Archive for the ‘Author’ Category

Co-ownership of real estate can be a beneficial arrangement, allowing individuals to increase purchasing power through pooling of resources, sharing the responsibility of property maintenance, and reducing transaction costs. However, co-ownership of property can sometimes lead to conflict and disagreements among the co-owners. Whether it’s siblings who inherit and want to subdivide “the back 40” of a family estate, unmarried couples who break up after buying a house together, or ex-spouses whose property was never disposed of during a divorce proceeding, these disagreements must be addressed in an orderly manner. In Pennsylvania, the primary mechanism for resolving such disputes is… read more »

An eighteenth birthday is an exciting milestone. It often signifies high school graduation and movement to the next stage in life. It can be hard to believe that the person who may still rely on you for money, food, and lodging is now, legally speaking, an adult with rights of their own. Turning 18 is a critical moment in estate planning—regardless of whether your child intends to work part-time or full-time, attend college, or even take a gap year to travel. Once your child becomes a legal adult, they gain a host of rights and responsibilities. At the same time,… read more »

One of the most important and foundational experiences that sets children up for success is receiving a strong education. And across Pennsylvania, parents are increasingly turning to Charter Schools to play that pivotal role. Charter Schools are considered public schools in Pennsylvania, but they can actually be formed by members of the community. This Article is meant to better explain how a community can come together and open a Charter School if they desire. It will not include every important detail but it will give a broad overview of the process. Forming a Charter School is not something that is… read more »

Earlier this month, we celebrated National Author’s Day. In that regard, the Firm would like to recognize its author, Jeff Rehmeyer. Jeff is the past president of the Firm and has served in management for decades. Jeff has assisted clients with estate planning since he entered the practice of law, as many would seek his counsel on these important, personal matters. As time has progressed, Jeff has facilitated an increasing amount of estate planning and administration for his clients, seeking to help them protect their loved ones and assets. Jeff’s business experience and superior client service allow him to understand… read more »

Consumers facing the decision to file bankruptcy have several choices to make. Should I file? If so, which chapter should I file under? What are the implications? Can I ever dig out from the impact it will make on my credit rating? Each of these considerations are important since consequences may go along with each decision. The Bankruptcy Code is a federal law meant to give a fresh start to filers but is also meant to treat each creditor fairly. Filers have a choice between filing under chapter 7 (assets, if any, are sold and the proceeds paid to creditors);… read more »

There are three main documents—plus one letter—that you and your family members can prepare to alleviate most of the legal difficulties that arise in the event of unforeseen circumstances. The Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney (POA) ensures that someone can access information and provide assistance when needed. It designates an individual who can make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so. A well-drafted POA anticipates potential issues, does not have an expiration date, and is recognized as legally valid because of how it is written and executed. A POA may authorize one or more… read more »

Documents are important to your furry friends, too For many of us, pets are cherished family members. As an estate planning attorney, I often work with clients who want to ensure their pets are well cared for after they’re gone. Fortunately, this can be accomplished by incorporating provisions into your Will that establish a Pet Trust upon your passing. A Pet Trust offers several important benefits: 1. Legal Recognition of Your Pet’s Care Since pets are legally considered personal property, you can’t leave money directly to them. However, a Trust allows you to earmark funds for their care in a… read more »

By James K. Jones, Esq On August 28, 2025, Judge Karoline Mehalchick sanctioned a pro se plaintiff for citing a non-existent case hallucinated by an artificial intelligence (AI) source.[1] Upon notice by the defendant that a Third Circuit opinion cited in plaintiff’s brief could not be found, Judge Mehalchick issued a rule to show cause relating to the suspect citation. Plaintiff admitted that it was generated by AI in an apparent mix-up between a plaintiff in one case and a defendant in another case. Plaintiff’s claim that the cited authority was from another similarly titled case was debunked by the… read more »

Derek Maninfior, Esquire Stephen McDonald, Esquire On May 30, 2025, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a significant decision in Commonwealth v. Shifflett. The Court ruled that entry into Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for a prior DUI cannot be treated as a “prior offense” when imposing enhanced penalties for a subsequent DUI conviction. The rationale was straightforward: ARD is not a conviction, and offenders who are admitted into ARD are not afforded the constitutional safeguards of a trial, such as proof beyond a reasonable doubt or the right to a jury. This decision had immediate and sweeping consequences. For decades, Pennsylvania… read more »

The recent Congressional enactment of PL 119-21 in July 2025 has provided new stability for our Federal tax laws.  Tax planning has been in an unwelcome state of flux since the adoption of the Jobs and Tax Cut Act of 2017.  Taxpayers and professional advisors alike were vexed by the uncertainty of the TCJA’s proposed “sunset” for estate tax exemption amounts, income tax brackets, and other important tax provisions affecting individuals, trusts, estates, and businesses.  The new Act provides stability to the TCJA’s terms by making permanent to TCJA’s income tax brackets, stabilizing the estate tax exemption provisions, and making… read more »