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Medicaid is a state- and federally funded health program for
lower-income persons of all ages. For applicants who fall into certain
categories, Medicaid imposes specific rules on how much income and resources
they can have and still qualify for benefits.
Each state has different rules for how much an applicant may
have in income and assets to qualify for Medicaid. To qualify for Medicaid, you
must fall under your state’s corresponding limit, which can be as low as $2,000
for an individual and $3,000 for a married couple.
These resource limits can also vary depending on whether a
person applies for institutional or nursing home care, community-based
services, or regular Medicaid.
If your assets are above the resource limit that would allow
you to qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to engage in planning that will
allow you to qualify for Medicaid. This planning often involves establishing a
Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) or an equivalent planning device
permitted under your state’s laws.
When a MAPT or similar trust is properly drafted and
implemented, it can protect your assets from Medicaid while enabling you to
qualify for this benefit.
How Does a MAPT Work?
A MAPT is an irrevocable trust created during your lifetime.
The primary goal of a MAPT is to transfer assets to it so that Medicaid won’t
count these assets toward your resource limit when determining whether you
qualify for Medicaid benefits.
A MAPT must be in writing and properly acknowledged. You
must also pick a trustee (not yourself) to manage the trust and its assets. The
trustee can be a family member whom you trust.
In addition, assets to be put in the MAPT actually need to
be transferred. In the case of real estate, you must transfer the deed to the
trust. Stocks and bonds must be registered in the name of the MAPT.
A MAPT must be created with sufficient time to avoid running
afoul of Medicaid lookback periods. When it comes to qualifying for Medicaid,
transfers to trusts are subject to a 60-month lookback period. That is why this
type of planning should be done before the need for Medicaid arises, preferably
as early as possible.
While you no longer own assets after they’re transferred to
a MAPT, and assets may not revert to you, you can still benefit from these
assets. For example, if you transfer your home to a MAPT, you may still be able
to live there.
In other situations, income generated from the trust
principal may be paid to you (although you cannot liquidate or withdraw the
principal). However, note that this income can be counted as available income
for purposes of Medicaid eligibility.
Can You Protect Your Home With a MAPT?
People frequently wish to use a MAPT to protect their homes
because it’s their biggest asset. Although Medicaid may not “count” your home
as an asset that falls within your resource limit, this doesn’t mean that your
home is safe from Medicaid.
For example, the home isn’t exempt from Medicaid’s estate
recovery program. Following a person’s death, Medicaid usually tries to recover
what it paid for their care by filing a lien against the person’s estate. This
often includes the family home. A proper planning strategy, which may include
using a MAPT, can avoid this scenario.
MAPTs also offer a certain degree of flexibility. For
example, if you need to downsize to a smaller home, the MAPT can sell the
house, receive the proceeds of the sale, and then purchase an apartment where
you may reside. The new property is still protected from Medicaid, and the
lookback doesn’t start over.
There are also some other features of MAPTs that lessen the
sting of “irrevocability.” You may retain the power to change the trustee or
beneficiaries of the trust.
Assets That Can Be Placed in a MAPT
Many types of property can be placed in a MAPT to help you
qualify for Medicaid. Examples include:
However, there are some assets you cannot place in a MAPT.
For example, many retirement plans, IRAs, and other retirement resources cannot
be transferred to a trust. They would have to be liquidated first. In addition,
in some states, transferring your home into a MAPT may not protect it from
Medicaid.
The fees associated with preparing a MAPT can be costly,
ranging from a few to several thousand dollars. Every person’s situation is
unique, and you shouldn’t assume a MAPT is suitable for you without speaking
with a qualified elder attorney.
An elder law attorney in your area can consider how a MAPT may affect other benefits you receive, your overall estate plan, its tax consequences, and much more.
Providing care for a loved one is a profound commitment, and in Pennsylvania, various programs exist to support family caregivers in this vital role. While Personal Care Assistance (PCA) broadly refers to services that help individuals with daily living activities, its important to understand that paid family caregiving in Pennsylvania primarily operates through specific Medicaid waivers. These initiatives aim to support the invaluable work of caregivers while allowing loved ones to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes or the homes of family members.Understanding Personal Care Assistance (PCA) in PennsylvaniaIn Pennsylvania, Personal Care Assistance (PCA) refers to the services that help individuals with daily living activities and household tasks, enabling them to live independently. Its crucial to differentiate this from Personal Care Homes (PCH), which are residential facilities that provide housing, meals, supervision, and assistance, but typically do not offer third-party reimbursement for family caregivers providing care within them.Instead, paid family caregiving for PCA services in Pennsylvania primarily operates through various Medicaid waivers, also known as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. These waivers are designed to provide direct assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and household services for older adults or individuals with disabilities who live in their own homes or the homes of loved ones. The services provided under these waivers are what constitute Personal Care Assistance in the context of paid family caregiving.Key Pennsylvania Medicaid Waivers for PCAPennsylvania offers several Medicaid waivers that facilitate paid family caregiving for Personal Care Assistance, each with specific eligibility criteria and rules regarding family members.1. Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver: Getting Paid to Care for Loved OnesThe Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver is Pennsylvanias most common Medicaid managed care program that facilitates paid family caregiving for PCA. It is designed for individuals aged 21 or older who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and require a nursing facility level of care. This program consolidates several former waivers into a single, comprehensive system and is administered by private healthcare insurance companies contracted by the state.Recipient Eligibility for CHC: To qualify for the CHC program, the individual needing care must meet several criteria: Age: The recipient must be 21 years of age or older. Dual Eligibility: They must be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Functional Eligibility: A physician must certify that the individual has a condition requiring long-term services and supports, specifically an inability to perform essential Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, toileting, or transferring. A trained assessor will also conduct a functional eligibility determination to confirm the level of care needed. Financial Eligibility: The individual must meet specific income and/or asset requirements, determined by the local County Assistance Office (CAO). For example, in 2023, the income limit to qualify for the Pennsylvania Medicaid waiver program under CHC was $2,742 per month. Caregiver Eligibility (Who Can Be Paid, Spousal/Guardian Restrictions): Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers generally permit family members, such as adult children, siblings, and even friends, to be compensated for providing care. However, under the CHC waiver, spouses (husband or wife) are typically not eligible to be paid caregivers. Similarly, individuals holding Power of Attorney (POA) for the care recipient or legally responsible guardians (such as parents caring for children under 18) are also generally excluded from paid caregiver roles under this program.Application Process: The process involves contacting the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) at 1-877-550-4227, applying on the COMPASS website, and submitting necessary documentation, including physician certification and financial information. Once approved, the care recipient can select a state-licensed home care agency that employs family members, such as Avondale Care Group.Services Covered & How Agencies Facilitate Payments: The CHC waiver covers a range of personal care and home care services. This includes direct assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management, as well as various household services. Family caregivers are hired as regular employees of the licensed home care agency, which handles all administrative tasks, including payroll and compliance.Payment Rates & Benefits for Family Caregivers: The compensation for family caregivers through Medicaid waiver programs in Pennsylvania typically ranges between $10 and $15 per hour. The number of hours approved depends on the care recipients health and needs, with a maximum of 35 hours of care per week often allowed. The maximum weekly pay rate for Pennsylvania is up to $700 per week, which aligns with or exceeds these hourly rates, potentially including overtime or other factors. Many agencies also offer additional benefits that significantly enhance the overall compensation package for family caregivers. These can include overtime pay, weekly pay, free Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training for eligible caregivers, holiday pay (often 1.5 times the regular rate for specified holidays), 401k plans with company matching, company-sponsored healthcare insurance (with substantial premium coverage), flexible schedules, and paid time off.2. OBRA WaiverThe OBRA Waiver is designed to support individuals aged 18-59 who have a severe developmental physical disability and require an Intermediate Care Facility/Other Related Conditions (ICF/ORC) level of care. This program helps these individuals live as independently as possible within their communities by providing assistance with activities of daily living (PCA services).Family Member/Spouse Eligibility: Similar to the CHC waiver, the OBRA waiver excludes spouses or legal guardians from being paid caregivers.Payment Rates: Compensation for caregivers under the OBRA waiver varies by geographic area, typically ranging from $13 to $15 per hour. The maximum weekly pay rate for Pennsylvania is up to $700 per week.Application: The application process also begins by contacting the Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) at 1-877-550-4227. 3. Consolidated WaiverThe Consolidated Waiver provides support and services to a broader population, including individuals of all ages with an intellectual disability (ID) or autism, as well as children under 22 with a developmental disability due to a medically complex condition. Recipients must be recommended for an intermediate care facility (ICF) level of care based on a medical evaluation.Family Member/Spouse Eligibility: A significant difference with the Consolidated Waiver is that it explicitly allows a friend or family member, including a spouse or legal guardian, to receive payment for care provided.Payment Rates: The average pay for Pennsylvania caregivers under the Consolidated Waiver typically falls between $11 and $14.50 per hour. The maximum weekly pay rate for Pennsylvania is up to $700 per week.Application: To apply for the Consolidated Waiver, individuals should contact the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) customer line at 1-888-565-9435. Important Considerations: Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP)While Pennsylvanias Medicaid programs offer crucial financial relief for family caregivers, it is essential for families to understand the long-term financial implications. The Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP) is a federal requirement for all state Medicaid programs to seek repayment for long-term care costs after a recipient passes away. This recovery typically applies to individuals aged 55 and older who received Medicaid long-term care services, including those provided through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Assets subject to recovery can include the deceased recipients primary home, even if it was exempt during their lifetime while receiving benefits. The states claim is generally delayed if there is a surviving spouse, a child under 21, or a child of any age who is blind or permanently disabled. Families may also be able to apply for undue hardship waivers in certain circumstances. Given these potential impacts on family inheritance and assets, it is highly advisable for families to consult with an elder law attorney or financial advisor for personalized guidance on MERP and comprehensive estate planning.
Pennsylvania offers Medicaid waiver programs under the Community HealthChoices (CHC) umbrella and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Waiver (often referred to as the PA Council on Aging Waiver). These programs help older adults and individuals with physical disabilities remain in their homes or community settings instead of entering nursing facilities. CHC and the PDA Waiver provide long-term services and supports (LTSS) based on assessed functional needs, emphasizing assistance with ADLs and IADLs. Covered services may include personal care assistance, adult day services, home-delivered meals, transportation, home modifications, assistive technology, and respite care for family caregivers. In addition, Pennsylvanias CHC Waiver offers Participant-Directed Services that allow participants to hire and manage their own caregivers, including family members. To qualify, applicants must be Medicaid-eligible, at least 60 years old (for PDA Waiver) or 21+ (for CHC), and require a nursing facility level of care as determined through a standardized functional assessment of ADLs/IADLs. In this article, we explain what Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are and how needing help with these tasks is central to qualifying for Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers like CHC and the PDA Waiver.What Are ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)?Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental self-care tasks that a person must perform daily to maintain independence. Difficulty with ADLs often signals a need for supportive services. Core ADLs include: Mobility (Ambulating/Transferring): Safely walking, getting up from a chair, or transferring from a bed to a wheelchair. Dressing: Selecting and putting on appropriate clothing (including handling fasteners) without assistance. Eating: Feeding oneselfusing utensils to get food from a plate to the mouth and consuming it. Personal Hygiene: Bathing or showering and performing grooming activities like shaving, brushing teeth, and combing hair on ones own. Toileting (Continence): Independently using the toiletgetting to the toilet, transferring on and off, and cleaning oneself afterward. When someone can no longer perform several ADLs without help, it indicates that ongoing care or support is likely needed.What Are IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)?Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex tasks that allow a person to live independently in the community. While not necessarily performed daily, they are essential for managing ones household and life. Key IADLs include: Shopping for Essentials: The ability to shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, or purchase clothing and other necessities. Meal Preparation: Planning and cooking mealsgathering ingredients and safely using kitchen appliances. Housekeeping: Keeping the home clean and livable tasks like cleaning, laundry, and taking out the trash. Money Management: Handling finances, such as paying bills on time, managing bank accounts, and budgeting. Transportation: Getting around or arranging transportationdriving oneself or using public transit or rides to run errands and attend appointments. Medication Management: Managing and taking medications properly remembering to take the correct medicines at scheduled times and refilling prescriptions. Communication: Using the phone or computer to communicatelooking up phone numbers, making calls, sending emails, and staying in touch with others. Trouble with IADLs is often one of the first signs that someone needs more support, even if basic ADLs are unaffected.Why ADLs and IADLs Matter for Medicaid Waiver EligibilityIn Pennsylvania, needing help with ADLs and IADLs is a central eligibility criterion for the CHC and PDA Waiver programs. These waivers serve individuals who would otherwise qualify for nursing facility care but prefer to remain in their own homes or community settings. Eligibility is determined through both financial and functional assessments. The functional assessment evaluates whether an individual requires hands-on assistance with ADLs and/or significant help with IADLs, thereby meeting a nursing facility level of care. Pennsylvania uses standardized toolsoften the Pennsylvania LongTerm Care Assessment System (PaLTAS) or the Minimum Data SetHome Care (MDSHC)to score independence in ADLs and IADLs.During the functional evaluation, an assessor reviews abilities such as transferring from bed to chair, walking safely, eating, toileting, meal preparation, housekeeping, medication management, and managing money. Cognitive issuessuch as memory problems due to dementiaare also considered since they impact daily functioning. If an individual cannot perform multiple ADLs without assistance or has significant deficits in IADLs, they are likely to meet the level-of-care requirement and become eligible for waiver services.Community HealthChoices (CHC) WaiverCommunity HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvanias comprehensive HCBS waiver program for individuals aged 21 and older who require a nursing facility level of care. Administered by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), CHC is a managed care program that combines physical health, long-term services and supports, and pharmacy benefits under a single plan (with behavioral health carved out). To qualify for CHC: Be age 21 or older. Meet Medicaid financial eligibility guidelines. Require a nursing facility level of care (confirmed through functional assessment). Live in a setting that meets HCBS requirements (e.g., home, apartment, assisted living). Be a Pennsylvania resident. Once enrolled, participants receive a comprehensive package of services tailored to their needs. Covered services may include personal assistance, home-delivered meals, adult day services, behavioral support, professional nursing, home modifications, assistive technology, transportation, and respite care. CHC also offers Participant-Directed Services, allowing participants to recruit, hire, train, and supervise their own caregiversoften family membersto assist with ADLs (bathing, dressing, toileting) and IADLs (meal preparation, medication reminders).PDA Waiver (Council on Aging Waiver)The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Waiver, also called the Council on Aging Waiver, serves seniors aged 60 and over who require nursing facility level of care but choose to remain at home or in other community-based settings like domiciliary care homes. To qualify: Be age 60 or older. Meet Medicaid financial eligibility requirements. Be assessed as requiring nursing facility level of care (through the functional assessment). Live in a qualifying community setting. Covered services under the PDA Waiver may include personal care assistance, home-delivered meals, homemaker services, personal emergency response systems, respite care, adult day services, minor home modifications, and transportation. Like CHC, the PDA Waiver emphasizes managing ADL and IADL needs to keep participants safely in their homes.Participant-Directed ServicesBoth CHC and the PDA Waiver offer Participant-Directed Services, which empower participants to choose and manage their own caregivers, including family members, friends, or neighbors. Under this model, participants develop a service plan with guidance from a care coordinator, set schedules, and handle payroll tasks. This flexibility helps ensure that personal care and IADL support align with participants preferences and routines.Signs That Your Loved One May QualifyBelow are practical indicators that someone may be eligible for Pennsylvanias CHC or PDA Waiver due to difficulty with ADLs and IADLs: Trouble with Personal Care: Skipping showers, unkempt hair, or wearing dirty clothes may indicate difficulties with bathing and dressing (ADLs). Malnutrition or Weight Loss: An empty fridge or significant weight loss suggests issues with meal prep or feeding oneself (ADLs/IADLs). Mobility Decline and Falls: Struggling to walk without assistance, needing help to stand, or experiencing frequent falls signals reduced mobility (ADL: transferring/ambulating). Medication Errors and Memory Problems: Missing doses, mixing up pills, or forgetting appointments point to challenges with medication management and scheduling (IADLs). Household Neglect: Piles of mail, unpaid bills, or a cluttered home reflect trouble with housekeeping and money management (IADLs). A combination of needing help with several ADLslike bathing and toiletingand difficulties with IADLssuch as meal prep and housekeepingstrongly indicates a nursing facility level of care. Document these challenges for the functional assessment to demonstrate eligibility.Were Here to Help: Next Steps and Contact InformationNavigating Pennsylvanias Medicaid waiver programs can be complex, but you dont have to go it alone. At Passion to Care, we specialize in guiding Pennsylvania families through the CHC and PDA Waiver application processesfrom the initial functional assessment of ADLs and IADLs to completing paperwork and coordinating services once approved. If you notice your loved one struggling with daily tasks or if a professional has recommended nursing facility care, it may be time to explore CHC or the PDA Waiver. Our compassionate, family-first team ensures your loved ones needs are met with dignity and respect. Call us or contact us today to learn how to get started with Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.
Will Federal Medicaid Changes Affect Colorados Long-Term Care Medicaid? Heres the Answer President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) certainly includes far-reaching revisions to Medicaidcuts to provider taxes, new work requirements, tighter eligibility checks, and billions in savings over a decade. But Colorados long-term care Medicaidcovering nursing homes, home health, and other LTSS (long-term services and supports)has unique state safeguards that ensure it remains insulated from these changes. 1. Federal Cuts Mostly Affect Expansion and Non-Elderly AdultsThe OBBBAs primary targets are Medicaid expansion, non-disabled adults, and children, via work requirements and cost-sharing policies. These reforms are expected to phase in during 20272028. In contrast, long-term care beneficiariestypically seniors and people with disabilitiesfall under separate eligibility categories that the bill doesnt restructure. 2. States Can Shield Long-Term Care FundingColorado funds long-term care services through its Medicaid waiver system. The OBBBA reduces providers taxes and places new caps on expansion enrollment, but it does not limit waivers for nursing homes or home- and community-based services. Even without adjusting, Colorado can preserve funding by prioritizing these essential services over general expansion. 3. Colorados Bipartisan Commitment to Aging ServicesColorado has a long-standing commitment to supporting seniors and people with disabilities. In recent years, the state has steadily increased its share of state funds to match or exceed federal contributions, especially for the elderly population. With broad political consensus, any state-level attempt to curtail waivers would be unlikely. 4. Historical Stability Through Waiver ProtectionsSince implementing the Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver in 2004, Colorado has used it to support aging in place and reduce institutional costs. These waivers have remained stable across administrations and funding changes. Theres no indication that Trump-era reforms would dismantle this proven framework. 5. National Context Supports StabilitySources like KFF confirm that while OBBBA cuts the Medicaid expansion rate from 90% to 80%, and imposes red tape on enrollment, it does not overhaul LTSS (long-term services and supports). Even health-policy experts acknowledge the targeted nature of the reformfocused on non-elderly groups, not those needing long-term care. Bottom Line for Coloradans Trumps Medicaid changes will significantly affect parts of the system serving non-disabled adults, especially in expansion states. But Colorados long-term care Medicaiddriven by federal waivers, state obligations, and a bipartisan mandatestands apart. Residents access to nursing home care, home-based services, and support for people with disabilities is not at risk.
Pennsylvania Probate: What You Need to Know After the Passing of a Loved OneIf you are here to learn about Pennsylvania probate laws after the passing of a loved one, we first want to extend our sincere condolences. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we hope the information on this page provides clarity and helps minimize the legal and administrative challenges you may otherwise face.What Is Probate in Pennsylvania?Probate in Pennsylvania is a court-supervised legal process that ensures the transfer of assets from a deceased individual to their rightful heirs or beneficiaries. This process is essential for: Proving the validity of a will Appointing an executor (if there is a will) or an administrator (if there is no will) Inventorying and appraising estate property Paying outstanding debts, estate taxes, and creditors Distributing assets as directed by the willor by Pennsylvania intestacy laws if no will existsIn Pennsylvania, if a deceased person owned real estate or assets solely in their name, their estate must go through probate before assets can be legally distributed.The Downsides of Pennsylvania Probateand What You Can Do NextMany residents in Allegheny County, Butler County, Beaver County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County have heard that probate is a lengthy, expensive, and public process. Unfortunately, this is truewithout proper estate planning, probate can be costly and time-consuming.The best way to avoid probate in Pennsylvania is to plan ahead using strategies such as revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, and joint ownership structures. However, if you are already in a position where probate is required, the best thing you can do is educate yourself and seek experienced probate legal assistance to complete the process as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.How Is a Probate Case Started in Pennsylvania?Probate can be initiated by any beneficiary or creditor, but most often, the process begins when the Executor named in the will files the original will and a petition with the Pennsylvania probate court.If there is no will, a close relative of the deceased (such as a spouse, child, or sibling) typically files the petition to become the Administrator of the Estate.Choosing the Executor for a Pennsylvania EstateIf a valid will exists, the individual named as Executor will handle the probate processif they are eligible and willingIf no Executor is available or no will exists, any interested party (such as a family member) can petition the Pennsylvania Orphans' Court to be appointed as the Administrator of the Estate.Executor Compensation in PennsylvaniaUnder Pennsylvania probate law, Executors and Administrators receive compensation based on a percentage of the total probate estate value. This is designed to fairly compensate them for their time and effort in managing estate matters.However, Executors can be held personally liable for any mistakes made during the process. Given the complexity of Pennsylvania probate rules, its critical to work with a skilled probate attorney to avoid legal pitfalls.Do You Need to Go Through Probate If a Trust Exists?In most cases, no. If the deceaseds assets were properly titled in the name of a trust, probate is not required. Instead, the successor trustee will work with an estate planning lawyer to administer the trust and distribute assets.However, many families are surprised to learn that simply having a trust does not guarantee that probate will be avoided. Common mistakes include: The trust was not updated over time to reflect new assets. The decedents assets were never properly transferred into the trust.To ensure your estate plan works as intended, its important to work with an estate planning attorney who provides ongoing trust maintenance and reviews.Which Assets Are Subject to Probate in Pennsylvania?Assets that must go through probate include: Real estate, bank accounts, or investments owned solely in the deceaseds name Personal property and valuable assets without a beneficiary designationAssets that bypass probate include: Jointly owned property with Right of Survivorship Bank accounts or investment accounts with Transfer on Death (TOD) or Payable on Death (POD) designations Life insurance policies and retirement accounts with named beneficiariesHowever, some assets that normally bypass probate can still become subject to the process under certain circumstances. Consult with a Pennsylvania probate attorney to determine if probate applies to your specific situation.How Pennsylvania Intestacy Laws Distribute an Estate When There Is No WillIf no valid will exists, Pennsylvania intestacy laws dictate how the estate will be distributed:1 Spouse (If married, a portion or all of the estate goes to the spouse)2 Children (If the deceased had children, they inherit next)3 Parents (If there are no children, parents inherit)4 Siblings (If no spouse, children, or parents, siblings inherit)This highlights the importance of estate planningwithout a will or trust, the state determines who receives your assets.How Long Does Pennsylvania Probate Take?The timeline for Pennsylvania probate varies depending on the estates complexity. On average: Minimum of 12 months for simple cases Up to 2+ years for complex estates, disputes, or tax-related mattersWhat Are the Costs of Probate in Pennsylvania?Probate costs in Pennsylvania include: Attorneys fees (Based on estate size and complexity) Court filing fees Executor fees (set by Pennsylvania law) Appraisal and valuation fees Publication and administrative costsIn more complex estates, additional fees may apply, increasing probate expenses and delays.How to Choose the Right Pennsylvania Probate AttorneySelecting the right probate lawyer in Pennsylvania is crucial. Many general practice lawyers dabble in probate law, but only experienced probate attorneys have the knowledge to navigate complex estate matters efficiently. You do NOT have to use the attorney who prepared the will. You have the right to choose a specialized probate lawyer who understands the nuances of Pennsylvania estate law and can expedite the process. Avoid costly mistakes. Working with an experienced probate attorney prevents errors that could increase costs, cause delays, or result in legal disputes.Contact Entrusted Legacy Law for a Complimentary Pennsylvania Probate ConsultationIf youre ready to begin the probate process in Pennsylvania, our Allegheny County and Butler County probate attorneys are here to guide you.Call us at 412-347-1731 to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to determine your next best steps.During your consultation, we will: Answer your probate-related questions Provide guidance on estate administration Help you navigate the Pennsylvania probate process efficientlyWe are here to relieve the legal and administrative burden during this difficult time and ensure that your loved ones estate is handled with care.
Our Firm Prepares You for Life What makes our firm different is that we were built with the needs of growing families in mind. We understand you are BUSY, you are growing, you are planning for a life of prosperity and you value ease, convenience and efficiency. You are raising children, and caring for elderly parents, while also working hard to build your own nest egg for a lifetime of support. You want to know youve made the best decisions for your family and that your plan will work when your loved ones need it most. You want to make sure your minor children would be raised by the people you choose, and never by anyone you wouldnt want, and that your teens and adult children are properly prepared to care for you and what you leave behind. You want to feel confident that youve made the right choices, and handled everything so that you arent leaving behind a mess, when something happens. That is our focus as well. Weve developed unique systems to give you the same access to a Personal Family Lawyer as was previously only available to the super-wealthy, so you can have the guidance you need to build and maintain a life of prosperity and wealth. And, to keep your family out of court and out of conflict, which is the greatest risk to the people you love and all you have created, even if youve already worked with a traditional lawyer or created documents online. Our Team Is Here for You We encourage communication with our clients. In fact, weve thrown out the time clocks so you never have to be afraid to call with a quick question. Everything we do is billed on a flat-fee basis, agreed to in advance, so there are never any surprises. We have a whole team to serve you. When you call our office to ask your quick question, you wont have to wait hours or days for a phone call back. Youll get your question answered, right away. And, if you need to schedule a more in-depth legal or strategic call with your Personal Family Lawyer, a call will be scheduled when you're both available and ready for the call so we can make the very best use of your time and not waste your time by leaving voicemail after voicemail back and forth. And, we ensure the most important details of your planning are followed through on and your plan continues to work throughout your lifetime. We have a funding coordinator to ensure your assets are owned the right way throughout your lifetime and none of your assets will end up going through a long, expensive court process or being lost to the state because they were missed after your death. Weve created unique membership programs to keep your plan up to date year in and year out as well as give you access to our Trusted Team of Legal Experts for guidance on ANY legal or financial matter. One day you will need a lawyer. I dont know why and I dont know when, but when you do, you will be grateful you can call on us and well be here to advise you or get you out of a jam. We Help You Transfer Your Life and Legacy Lastly, we believe your financial wealth is only a small part of your overall Life and Legacy Planning which is made up of your far more valuable and most often lost upon incapacity or death intellectual, spiritual and human assets. These assets are what make you who you are, and sum up whats most important to you. And, a survey of inheritors has revealed that what they care about even more than inheriting your money, is inheriting these intangible assets. Most estate plans only focus on the transfer of your financial wealth to the next generation. Most people have such great intentions of passing on the intangible, but very few ever get around to it. Its just not a priority, until its too late. How much do you know about your grandparents values? Their most prized personal possessions? How they felt about you? What they had learned during their lifetime? If you are like most people, you know very little. Thats why we build the capture and passage of these most valuable assets into every estate plan we create. Not only will we help you pass on your money, but also your values, your insights, your stories and your experience the truly valuable assets your loved ones care about the most. Weve developed a tool that allows us to capture and pass on your whole family wealth, including your Intellectual, Spiritual and Human assets. I cant go into all of the details here, but well definitely talk about it when you come in for your Life and Legacy Planning Session.
Estate Planning for Everyone You Love and Everything You OwnHave you ever considered what would happenlegally and financiallyto you, your family, your assets, and everything you care about if the unexpected were to occur?If your estate plan is outdated or non-existent, your assets could be lost to the State Department of Unclaimed Property, subjected to an expensive and time-consuming probate process, or even end up in the wrong hands. Without a comprehensive estate plan, your loved ones may face unnecessary financial hardship, legal disputes, or court intervention at a time when they need certainty and protection the most.If you dont know exactly what would happen to everything you own and everyone you love, the first step is to gain clarity. You need to understand how your current estate plan (or lack thereof) will impact your family so you can make informed decisions about whether it truly aligns with your wishes.How Entrusted Legacy Law Helps You With Estate PlanningWe offer customized estate planning solutions designed to protect your family, preserve your wealth, and ensure your wishes are honored. Through our Life and Legacy Planning Session, we take the time to educate you on the legal, financial, and personal implications of your estate choices.Step 1: The Life and Legacy Inventory & AssessmentBefore your Life and Legacy Planning Session, you will complete a comprehensive estate inventory that outlines your financial assets, real estate holdings, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other valuable property. This step ensures that we have a full picture of your estate and can identify potential gaps in your asset protection strategy.Step 2: Creating a Personalized Estate PlanIf you decide that your current estate plan is inadequateor if you dont have one at allwe will work together to design a legally sound and strategically structured estate plan that meets your familys unique needs. The foundation of your estate plan will often include a revocable living trust, which allows you to transfer your assets into the trust while maintaining control during your lifetime.Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust: Avoid Probate Prevents the time-consuming and expensive court process that could otherwise delay asset distribution. Minimize Estate Taxes Helps reduce tax liabilities and protect your wealth for future generations. Ensure Privacy Unlike a will, which becomes public record, a trust ensures your estate remains private. Maintain Control Dictate how and when your assets are distributed to your heirs.For families with complex financial portfolios, business ownership, or special circumstances (such as blended families or special needs children), we offer advanced estate planning strategies tailored to your specific goals.Can You DIY Your Estate Plan?Many people wonder if they can create an estate plan using online templates or generic legal services. Unfortunately, most DIY estate plans fail when families need them the most. What often passes for "estate planning" is nothing more than basic document generation, where you answer a few questions and receive a generic template that may not fully protect your assets or your loved ones. No Personalization A generic template cannot address your unique family dynamics, financial situation, or specific legal concerns. Legal Loopholes Improperly structured wills or trusts may be contested in court, leaving your family in legal disputes. No Ongoing Maintenance Estate laws change, and without updates, your plan may become outdated and ineffective.At Entrusted Legacy Law, we dont just draft documentswe provide comprehensive estate planning services that ensure your estate plan actually works when it matters most. We take the time to understand your familys needs, educate you on your options, and create a legally enforceable, tax-efficient, and conflict-free estate plan that gives you peace of mind.Protecting Families & Minor Children Through Estate PlanningIf you are a parent with young children, your estate plan should begin with a solid foundation that ensures your children will always be taken care of, no matter what happens. Without the proper legal protections in place, your children could end up in the custody of someone you wouldnt have chosenor worse, under state guardianship.At Entrusted Legacy Law, we specialize in estate planning for families with minor children. We help parents:Name Legal Guardians Ensure your children are raised by trusted individuals of your choosing.Set Up Trusts for Minor Children Prevent financial mismanagement by appointing a responsible trustee to oversee assets.Establish Emergency Plans Provide clear instructions for immediate care in case of sudden incapacity or death.Whether youre planning for minor children, adult dependents, elderly parents, or a complex estate, we can guide you through the estate planning process with personalized strategies to protect your familys future.Secure Your Legacy With Entrusted Legacy LawEstate planning isnt just about who gets whatits about ensuring that your loved ones are financially secure, legally protected, and prepared for the future.If you want to create a comprehensive estate plan that reflects your wishes, avoids probate, minimizes taxes, and keeps your loved ones out of court and out of conflict, then now is the time to take action Contact Entrusted Legacy Law today to schedule your Life and Legacy Planning Session and take the first step in protecting your family, your assets, and your future.