For most people, estate planning requires just a few basic documents. View this video by Attorney Tim Bupp to learn more about which documents are essential to have in place.A thoughtfully prepared estate plan is not just beneficial to family members, it can provide tremendous peace of mind. An estate plan will ensure that the money and other assets you have worked hard to accumulate are preserved and passed on to those you love and to the charitable organizations you care about. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to have a plan in place. AttorneyAttorney Tim BuppTim chairs the Firm’s Estate Law Section. … Read more
POA Act Amended to Address Digital Assets
Recent legislation will help Pennsylvanians to manage their digital assets safely and efficiently. In Act 72 of 2020, our Legislature amended Pennsylvania’s POA Act to specifically allow an agent under a power-of-attorney to access the principal’s electronic communications and digital assets. The amendment is modeled on language in the Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act, and will assist an agent in navigating the requirements of online services to access and safeguard digital accounts and assets. Our online lives have become increasing complex, and our online estates – in the form of social media accounts, email addresses and communications, passwords, and other … Read more
Great News! Remote Notary Becomes Permanent in PA
In welcome news from Harrisburg, Governor Wolf has signed into law Act 97 of 2020, making the emergency provisions of remote on-line notary permanent. Previously, the remote notary provisions were set to expire sixty days after the expiration of the Governor’s declared emergency regarding the Covid-19 epidemic. Now Pennsylvanians will continue to benefit from the opportunity to sign remotely-notarized documents from the safety of their own home. Remote notary is simple, inexpensive and safe. The signer, notary, and witnesses all join an on-line meeting, and the signing of documents and notarial act are all completed electronically. The process can take … Read more
Creating Trusts for Beneficiaries with Special Needs
Join CGA and the YCEA for a Virtual Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, September 24th at 12 p.m for information on creating trusts for beneficiaries with special needs.CGA Law Firm’s experienced estate law attorney, Tim Bupp, will provide an overview of the types and applications of special needs trusts, as well as the uses of Pa ABLE accounts to assist in estate and personal planning. A special needs trust is a wonderful tool that can empower a person with disability (“PWD”) and their family, by preserving access to benefits while at the same time protecting family assets. Register to reserve your spot today: REGISTER … Read more
Leadership York Named Attorney Frank Countess “Outstanding Alumnus of the Year 2020.”
Each year, Leadership York recognizes one outstanding alumnus for their contributions to the greater good in our community. This year’s Outstanding Alumnus of the Year is Frank H. Countess. The Outstanding Alumnus of the Year selection committee is comprised of past recipients of Leadership York’s Alumnus of the Year award and Leadership York staff. Frank is a 1997 graduate of the Leadership Training Program (LTP) and since graduating has served on numerous committees and boards in the community. His committee service would be too lengthy to list, but we think you will enjoy seeing where he has served since he … Read more
On-Line Notary Should be Made Permanent
In the early days of the COVID-19 epidemic, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and our Pennsylvania Legislature took action to assure public safety by legalizing on-line remote notary of Pennsylvania legal documents. This foresighted action by our leaders has allowed Pennsylvanians to complete legal documents, safely and conveniently, without leaving their own home. However, legalized remote notary is set to expire when the current declaration of emergency ends. Our Legislature and Governor Wolf should act now to approve Senate Bill 1097, which will make remote notary permanent for all Pennsylvanians. Remote notary began on March 25, 2020, when Governor Wolf enacted an executive order … Read more
COVID-19 Update: Gov. Wolf Renews COVID-19 Disaster Declaration
On September 1, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf signed a second renewal of the 90-day disaster declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency was originally declared on March 6, and this action is the second 90-day extension. The declaration extends protections for individuals and businesses during the ongoing pandemic. Protections include additional unemployment compensation, restrictions on eviction, an extension of licensing, and benefits for care workers and others who provide life-sustaining services to children, senior citizens, and other vulnerable residents.Act 15 Provisions Extended. Also extended are the provisions of Act 15 of 2020, under which municipalities can continue to take steps to assure safety … Read more
York County Launches its Open Space and Land Preservation Grant Program
The York County Planning Commission (YCPC) has announced the launch of the County’s Open Space and Land Preservation Grant Program. The program is funded with County tax dollars and is designed to support open space preservation, resource protection, and outdoor recreation, with the objective of assisting the County to achieve its goal of preserving worthy York County land. Funds for Local Preservation The program is open to York County municipalities and non-profit organizations which support open space preservation and natural resource protection. Funds can be used for acquisition of property; but funding does NOT support the purchase or construction of improvements on properties. The … Read more
Charitable Remainder Trusts Boost Philanthropy, Defer Taxes
Charitable remainder trusts or “CRTs” are not as commonly utilized as in years past. Declining income tax rates, an increasing federal estate tax exemption, and decreased impact of the charitable donation tax deduction have combined to rob the CRT of some of its effectiveness. However, for philanthropic-minded donors who own the right kind of assets, a CRT can be exactly the right tool to defer or defeat capital gain or income tax, and at the same time create a charitable legacy for the community that sets an example for the family’s next generation. Tom and Ann are retired and want to make … Read more
Safe, Secure Estate Planning is Available in COVID-19 Uncertainty
As Pennsylvania transitions from Red to Yellow, significant restrictions will continue to limit our public interactions, and safety for ourselves and our loved ones requires continued separation. However, these restrictions do not prevent you from assuring that important estate documents like Wills and powers-of-attorney are in place, updating those documents or health care directives to meet your needs, and making certain that your family and loved ones are protected. At any time, having your Will and estate documents in place provides protection and peace of mind. During the current emergency, the protection of good estate planning is essential. Fortunately, our Legislature has acted … Read more