Western PA's Premier Estate Administration & Estate Planning Law Firm

Living Wills

We strive to make the process of estate planning and estate administration as simple and straightforward as possible. At American Wills and Estates we speak to our clients in plain English, and we are sensitive to the fact that many of our clients are still grieving the loss of a loved one. Our number one goal is to put our clients at ease and to reassure them with competency and compassion in their times of need.


Estate Planning Doesn't Have to be Complicated

I think a lot of folks put off doing their estate planning because, let’s face it, no one really wants to dwell on their own mortality.  That being said, the other biggest reason for such procrastination is probably the fear that it is going to be a complicated and expensive matter to pursue.

The reality is that, for the vast majority of us, our estate planning needs... Read More

Wills and Estates

Do I Really Need a Will?

People are constantly asking me, "Lloyd, do I really need a Will. Isn't that something only people with a lot of money need?" And my answer is always a big, resounding NO. Not only should everyone have at least a simple Will as part of their estate plan, they should most definitely also have a well drafted Power of Attorney and Living Will as part of their overall plan as... Read More

The Importance of Organizing Your Estate Plan

THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING YOUR ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS ORGANIZED

If, like so many, you are prone to disorder in the keeping of important documents, assuming that you keep them at all, you may be well past due for a makeover of your estate plan and your end-of-life instructions. It is not just a matter of maintaining tidiness for its own sake: a lot of money and time could... Read More

Charitable Estate Planning, Wills, Estate Planning

It's Always a Good Time of Year to Support the Children at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

One of our law firm's favorite charities is the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Take a look at Michael Strahan interacting with

some of the kids behind the scenes. He's a class act and one of the truly good guys out there.

https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/other-ways/st-jude-thanks-and-giving/watch-our-celebrity-and-patient-videos.html?sc_cid=... Read More

Estate Planning Procrastination: Top Reasons People Give for not Having an Estate Plan

ESTATE PLANNING PROCRASTINATION: THE TOP REASONS PEOPLE GIVE FOR NOT HAVING AN ESTATE PLAN IN PLACE

 

I’M TOO BUSY AND I’M NOT PLANNING ON DYING TOMORROW

This is my personal favorite and the one I hear most often.  To be fair, it’s somewhat understandable because I know we all live very hectic and busy lives.  Let’s face it, sitting down to discuss your own... Read More

3 Important Estate Planning Considerations for Our Aging Population

Here's a great little article highlighting 3 important estate planning considerations for our ever aging population.  Take a read.

Three crucial areas to discuss with your clients
Jul 5, 2016John M. Goralka | Trusts & Estates

In the United States, we’re all living longer—at least, I plan to do so if at all possible. Today, men live an average of 76... Read More

EVERYONE NEEDS BASIC ESTATE PLANNING

If you assume that you don’t have any assets, you could be making the mistake of skipping out on an estate plan entirely. An estate plan is one of the most important collections of documents that you will have and there are many reasons why.

Every person has an estate with very few exceptions.  Even a young child who has a custodial account in his or her name could... Read More

Estate Planning is Important at Any Age

There’s a tendency to think that Estate Planning in Pennsylvania is only for those at or near retirement age. This is based on the premise that estate planning is only for outlining what happens to your belongings after you pass away, but it’s just as important that you plan for your life as it is your death.

A sudden disability, illness, or accident can raise a lot... Read More

Basic Estate Planning Documents Explained

ESTATE PLANNING GRAPHIC BREAKDOWN

Most basic estate plans consist of a Last Will and Testament, a Durable Power of Attorney and a Living Will.  Here's a handy little graphic that we've put together that provides a simple breakdown and description of what each of these documents is and how they can work together to give your family the peace of mind that having and effective estate plan can provide.  At... Read More
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Pittsburgh Probate Estate Administration and Estate Planning Lawyers