Estate Planning Lawyers in Luzerne County

Handling Wills & Estate Administration across Eastern Pennsylvania

At the end of your loved one’s life, you may be called upon to navigate the estate administration process. Estate administration is the process of distributing the deceased’s possessions, managing their estate, and paying any debts or taxes that are owed. Having an estate administration attorney on your side during this daunting process can ease your burden and ensure that your loved one’s estate is protected and managed properly.

Wills, trusts, and living wills are important estate planning tools that every person should take advantage of. Do-it-yourself kits might seem easy, but they may not fully comply with Pennsylvania law. The attorneys at Slusser Law Firm have extensive knowledge regarding wills, estate planning, and estate administration.

Call us at (570) 405-9953 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with an experienced attorney at Slusser Law Firm.

When it comes to making sure that you and your loved ones receive the finest legal work in estate planning, call Slusser Law Firm. Our team has over 170 years of combined experience in not only drafting complicated documents but also guiding clients through potential pitfalls and helping them consider difficult decisions.

What Is a Will?

A will helps you put your affairs in order so that when you die, your intentions regarding your finances, home, and other assets are known and legally documented. It may also lay out your intentions regarding the custody of your minor children. If you do not have a will, the courts will divide your assets according to a specific formula and your minor children may be placed in the care of a court-appointed guardian who was never chosen by you.

What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal entity which can manage your assets (bank accounts, securities, your house, etc.) while you are living and to help your heirs manage their inheritance after your death. There are several different kinds of trusts, so it is important you learn which trust is right for you.

What Is a Living Will?

A living will is a legal document that a person uses to make known his or her wishes regarding life-prolonging medical treatments.

It can also be referred to as:

• An advance directive
• Healthcare directive
• Physician's directive

It is important to have a living will as it informs your healthcare providers and your family about your desires for medical treatment in the event you are not able to speak for yourself. Generally, a living will describes certain life-prolonging treatments.

You indicate which treatments you do or do not want in the event you either suffer from a terminal illness or are in a permanent vegetative state. A living will is only used when your ultimate recovery is hopeless.

What Is the Power of Attorney?

For situations where you are incapacitated and not able to speak for yourself but your health is not so dire that your living will becomes effective, a healthcare power of attorney or healthcare proxy is particularly useful. This is a legal document that gives someone else the authority to make healthcare decisions for you in the event you are incapacitated.