Bethel Park Estate Planning

Find the right Wills & Trusts attorney in Bethel Park, PA

Most people in Bethel Park have preferences about what should be done with their property after they die. This is why the procedure of estate planning exists - it allows people to make a broad range of decisions related to this issue.

Estate planning usually requires professional legal and financial advice, because of the complexity and importance of the issues involved. A poorly-executed estate plan can often end with survivors suing each other, and prevent your intentions from being effectuated.

Estate planning can have various positive effects on the planner during life, as well. These benefits are usually somewhat intangible, revolving around the peace of mind that comes with knowing that, after your death, you family will be taken care of and that they'll know what your last wishes are. Nonetheless, most people find this very valuable. To that end, you should come up with a power-of-attorney agreement. When you grant someone power of attorney, you have given them the power to make certain decisions on your behalf. You can grant them as much or as little authority as you want. Most individuals, however, give family members or life partners power of attorney with respect to medical care, so if they become incapacitated, their wishes will still be carried out.

A competent estate planner in Bethel Park can make the procedure of planning your estate go much more smoothly, and maximize the chances of your wishes actually being carried out with legal force.

Common Features of Bethel Park Estates

Will: This is usually a major component in any estate plan. A will is a document in which a person lays out what they want done with their property after their death. These gifts usually have the effect of transferring legal ownership of the property to the named beneficiary.

Living Will: A living will contains instructions about your medical care, generally for the purpose of informing your family and doctors of your preferences if you suddenly become incapacitated. A living will is very critical if you have any strong preferences in this area. It should be written with the advice of a doctor, so you know the particular medical consequences of your decisions, and a lawyer, so it is virtually guaranteed to be legally binding.

Power of Attorney: Power of attorney, while important, is not to be used lightly. This is because it involves granting someone else the power to make legally-binding decisions on your behalf. Usually, your spouse will automatically have power of attorney if you become incapacitated. If you are not married, however, you need to make a document explicitly granting that authority to someone you trust (a life partner or close family member, for instance).

Funeral Arrangements: If you have any strong preferences concerning the disposition of your physical remains, you should make them known to your family early, and should not include funeral instructions in your will. Wills are often read weeks after the testator dies, so in most cases, it will be too late by then.

Do I Need a Bethel Park Estates Lawyer?

A reputable estates lawyer in Bethel Park can make the estate planning process much easier. He or she can maximize the chances of your wishes being given effect. Furthermore, a good and clear estate plan is far less likely to result in litigation in the future, since disputes of this nature are almost always the result of ambiguity.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Bethel Park

Bethel Park, population 33,000, is located in Allegheny County in Pennsylvania. Though recently incorporated in 1949, its existence as a settlement dates back to the early 1800's. In 1978 Bethel Park residents instituted a Home Rule form of Government. This provides the municipality and Council with greater governance powers than a traditional municipal scheme.

Bethel Park is quaintly situated in the southern hills of the Pittsburgh area. It is located about 8 miles south of Pittsburgh. The city's recreation department currently hosts several activities such as Summer Fun Day and local flea markets. The city also has a Farmer's Market which is open every Tuesday. Recreational activities such as swimming classes, tennis instruction, and aquatic programs are held throughout the city's recreation centers. Some of these centers include the Community Center, Village Green Park, Simmons Park, and Millennium Park.

Other points of interest in Bethel Park include the South Park Wave Pool, South Park Hundred Acres Manor, South Hills Village, and Blade Runners. Pittsburgh's first drive-in theater was also located in Bethel Park. The theater has recently been replaced with several retail shops and restaurants.

Lawyers in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania often file their cases in the Bethel Park District Court located in the town's Municipal Building. Bethel Park lawyers specialize in a wide variety of legal matters and issues.

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