by the probate court.
- Appoint a guardian for minor children: If there are minor children, designate a person or persons to be guardians of your minor children and manage their inheritance until they attain age 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a living will and a healthcare power of attorney?
A living will lists your exact medical wishes if you face a terminal condition. A healthcare power of attorney names a trusted person to make medical choices for you if you cannot speak.
What kind of lawyer is best for wills?
You want an attorney with decades of experience in estate planning and elder law. They deeply understand the specific rules that affect seniors and their families.
When is the best time to create a will?
The best time is right now while you are healthy. Early planning gives you total control over your choices and prevents family fights later.
How can I prevent the need for court-ordered guardianship?
Getting strong legal documents in place early is the best way to avoid a court-ordered guardianship. When you name a trusted agent in your power of attorney, you stay in control. This step keeps the courts completely out of your private family matters.
Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation
Creating an elder law will should bring you peace of mind, not stress. We take a highly personalized approach to guide you through the entire process. Our founding attorney brings over three decades of experience helping families right here in our local community. We know how to build a solid legal plan that fits your exact needs. Reach out to our West Chester office at 513-443-6230 to set up your free consultation. You can also drop us a message online to get the conversation started today.