Protecting Your Assets, Preserving Your Future
Facing the uncertainty of the future can be overwhelming, especially when considering the well-being of your loved ones after you’re gone. If you’re worried about how your assets will be managed or distributed, or if you’re concerned about ensuring your family’s financial security, it’s time to speak with an estate planning lawyer in Bethlehem, PA, from Leeson & Leeson.
At Leeson & Leeson, our seasoned attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the estate planning process, ensuring your individual goals are met and your legacy is protected. Our estate planning lawyers handle living wills, trusts, asset protection, and long-term care planning. Whether you’re creating a simple will or need advice on irrevocable trusts and probate, our law firm has been trusted for over 50 years in the Lehigh Valley.
Speak with our estate planning attorney in Bethlehem, PA, and preserve your future.
Our Estate Planning Services
At Leeson & Leeson, we understand the importance of securing your assets and protecting your family’s future. Our estate planning lawyers in Bethlehem offer various services to meet your needs, helping you work through the challenges of Pennsylvania estate law. Below are the estate planning services our Bethlehem lawyers provide to help you create a solid estate plan that reflects your goals.
Wills
Creating a will is essential for ensuring your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are protected. Our attorneys will help you draft a legally sound will that clearly outlines the distribution of your Pennsylvania property and financial assets. Whether you need a simple will or a more detailed document, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure your family’s future is secure.
Asset Protection Trusts
Asset protection trusts safeguard your wealth from potential creditors or legal claims. At Leeson & Leeson, our estate planning attorneys work with you to establish irrevocable trusts that protect your assets while ensuring they are passed on to the next generation. These trusts are valuable for long-term care planning and preserving your estate for your heirs.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a main component of any estate plan, allowing you to designate someone you trust to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Our Bethlehem elder law attorneys can help you create a durable power of attorney, ensuring your wishes are respected even if you cannot communicate them.
Life Insurance
Incorporating life insurance into your estate plan can provide financial security for your beneficiaries and cover any outstanding debts or taxes. Our Bethlehem law firm assists clients in selecting and managing life insurance policies that align with their estate planning goals. This ensures that your loved ones are financially supported after your passing.
Beneficiary Designations
Properly designating beneficiaries for your financial accounts, life insurance policies, and retirement plans ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Our estate planning lawyers in Bethlehem will review and update your beneficiary designations, ensuring they align with your overall estate plan and Pennsylvania laws. This step helps avoid unnecessary probate and provides a smooth transfer of assets.
Why Bethlehem Residents Choose Leeson & Leeson for Estate Planning
Bethlehem residents trust Leeson & Leeson for their estate planning needs because of our firm’s longstanding commitment to protecting families and preserving legacies. Led by Joseph F. Leeson, III, Esq., who carries on the family tradition of legal excellence, our law firm has been serving the Lehigh Valley for over 50 years.
We combine deep knowledge of Pennsylvania estate laws with a personalized approach to ensure each client’s estate plan aligns with their goals.
We Strive for the Highest Compensation
At Leeson & Leeson, we work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. Whether managing asset protection trusts or handling probate, our attorneys are dedicated to maximizing the financial benefits for you and your loved ones. This commitment to achieving the highest compensation is a cornerstone of our practice.
More Than 50 Years of Legal Expertise
With over five decades of service, Leeson & Leeson has built a legacy of trust and reliability in estate law. Our attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge to every estate planning case, ensuring that your assets are protected and your wishes are honored. Bethlehem residents rely on our deep-rooted track record to manage the challenges of estate planning and elder law confidently.
Common Questions About Estate Planning Cases in Bethlehem
How do estates work in PA?
In Pennsylvania, an estate comprises all the assets and property a person owns at the time of death. The estate goes through a legal process called probate, where the court oversees the distribution of assets according to the decedent’s will.
If there is no will, the estate is distributed based on Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws. The appointed executor or administrator manages the estate, pays debts, and distributes assets to beneficiaries.
How long does an executor have to settle an estate in PA?
An executor typically has up to one year from the appointment date to settle the estate in PA, though the actual time frame can vary based on the estate’s complexity. During this period, the executor must manage the estate’s assets, pay any debts, file necessary tax returns, and distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. Extensions may be granted by the court if more time is needed to complete these tasks.
How much does an estate have to be worth to go to probate in Pennsylvania?
Probate is required in Pennsylvania if the estate includes real estate or personal property valued at more than $50,000. However, estates in PA below this threshold may qualify for a simplified process known as small estate administration. This process allows for a more straightforward distribution of assets without going through full probate, saving time and legal expenses and potentially simplifying the process of claiming government benefits tied to the estate.
Do beneficiaries pay inheritance tax in Pennsylvania?
Yes, beneficiaries in Pennsylvania are required to pay an inheritance tax on assets they receive from an estate. The tax rate varies depending on the relationship between the beneficiary and the decedent, ranging from 0% for transfers to a spouse or minor child to 15% for assets passed to other individuals. This tax must be paid within nine months of the decedent’s death to avoid penalties.
Contact The Estate Planning Lawyers at Leeson & Leeson Today
Choosing the estate planning lawyers at Leeson & Leeson ensures that your assets and loved ones are protected with a plan personalized to your needs. With over 50 years of service to the Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley communities, our law firm provides peace of mind through seasoned legal guidance in wills, trusts, and estate administration.
Contact Leeson & Leeson today to schedule a consultation with our estate planning lawyer in Bethlehem, PA, to protect your assets.