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

Pittsburgh Probate

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.


Make Sure Your Last Will and Testament is Prepared Properly

I'm always amazed when I hear people say that they either prepared their own Last Will and Testament had it done by their CPA, their financial adviser, a notary public or some kind of online service. Most folks way to hard trust the preparation of such an important and vital document to a non-lawyer layperson.

The late actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, trusted the... Read More

Inside We Are All Forever Young

A helpful reminder to us all. God willing, one day we are all going to be old, so make sure you always treat your elders with the same respect you'd wish to be treated with.

https://goo.gl/2QYD6p

The Greatest May Not Have Had the Greatest Estate Plan

He was "The Greatest" and I certainly hope that he get's to rest in peace, but it sure looks like he might be in for one more fight from beyond the grave as his heirs prepare to do battle over his estate. It's a shame, but it looks like the champ may become another celebrity example of poor estate planning. Let's hope not, but it certainly should serve as a wake up call for... Read More

Pittsburgh Probate

What To Expect From a Probate Estate Administration Law Firm

The Probate process is initiated by obtaining either Letters Testamentary (if there is a Will) or Letters of Administration (if the Decedent died without having made a Will).

This is the beginning of a process that often includes interconnected layers of complexity that require legal professionals who specialize in Probate Estate Administration—like the attorneys at... Read More

Executor Mistakes

Probate Mistakes - What Not to Do if You're an Executor

Serving as the Executor of a loved one's estate is a great honor, but it's also a serious obligation and undertaking. Sometimes, mistakes can be made that will turn the job into a real nightmare.

Here's an interesting article that I came across in the Wall Street Journal that does a nice job of highlighting some of the big mistakes that every Executor should strive... Read More

Probate Help

5 Steps to Take Following the Loss of a Loved One

Losing a loved one is never easy. Yet, despite the emotional loss and great sadness, there are many things that still need to happen and get done. Here's an article that I came across in USA Today that lists five (5) important things that need to happen shortly after someone's death. Take a read and I hope you find the article helpful.

If you or a family member is... Read More

Executor of an Estate

Three Quick Tips for an Estate Executor

Sure, it’s an honor and a privilege to be named as an Executor of a loved one’s Last Will and Testament, but it can also be a big responsibility and a whole lot of work. Being an Executor, a Personal Representative or the Administrator of an estate requires organization, attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively with a group of heirs or beneficiaries... Read More

Estate Tax Won’t Be Repealed This Year, Predicts Top Estate Tax Attorney

Here's an interesting article I came across explaining why the Federal Estate Tax probably won't be revoked this year and, perhaps, not any time real soon. Take a look.

Estate Tax Won’t Be Repealed This Year, Predicts Top Estate Tax Attorney
January , 2017 • TED KNUTSON

Despite promises by President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans, the estate tax won... Read More

Executor, Probate Attorney, Estate Lawyer, Estate Attorney

A Few Things Every Executor Needs to Know

If you've recently been named to serve as the Executor of a loved one's estate, here's a great little article that

appeared in the AARP Bulletin a while back that really does a nice job highlighting some of the very important

things that you should be aware of.  Take a read, I think you'll find it very useful.  If you still have questions when

your done... Read More

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Pittsburgh Probate Estate Administration and Estate Planning Lawyers