Elder Law / Estate Planning and Administration
As the U.S. population ages, we all are confronted with decisions about meeting our own needs and the needs of family members while attempting to preserve assets accumulated over a lifetime. The federal and state regulations impacting those decisions can make the task seem overwhelming. At no time is sound legal advice more important.
The Delaware County elder law and estate planning attorneys of Raffaele Puppio provide comprehensive legal counseling and related services. We help you make informed decisions about preserving your assets, accessing assistance to meet your medical needs or those of a loved one, and providing for the appropriate disposition of your assets upon death.
It is never too early to begin estate planning. Even if you are not of retirement age, or don’t think you have enough assets to be worth preserving, it is important to secure the financial future of your spouse and / or children, to avoid any potential legal entanglements in the case of a sudden, tragic incident. We will help you draft a will, set up trusts, designate beneficiaries and powers of attorney, and even help you take care of yourself, with an advanced healthcare directive or living will, to make sure your long-term medical needs are addressed.
Don’t leave the most important decisions of your life up to chance. Let the knowledgeable team at Raffaele Puppio handle the many facets of elder law and estate planning and afford you the peace of mind you deserve in your golden years.
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From The Blog
Know Thy Trust: A Plain English Guide to Orchestrating Assets in Divorce Cases
March 13, 2019Living trusts and testamentary trusts are an essential part of a complete estate plan, but they can be challenging to set up and difficult to understand how they work. Trusts in divorce cases must be especially scrutinized, along with other estate documents, to help avoid any bad situations. Published by the American Bar Association, “Know... Read More...
The ‘What,’ ‘Why’ & ‘How’ of Death Certificates in Pennsylvania
December 20, 2018When we are born, we are issued a birth certificate not only for the purpose of obtaining a legal name, but also to notify the United States government of our existence. A birth certificate enables the government to keep track of who owes taxes, who is entitled to social security benefits, who may obtain a... Read More...
What to Consider When Creating an Estate Plan in Pennsylvania
July 24, 2018Though difficult to think about, some day each of us will pass away and our loved ones will be left to pick up the pieces. Estate planning is the process of completing certain tasks in order to prepare an individual’s assets in the event that he or she becomes incapacitated or passes away. The plan... Read More...
When is the Right Time to Consult an Elder Law Attorney in Pennsylvania?
April 13, 2018Much like wisely deciding to repair the tattered roof of your home to protect against a surprise thunderstorm, the best time to contact an elder law attorney to adequately address the future needs of aging parents, a spouse or yourself is today. Long-term care arrangements are too often placed on the backburner of life’s priorities.... Read More...
Will the Right Heirs Inherit Your Estate?
March 29, 2018As emotionally unsettling as your death would be to your spouse, children and extended family, its impact would have additional ramifications should you die without having drawn up a will. Whether young or old, fit or infirm, having a valid will or other binding declaration ensures that the assets you accumulated over a lifetime will... Read More...
Understanding Special Needs Trusts in Pennsylvania
March 22, 2018If you have a child with a disability who is unlikely to become financially independent, no doubt you already have begun to think about what would happen to him or her when you die. Fortunately, an estate planning option called a Special Needs Trust is available in Pennsylvania. Through a Special Needs Trust, you can... Read More...
What Does It Mean to Serve As An Estate Administrator After Someone Dies In Pennsylvania?
March 14, 2018If a close family member or friend has died and named you as the executor of his or her will, no doubt you consider it a great honor. After all, this person considered you a trusted person in life. You will want to serve the departed dutifully now that he or she can no longer... Read More...
Understanding Trusts as a Tool in Estate Planning in Pennsylvania
July 28, 2017Often confused with wills, trusts are a frequently misunderstood tool for estate planning. Though trusts and wills are often connected within an estate and have some abilities in common, they are two different legal documents. Like a will, a trust comprises a list of property and names people or entities who are to receive that... Read More...
Roles and Responsibilities of the Administrator of a Will in Pennsylvania
July 13, 2017If you have been entrusted with the responsibility of administering the estate of a recently deceased family member or friend, it is helpful to know in advance the range of duties that will be expected of you. Administering a will as the estate’s executor can take upwards of six months, or even years, and will... Read More...
Is an Estate Required to Repay DHS for Medical Assistance Under Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Estate Recovery Program?
May 31, 2017If the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) provides medical assistance to an individual who is over 55 years of age, DHS shall have a claim against that person’s estate to recover the cost of the medical assistance. DHS’s claim against the decedent’s estate includes the cost of nursing home care, home and community based... Read More...