Comprehensive Guidance On Estate Planning
Estate planning is not only for the elderly. At every stage in life, it is vital to ensure that you have a comprehensive estate plan in place for protecting your wealth, minimizing taxation, securing your wishes, preparing for contingencies and establishing your legacy.
An estate plan is much more than a document or collection of documents. It is an overarching strategy that should be continually adapted to reflect your evolving circumstances, priorities and desires. With every major life change – such as the birth of a child, divorce or change in financial circumstances – comes the need to revisit your estate plan.
At Frank, Gale, Bails & Pocrass, P.C., we provide comprehensive estate planning services for clients across western Pennsylvania. Our attorneys assist clients with preparing and reviewing core documents such as:
- Wills
- Trusts, including special needs trusts
- Financial power of attorney
- Health care power of attorney
- Advance directives
- HIPAA authorizations
We also focus on minimizing death taxes by estate planning tools, including life insurance trusts and prudent lifetime gifts that take advantage of federal gift and estate tax exclusions.
While we work with a broad range of clients in the Pittsburgh area, our lawyers possess extensive experience handling the complexities of high-asset estates. We also provide knowledgeable guidance on estate, inheritance and gift taxes at the state and federal levels.
Probate And Estate/Trust Administration
Following the loss of a loved one, you may be confronting the confusing process of estate administration and probate. Executors, administrators and trustees play a key role in wrapping up a loved one’s affairs and carrying out his or her wishes in accordance with the estate plan in place. We can assist you in carrying out your legal responsibilities.
Our lawyers also represent clients in probate litigation, including:
- Will contests
- Trust disputes
- Breach of fiduciary duty claims
- Adult guardianships
For more information about any aspect of planning, probate or estate/trust administration, please contact our firm at 412-471-3000.