Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorneys Serving Delmont

Our family lives in Delmont. Where is probate handled, and how can a local attorney help?

Probate is handled in the county where the person lived. For Delmont residents, that means the Westmoreland County Register of Wills, where the will is validated and an executor is named. The executor then works with an experienced, local estate planning attorney to open an estate, advertise and notify creditors and beneficiaries and complete a Pennsylvania inheritance tax return to calculate taxes owed and identify what remains to be distributed to the heirs. Because our estate planning and elder law office is located in Delmont, we can meet with you close to home and guide you through each step, so you aren’t navigating the process alone while grieving a loved one.

What estate planning documents should Delmont homeowners and young families have?

Most families should start with a will, a durable power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, and a living will. If you have young children, your will is where you name a guardian, and without one a court will have to decide who cares for them. It’s also important to check that the beneficiaries on your life insurance and retirement accounts match your wishes in your will. Many Delmont and Westmoreland County families may also consider a revocable living trust to manage assets and help avoid probate. Our Delmont office can review your situation and build a plan that fits your family, your home, and your budget.

My parents live in the Delmont area and are getting older. How can we plan for their care and protect their home?

Long-term care costs can put a family’s home and savings at risk, and many Delmont families are caring for aging parents while raising their own children. Elder law planning can help you understand Medicaid eligibility, how to protect assets and your hard earned life savings, and how to avoid costly mistakes when transferring property. With the 5 year lookback for Medicaid benefits, pre-planning can give a family the most options when planning to pay for long term care. It is important as your parents age to ensure they have updated, elder focused powers of attorney and healthcare directives, so a trusted family member can step in if they become incapacitated. Our Delmont office is a convenient place for your parents to sit down with an attorney and for you to join them.