When it comes to planning for your estate, it can be as simple as a basic will, durable financial and health care Powers of Attorney, and living will for an individual or it may require a more sophisticated and elaborate plan that involves wealth-preservation strategies to minimize estate and income taxes or transferring of business assets for owners of closely-held businesses. Regardless of the size of your estate or the value of your assets, we can help you plan for the orderly distribution of your property.  Each person’s personal and financial circumstances are different. That’s why the estate planning attorneys… read more »

A living will with a health care Power of Attorney (POA) is an important part of estate planning documents. Also referred to as an advance health care directive, a living will is a written statement of your wishes to receive medical life support should you become hospitalized, terminally ill or permanently unconscious. A living will also gives you the ability to decide and appoint who will make decisions on your behalf regarding medical treatment or nursing home admission and will interact with your doctors and health care providers.  In the state of Pennsylvania, an individual must be at least 18… read more »

Another important aspect of all estate plans is a durable Power of Attorney (POA), which grants an individual, usually a spouse and/or children, the authority to manage your financial affairs should you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions for yourself. The individual you designate as your agent/POA will be able to manage your finances, buy or sell property, file tax returns and handle other legal transactions on your behalf.  You have the choice as to when your Power of Attorney becomes effective. If you become incapacitated or mentally incompetent and have not appointed an individual as your guardian, the… read more »

The essential components to all estate plans include a will, Power of Attorney and living will. A will is an important document that expresses your wishes when you pass away. It outlines how you wish to have your property distributed including assets, real property and other tangible items. A will also names who you wish to be the executor of your estate. Should you have young children, a will also names a guardian and makes provisions for your children.  The type of will you need changes over the course of your life. In order to serve its purpose, a will… read more »

CGA Law Firm is recognized as having one of the largest and most comprehensive estate law groups in Central Pennsylvania. Our estate planning attorneys are skilled in a wide range of legal services including income, gift, estate planning and administration, elder law, business succession and financial planning. Members of the CGA estate planning team hold advanced degrees in tax law (Masters of Law in Taxation) and are well suited for advising clients on the ever changing estate tax laws and how it will impact your estate. They also hold certifications in estate planning and pension law taxation. In addition, CGA … Read more