What is a Living Trust?

Your will is one of the most important legal documents youll ever create. It reflects your wishes for how your assets should be distributed and who should handle your estate when youre no longer here. But life changes, and so should your will. Whether youve had a major life event, changed your mind, or simply realized your will is outdated, you may need to update it to ensure your intentions are honored.At Entrusted Legacy Law, were here to help Pennsylvania residents navigate this process without stress or confusion. In this guide, well explain when and how to change your will, what to avoid, and why working with a professional matter. Lets dive in.Life Changes. Your Will Should Too.Creating a will isnt a set-it-and-forget-it task. Life doesnt stand still, and neither should your estate plan. Have you recently gotten married? Had a new baby or grandchild? Maybe youve bought property, like a home in Harrisburg or farmland in Lancaster, or experienced the loss of a loved one named in your will.These are just a few reasons why you might need to revisit and update your will. Failing to make changes can lead to confusion, unintended consequences, or even family disputes. Keeping your will up-to-date ensures your legacy is protected and your wishes are crystal clear.Yes, You Can Change a Will Heres What to KnowThe short answer is yes, you can change a will in Pennsylvania. Whether youre making a small adjustment or a major overhaul, the law allows you to update your will at any time as long as you follow the proper legal process.Heres an example: If you remarried recently in Pittsburgh, you might want to include your new spouse in your will and ensure your updated wishes override the old ones. A clear, legally valid change protects your new family while avoiding confusion.What You Should Do When Updating Your Will1. Work With an Estate Planning AttorneyWhile it might be tempting to make changes on your own, DIY updates can create costly mistakes. A qualified estate planning attorney ensures your changes are legally valid and clearly documented. This prevents future disputes among your beneficiaries.2. Draft a New Will When its time for will updates, its often best to create a new will entirely. This helps eliminate confusion caused by multiple amendments.3. Communicate With Your FamilyUpdating your will can impact your loved ones, so its a good idea to keep them informed. For example, if you plan to leave the family home in Lancaster to one child, explaining your reasoning now can prevent hurt feelings or misunderstandings later.Pro Tip: Once you update your will, store it in a safe place where your executor can easily find it. Let your executor know where to access the most current version.Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing a WillUpdating your will is straightforward when done correctly, but there are some pitfalls to watch out for:1. Dont Handwrite Changes on the Original DocumentAdding notes, crossing out sections, or handwriting changes on your will may seem like a quick fix, but in Pennsylvania, this wont hold up in court. Informal changes can render your will invalid.2. Dont Forget to Revoke Old Versions If you draft a new will, make sure to revoke any previous versions. Having multiple wills can confuse your executor and lead to disputes over which version is valid.3. Dont Skip the Witnesses In Pennsylvania, changes to your will must be signed and witnessed by at least two people. Without proper witnessing, your updates may not be legally recognized. At Entrusted Legacy Law, we provide two witnesses and notary for you at your Signing Ceremony.Avoiding these mistakes ensures your will is updated properly and reduces the risk of challenges later on.Can an Executor Change a Will? Understanding Their RoleOne of the most common questions we hear is, Can an executor change a will?. The short answer: No, they cant.An executors job is to carry out your wishes exactly as stated in your will. They cannot rewrite, alter, or ignore any part of it even if family members disagree with your decisions.For example, lets say you leave your vacation cabin in the Poconos to one child and not the others. Even if the other children object, the executor must follow your instructions. This is why keeping your will clear, updated, and legally sound is so important.By addressing concerns during your lifetime and updating your will as needed, you can reduce tension and ensure your executor has a smooth process to follow.A Simple Guide to Updating Your Will in PennsylvaniaChanging your will doesnt have to be complicated. Follow these steps to ensure your updates are legally valid:Review Your Current Will: Take a look at your existing will and make a list of the changes you want to make.Decide on a New Will: Draft a new will to avoid confusion.Work With an Estate Planning Attorney: A professional ensures your changes meet Pennsylvanias legal requirements.Revoke Old Versions: Destroy outdated copies of your will or mark them as revoked to prevent future conflicts.Store the Updated Will Safely: Keep the new version in a secure location and let your executor know where to find it.When Should You Update Your Will? Key Life EventsMajor life changes often signal its time to update your will. Here are some key events to watch for: Marriage, Divorce, or Remarriage: Include or remove a spouse as needed.Birth or Adoption of Children or Grandchildren: Update beneficiaries to reflect your growing family.Buying or Selling Significant Property: If youve bought a home in Pittsburgh or sold your Lancaster farmland, your will should reflect these changes.Death of a Spouse, Beneficiary, or Executor: Replace individuals named in your will if needed.Changes in Finances or Tax Laws: Big financial changes or tax law updates may impact your estate plan. We recommend reviewing your will every 3-5 years to ensure it still aligns with your wishes and life circumstances.Why Professional Guidance MattersChanging your will on your own might seem simple, but small mistakes can cause major issues for your loved ones. DIY changes can leave your will unclear, invalid, or open to challenges.At Entrusted Legacy Law, we work closely with families across Pennsylvania to ensure their wills are updated properly and reflect their true intentions. To make things even easier, we offer our clients a complimentary three-year review to discuss any updates or changes needed to keep their estate plans current and effective. Whether youre making a small update or starting fresh, we make the process clear, efficient, and stress-free.Take Control of Your Estate Plan TodayKeeping your will updated is one of the best ways to protect your legacy and provide peace of mind for your loved ones. Dont let life changes catch you off guard.Ready to update your will? Contact Entrusted Legacy Law today for trusted guidance and support. Lets make sure your wishes are clear, valid, and protectednow and for years to come.

Selling a home that has been lived in for many years can be a difficult process whether a loved one has passed or is just moving into a nursing home.  Many memories have been made that hold a multitude of emotions and it is hard to let it all go.  Here are a few steps to help ease the stress of preparing your loved ones home for sale.Be PatientIf time isnt of the essence put a 60-90 day freeze on all decision making.  During that time leave everything in the home as-is except for expiring food, medicines, and anything else that could leave a bad odor.  This hold-over time period will give friends and family time to grieve, time to process the options, and time to remember the home exactly how it was while your loved one still lived there.Get Expert HelpA lawyer should be one of your first calls as they can help get the necessary paperwork in order such as a power of attorney and will.  They can also help you navigate through probate.  Seeking legal advice about selling a home is always advised as it can greatly affect the title of the home.Next, a realtor will be able to talk about all of your options when it comes to selling. Since a realtor doesnt have any emotional attachment to the house, they will be able to be matter of fact and tell you the current market value of the home.  A realtor will also let you know which items should be updated to get the most money out of the house.DeclutterIt can be difficult to let things go, but a house must be de-personalized in order to sell for top dollar. If the process is too difficult or daunting to do on your own, you might consider hiring an estate sale company to host an estate sale. If this is the route you go, it is best to step away from the process and let the professionals do their job.If you prefer to go through items yourself, consider hiring an appraiser or specialist to look at antiques to find out their true value.  Less valuable items can be donated so you know they are going to a good home. Non-profit businesses that are usually seeking donations include Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity Restores.Update/RepairsA lived-in home will have signs of wear & tear.  At a minimum fix cracked tiles, patch holes in walls, give the home a coat of fresh neutral paint, replace burned out lightbulbs, and remove curtains to let the most light in. You might also consider installing new carpet and flooring.To get the most money out of the home, consider doing a kitchen and bathroom remodel as those spaces tend to be the biggest selling points of a house. If you dont have time for a major renovation you can update simple items such as replacing light fixtures, faucets, and hinges. In the bathrooms add a few stacked washcloths tied with a ribbon, add lightly scented candles, and buy matching bathmats & towels in a light green, blue or white tone.Your realtor might also suggest hiring a professional stager, who will bring in contemporary furniture to enhance the homes attractiveness to potential buyers.Clean, Clean, CleanOne of the last steps inside the home is to give it a good cleaning.  If you dont mind putting in the elbow grease, then begin with washing the windows, vacuuming, dusting, wiping down all surfaces, and polishing appliances. You can also consider hiring a cleaning company, who can come in and make the home sparkle in just a few hours.Curb AppealLastly, spruce up the landscaping and front entrance of the home which might have become neglected.  Trim shrubs, add flowers, mow the lawn, give the front door a fresh coat of paint, and paint faded trim.  In addition, certain buyers loan types such as FHA & VA will require rotted deck boards be replaced, that peeling paint is fixed, and any broken windows be repaired.If you are ready to take the next step in selling, call lMike Lies with Gold Compass Real Estate at 303-325-5690.

Caring for a loved one can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with its challenges. Family caregivers often wear multiple hats, juggling work, family, and caregiving responsibilities. Knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference in managing the stress and ensuring your loved one receives the best possible care. Here are some essential resources every family caregiver should be aware of:Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)AAAs provide a wealth of information and services tailored to seniors and their caregivers. From meal delivery and transportation to caregiver training and respite care programs, these agencies are a critical first step for many caregivers. You can find your local AAA through the Eldercare Locator.Support GroupsCaregiving can feel isolating, but youre not alone. Support groupsboth in-person and onlineconnect you with others who understand your journey. Platforms like Family Caregiver Alliance or local support groups can offer emotional support, practical tips, and a sense of community.Respite Care ServicesTaking care of yourself is vital to being an effective caregiver. Respite care offers short-term relief by providing professional caregiving services, either at home or in a care facility. Check with local senior care providers, such as our team at Elderlink Home Care, Inc., to learn more about these options.Financial Assistance ProgramsThe costs of caregiving can add up quickly. Programs like Medicaid Waivers, Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits, and local state assistance programs can provide financial relief. Additionally, many states offer stipends or tax credits for family caregivers.Technology Tools for CaregivingModern technology has made caregiving more manageable. Apps like CaringBridge and CareZone help you organize medical records, schedules, and communication with other family members. Medication reminder tools and wearable devices can also provide peace of mind.Caregiver Education and TrainingBecoming a caregiver often requires learning new skills. Organizations like the Alzheimers Association and AARP offer online courses, workshops, and guides to help you handle medical tasks, improve communication, and navigate the complexities of caregiving.Professional Home Care ServicesSometimes, partnering with a professional caregiver can provide the support you need. Home care services like those offered by Elderlink Home Care, Inc. allow your loved one to remain in the comfort of their home while receiving expert assistance with daily activities, personal care, and companionship.Legal and Financial Planning ResourcesHaving the proper legal and financial documents in place is crucial. Organizations like Legal Aid and National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can guide you in preparing essential documents, such as powers of attorney and advanced directives, ensuring your loved ones wishes are honored.Caregiver Counseling ServicesThe emotional toll of caregiving is real. Many mental health professionals specialize in helping caregivers navigate stress, grief, and burnout. Look for local therapists or online counseling services to prioritize your mental health.Meals on Wheels and Nutrition ServicesEnsuring your loved one eats well is a top priority. Programs like Meals on Wheels provide healthy, affordable meals delivered right to their door. Many community centers and churches also offer meal services for seniors.Final ThoughtsBeing a family caregiver is no small task, but you dont have to go it alone. By tapping into these resources, you can find the support you need to provide the best care possible for your loved one while maintaining your own well-being.At Elderlink Home Care, Inc., were here to help. Whether you need professional caregiving services or advice on navigating the complexities of senior care, feel free to contact us for guidance and support.Remember: Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved one. Dont hesitate to reach out for helpits a sign of strength, not weakness!Question, please call us at 303-734-0641.