Erie Estate Planning

Find the right Wills & Trusts attorney in Erie, PA

Most people in Erie have preferences about what should be done with their property after they die. This is why the process 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 several 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 people, 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.

The last thing a person wants to think about is the possibility that, after their death, their survivors are fighting over some part of their estate plan that's ambiguous or otherwise contentious. If you want to prevent this, or at least make it far less likely, you should have the help of an Erie attorney every step of the way.

Common Features of Erie Estates

Will: Wills are a very important part of almost all estate plans. In simplest terms, it answers the question "who gets what after I die?" Generally, you can leave your property to anyone you wish. If you die without a will, your property will usually be given to your closest living relative (usually a spouse or child).

Living Will: This is a document which articulates your wishes concerning your medical care, to give instructions to your family and doctors in the event that you become incapacitated. While actually consulting it will hopefully never be necessary, one never knows - unexpected illnesses and injuries can happen to anyone, at any time. While making a living will might require a person to acknowledge the existence of some unpleasant possibilities, it can end up saving their loved ones a great deal of grief and uncertainty.

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 regarding 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 Erie Estates Lawyer?

A good estates lawyer in Erie 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 Erie

Erie, Pennsylvania is an important city in Erie County. It serves as the seat of government for the county and has a population of over 102,000. The manufacturing industry has historically been the foundation of Erie's thriving economy. At the present, higher education, tourism, and healthcare fuel much of the city's revenue. Major corporations like GE Transportation and Marquette Savings Bank have their headquarters in Erie

Erie is pleasantly situated along the shore of Lake Erie. The Lake and its surrounding environment greatly influence the culture of the city. Erie, Pennsylvania has been nicknamed "the Gem City" due to the Lake's sparkling appearance. Erie is also Erie is sometimes referred to as "the Flagship City" because the historical flagship USS Niagara is docked near the Erie Maritime Museum.

Outdoor activities are very abundant in Erie and revolve mainly around Lake Erie. Presque Isle State Park is the city's most outstanding attraction. Every year, the Park attracts more than four million visitors. Grapes are grown in the Park region and the area produces the third largest amount of wine in America. Visitors also enjoy shopping at Erie establishments like the Millcreek Mall to take advantage of Pennsylvania's tax exemptions on clothing items.

Lawyers in Erie, Pennsylvania are available for assistance with many different types of legal issues. Many Erie lawyers work closely with the Erie County Courthouse located in the city. Laws in Erie Pennsylvania often address legal issues that are unique to the lake region.

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