Practice Areas

• Medicaid
• Living Trusts
• Estate Administration and Probate
• Asset Protection
• Veterans Benefits
• Special Needs Trust

Blog

Estate Administration and Probate

• Finding Tips On Estate Planning at the Theatre
• Update on the Status of Federal Estate Tax
• Michael Jackson Estate Makes Land Mark Estate Deal With Sony
• The Governator Says Health Reform Will "Beat Up" California
• When a will isn’t enough

view all

News

• The Growing Rate of Dementia and Alzheimer's...
  Posted on 3/9/2010
• Let it snow! Pittsburgh Extends Property Tax Deadline...
  Posted on 2/9/2010
• Estate Tax, Medicaid, Social Security Changes Ring In New Year...
  Posted on 1/13/2010
• Main beneficiary to Michael Jackson’s estate shakes up her probate team...
  Posted on 10/22/2009
• Illinois Supreme Court upholds will restricting inheritance based on religion...
  Posted on 9/30/2009

view all

Library

Estate Administration and Probate

• When Pennsylvania Estate Recovery Can Take Place By Law
• Joint Bank Accounts - Risks and Benefits
• Guidelines for Gifts and Joint Accounts
• Intestacy Laws Of Pa: Dangers of Not Having a Current Living Will
• Drafting Wills That Protect Clients' Interests: Every situation is different, which is why we select vehicles that meets each client's needs

view all

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is considered an estate?

A: An estate includes everything that a person owns or controls – from physical possessions to financial accounts.  Everything from clothes, jewelry, art, vehicles, antiques, homes, land, cash, checking and savings accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance, stocks, bonds, and more is considered part of a person’s estate.

Businesses and business interests are also considered part of a person’s estate, as are any debts or obligations owed to others.

These items may be held in the person’s own name or they might be held in a partnership or joint ownership arrangement.  Items in an estate can also be placed in a trust.  (Keep in mind that any items transferred into an irrevocable trust during a person’s lifetime are not considered part of their estate).

Any monies generated upon a person’s death – like life insurance – are also considered part of the individual’s estate. 

Special Report

Order our Pennsylvania Elder Law Attorney's Guide To Alzheimer's Care

See All

questions

Estate Administration and Probate

• When Can Estate Recovery Take Place By Law?
• Do witnesses have to actually witness the signing?
• What is a reasonable attorney fee for probating an Estate?

view all