Please know that estate planning is not just for older people and rich folks. It’s about making sure your wishes are honored and that you protect your loved ones from unnecessary stress, taxes, or legal disputes when you’re gone. In PA, a well-crafted estate plan gives you control over what happens to your assets and who makes decisions if you become unable to.
Life is deceitfully unpredictable, but you shouldn’t leave your legacy to chance. At McDonald Myers Law, our Harrisburg, PA, estate planning attorneys can guide you through this process, help you avoid costly mistakes, and tailor your plan to your family’s unique needs and goals.
What Your Harrisburg, PA, Estate Plan Should Include
At a minimum, our seasoned Harrisburg, PA, estate planning lawyers recommend that your estate plan include the following:
- A last will and testament to designate heirs and name guardians for minor children.
- A durable power of attorney, so someone you trust can manage your finances if you become incapacitated.
- A healthcare power of attorney and living will to outline medical wishes and name someone to make health decisions on your behalf.
- A revocable living trust to manage assets privately and avoid probate.
The state’s intestate succession laws will decide how your assets are distributed without these documents, and those results may not reflect your wishes. For instance, your spouse may not automatically inherit everything if you die without a will and are married with children.
Planning for Incapacity and Potential Estate Disputes
Estate planning isn’t only about death. It is also about protecting yourself if you become unable to make decisions due to illness, injury, or age through powers of attorney.
A financial power of attorney allows someone to pay your bills, manage your accounts, and handle taxes if you’re incapacitated. Likewise, a healthcare power of attorney allows someone to speak with doctors and make treatment decisions on your behalf. Additionally, a living will outlines your end-of-life preferences, such as whether you want life support if you become terminally ill.
Without these documents, your family might need to petition the court for guardianship, which can be an expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining legal process. Our Harrisburg, PA, estate planning lawyers can ensure you have the right protections in place before a crisis happens.
Unfortunately, estate disputes are common. An eligible individual can challenge your will for reasons such as undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper execution. We’ve seen families torn apart by conflicts that could have been avoided with clearer planning. Our Harrisburg, PA, estate planning attorneys will make sure your documents are legally valid, precisely worded, and thoughtfully designed to minimize confusion or conflict.
How Our Harrisburg, PA, Estate Planning Attorneys Can Help
At the Law Office of Allissa McDonald Myers, we believe that estate planning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it shouldn’t be. Our Harrisburg, PA, estate planning lawyers will listen to your goals, explain your options clearly, and create a plan that reflects your values and protects your legacy. They can also:
- Ensure your documents comply with state law and are updated as your life changes
- Avoid high probate costs and reduce estate taxes
- Safeguard your assets from creditors, lawsuits, or long-term care expenses
- Guide you through complex situations, including blended families, family businesses, or beneficiaries with special needs
Let Our Proactive Harrisburg, PA, Estate Planning Lawyers Safeguard Your Legacy
Whether you need a simple will or a comprehensive trust-based plan, our Harrisburg, PA, estate planning attorneys are here for you. Contact the McDonald Myers Law online or at 717-704-9077 to schedule your confidential consultation.
