Philadelphia Estate Lawyer

Estate Planning

Estate planning involves thoughtful consideration and action during one’s lifetime to ensure the effective transfer of wealth to the next generation. We take a sophisticated and comprehensive approach to planning to minimize taxation. In addition, we take the time to listen to the client’s goals and understand the client’s unique family needs to ensure that that the strategies in the client’s estate plan work for him or her. Whether it is providing for minors, disabled relatives, or contributing to a cause, we make sure that the client’s special concerns are addressed, including setting up trusts in situations where a control structure is needed for inherited assets.

Estate Administration

Estate administration is the orderly process of settling the estate of a decedent and ensuring that his (or her) property is distributed to his or her beneficiaries in the manner described in the decedent’s will, or according to Pennsylvania’s intestate succession rules. Personal representatives and trustees frequently engage our experienced Philadelphia estate lawyers to oversee the administration of large estates and trusts and to handle the required legal, tax and accounting work, as well as to carry out the various fiduciary responsibilities, such as managing estate property, disposing of estate property, and maintaining all records.

Estate Litigation

The process of estate administration can be complicated, particularly when disputes develop. We represent fiduciaries and beneficiaries in a variety of contested and complex matters involving the administration of estates and trusts. In some instances there are questions about the validity of the will or trust or how to interpret language in the will or trust. We also represent clients in matters related to the manner in which fiduciaries have discharged their duties.

Whatever the nature of the dispute, we can help. When disputes develop during the process of settling an estate or administering a trust, our goal is your goal: to resolve disputes as quickly as possible to avoid costly litigation and to avoid delaying the distribution of assets. Understanding that estate disputes often involve delicate family issues and strained family relationships, we keep in mind the need for privacy when seeking to resolve such disputes. Our goal is to resolve disputes in a manner that is favorable to our clients without litigation. However, if litigation is necessary, we will vigorously advocate for our client’s interests in court.

Elder Law

Our estate practice extends to the area of elder law. We represent clients in matters related to concerns associated with aging such as asset protection, preparing for long-term care, and incapacity planning.

We help clients implement asset protection strategies that will ensure that they have access to the personal care and living arrangements that they need as they age, and that they are not financially devastated in the process.

We also help clients plan for incapacity. Whether due to an illness or an accident, there may come a time when you are not able to care for your own affairs or communicate your wishes to others. Planning for this is critical to ensure that your financial affairs do not fall into disarray and to ensure that your medical needs are met in the manner that is consistent with your wishes and beliefs. To this end, our experienced Philadelphia estate lawyers will help you execute advance directives such as a durable power of attorney, health care proxy, and living will to ensure that your preferences are documented and that someone will have the legal authority to care for your affairs, if necessary.

Whether you would like to discuss an estate plan, you need help with the estate administration of an estate or trust, you need guidance on long-term care planning, or you are involved in an estate dispute, the experienced estate attorneys serving Philadelphia at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates will provide you high quality personal service. We get to know our clients and the issues that matter most to them. We serve clients throughout Philadelphia. Call us at 833.725.2972 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.