WILLS, TRUSTS & ESTATES
MELISSA V. BOND, ESQUIRE
It often is when a life event occurs that one thinks of estate planning. If you become victim to an unfortunate illness or accident tomorrow, would your next of kin or significant other know your wishes for medical care if you were unable to communicate with them? If you become severely ill or die unexpectedly, would you be willing to let the State decide how to divide up your assets? Thoughts of your future, what one’s family will do in the event of an illness or death? Will your loved ones be cared for? What will happen to your assets?
Ms. Bond has extensive knowledge and expertise in formulating the best plan for your estate. Estate Planning is an essential step to make sure that these decisions remain with you while you are still capable of making them. A consultation with her will guide you as to how your instructions and wishes regarding your health decisions are to be carried out, and how your assets and property are protected and distributed after your demise.
Estate Planning Includes Documents such as Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trusts.
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney allows you to designate a person or entity to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime. The designation may be limited to a particular situation, or may grant more wide-ranging authority.
Last Will and Testament
A Last Will and Testament allows you to name beneficiaries to receive your assets after your death. Ms. Bond will offer suggestions as to how to protect your assets so that your loved ones will have clear precise instructions pursuant to your wishes. A Will allows you to choose a person to manage the distribution of your assets. If you don’t have a Will or a Trust, you allow the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to dictate the distribution of your property and determine the heirs.
Trusts
A Trust enables a person or a qualified entity (the trustee), to hold property for the benefit of a beneficiary or beneficiaries. This legal document may identify the property, which can be real estate or personal property. There are many kinds of Trust; Living Trust, Revocable and Irrevocable Trust, Testamentary Trust and many others.
The best way to avoid problems that personal representatives, family members, sometimes beneficiaries encounter when one suffers an unfortunate accident, unexpected illness, or an untimely death is to contact an Attorney such as Melissa V. Bond to assist you during this very vulnerable stage of your life.