Philadelphia Wills Lawyer

Philadelphia Wills Lawyer

A Philadelphia Estate Planning Attorney for Wills

At Scott Counsel, P.C., our Philadelphia wills attorneys provide compassionate, solutions-driven estate plan representation to our clients. Our firm is committed to the principle that every client deserves personalized guidance and support. If you have any questions about writing a will, we are available to help. To schedule a strictly private, no-obligation initial consultation, please contact our Philadelphia estate planning team by calling (856) 672-7248 or sending us a direct message online.

Every Adult in Philadelphia Should Have a WIll

You are never too young (or too old) to write a will. Every adult in Philadelphia should have a properly drafted last will & testament that effectively carries out their objectives. Yet, data from the AARP indicates that fewer than half of all adults nationwide currently have a will. A will is a building block of a comprehensive estate plan. While wills are frequently used to pass down assets, it is still a good idea to have a will even if you do not currently have much property. Here are five reasons why you should have a professionally drafted will in Philadelphia:

• Name You Executor: You can use a will to name the executor of your estate. Sometimes referred to simply as your “personal representative”, the executor of your will is responsible for managing your affairs after you pass away. You can name a loved one as an executor (spouse, sibling, etc) or you can select a professional (lawyer) to serve as your executor.
• Control Your Estate: One of the core benefits of a will is that it allows you to control your affairs. If you die without a will in Philadelphia, then your estate will be settled under the Pennsylvania intestate succession laws. You will not have any say in what happens to your property or assets. The law decides who gets what.
• Appoint a Guardian for Minor Children: If you are a parent of young children, you must have a will. You need to provide the maximum amount of protection to your kids. Among other things, you can use your will to appoint (name) a guardian for your children.
• Address Funeral & Burial Arrangements: A will can be used to address funeral and burial arrangements. If you have specific wishes regarding these matters, it is best practice to include them within your will. You may want to use your will to help set aside funds for funeral and burial costs.
• Spare Family and Friends Stress and Confusion: Finally, one of the most important benefits of writing a clear, legally valid will is that it can go a long way towards sparing your family and friends stress, frustration, and confusion. The last thing you want is for your loved ones to end up in a serious dispute after your passing.

How to Make a Valid Will in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, wills are flexible legal documents. You and your Philadelphia estate planning lawyer have a considerable amount of ability to craft your will as you see fit. That being said, certain core requirements must be satisfied for a will to be legally valid in the state. Here are the most important things to know about making a valid will in Pennsylvania:

• Adults: Only adults can make a will in Pennsylvania. For a will to be legally valid, the person drafting it must be at least 18 years of age.
• Sound Mind: Under Pennsylvania law (20 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2501), a person writing or revising a will must be of sound mind.
• Signed: State law requires that wills are signed. A will could be challenged and invalidated because it is unsigned.
• In Writing: Pennsylvania probate courts do not accept oral wills. There must be a copy of the will in writing.

What to Know About Revising a Will in Pennsylvania

Estate planning is not static. It is not uncommon for people to need to update or even rewrite their will. In Pennsylvania, you have the authority to change your will at any time—as long as you are still of “sound mind” under the law. There are two main ways to change a will in Pennsylvania. The first is with something known as a ‘codicil.’ In effect, a codicil is a legal document that serves as an amendment to a will. The second way to change a will is by revoking it and starting over. What option is better in your case depends on your specific circumstances.

You Can Trust the Philadelphia Will Planning Attorneys at Scott Counsel, P.C.

A will is a foundational estate planning document that should be drafted by an experienced legal professional. At Scott Counsel, P.C., we are here to help you write a will that is clear, concise, legally enforceable, and that effectively achieves your goals. When you get in touch with our Philadelphia office location, you will have a chance to speak to a Pennsylvania will planning lawyer who can:

• Hear your story and answer your questions;
• Gather all of the documents, records, and information that you need;
• Draft a personalized will; and
• Help you with all other estate planning needs.

A standardized will is simply not good enough for you and your family. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning or will plan. With a history of client testimonials, you count on our Philadelphia estate planning lawyers to help you draft a personalized will.

Get Help From an Attorney for Wills in Philadelphia

At Scott Counsel, P.C., our Philadelphia wills attorneys are devoted to helping people find peace and security through effective legal planning. If you have any specific questions or concerns about drafting or revising a will, we are more than happy to provide guidance and support. Contact us today by calling (856) 672-7248 to arrange your confidential initial appointment with an estate planning lawyer. We help people set up wills in Philadelphia and throughout the region, including in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.