INDUSTRY INSIGHT
ESTATES
SPONSORED CONTENT
WHY DO I NEED A WILL AND
POWERS OF ATTORNEY?
ESTATE PLANNING
EVEN IF YOU DON’T THINK YOU NEED IT
W
HAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR ASSETS SHOULD YOU OR
YOUR SPOUSE DIE? This is not always an easy question to
answer, and one that you may prefer to avoid answering due
to the costs, time, and emotions involved. However, not planning ahead
can cost even more.
What is an Estate?
Your Estate includes not only your major assets, such as a house, bank
accounts and investments, but also includes your personal possessions
that may have monetary or simply sentimental value. You may have
people in mind whom you want to inherit some of these things, while
there may be others you prefer not to include.
What is an Estate Plan?
An Estate Plan can help you and your family in several ways. First, it
encourages you to look at how assets are titled and whom you have
named as beneficiaries. Second, it provides you the opportunity to
plan to reduce inheritance and estate taxes, probate fees, and legal
fees. Third, it can allow you and your loved ones to have difficult
conversations while there is time to decide on your wishes.
your business affairs, including paying your bills or selling your
property, and will also prevent delays and legal fees that could occur
while waiting for the court to appoint a Guardian to act on
your behalf.
How else can Estate Planning help?
Estate Planning can help you if you have a blended family so that
you can designate which of your personal assets will be granted to
your natural family and which to your current spouse or spouse’s
family. You may also want to create additional documents such as
trusts to define how your assets are managed before and after your
death. Even if you think your assets are not significant, everyone needs
a Will, Powers of Attorney, and a Living Will. I would be happy to talk
to you more about your options, and you can learn more about my
practice by visiting my website at www.kdschneiderlawoffice.com.
What happens if I die without a Will?
If you die without a Will, the laws of your state determine how your
assets will be distributed. Children, parents, siblings, and even more
distant relatives may be legally entitled to a share of the estate. In
Pennsylvania, if you die without a Will and are married with children,
your spouse and children split the estate in unequal shares. If you do not
have surviving children, then your spouse and parents are each entitled
to split your estate in half. Having a well-prepared Will ensures that your
assets will be distributed to your loved ones in accordance with your
wishes.
What is a Guardian?
If you have minor children, you and your spouse should name a
Guardian in your Will. The Guardian is the person you recommend to the
court to care for your minor children in your absence.
What are Living Wills and Powers of Attorney?
A Living Will tells your family and health care providers which
medical procedures you want to be performed in the event that you are
terminally ill and cannot communicate your wishes. A Medical Power of
Attorney allows you to designate who can make medical decisions on
your behalf if you are unable to make decisions on your own. A Financial
Power of Attorney allows you to choose a person you trust to conduct
This Industry Insight was written by Kathleen D. Schneider.
Attorney Schneider, both a lawyer and a CPA, is a founding member of the Collaborative
Law Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania (CLASP) and maintains a general law
practice in Edgewood where she focuses on family law, divorce, taxation, estates and
trusts, adoption, LGBT issues, real estate and small business start-ups. Please visit her
website at www.kdschneiderlawoffice.com.
Monroeville | Fall 2016 | icmags.com 7