Pennsylvania - South Central

Are you planning to move out of state? Bellomo & Associates, an estate planning and elder law firm based in York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is here to assist you. Our services cover everything from basic estate planning documents to asset protection and more. One common question we often receive is about the validity of documents when moving to a new state. Generally, if your documents were valid in the state where they were created, they should also hold validity in your new state. However, its crucial to remember that a confused mind may lead to complications. In many cases, it makes sense to consider redoing your documents according to your new states rules and regulations. Each state has its own specific requirements for documents like Powers of Attorney. If your new state has stricter or different requirements, you may encounter difficulties in having institutions accept your documents. While you may eventually prevail, it could be a hassle and time-consuming process. Let me share an example we experienced in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A client moved from Arizona with documents deemed valid in Arizona at the time of creation. Despite having an affidavit from an Arizona attorney, we faced considerable difficulties in Lancaster County when attempting to accept the Will for probate. To avoid potential confusion and refusals to accept your documents, we strongly recommend updating your documents if you have the capacity to do so after moving. Although this might not be the technical rule, its a safer option for you and your family. Take the necessary steps to ensure your documents comply with your new states regulations. To learn more about estate planning and how to protect your assets, we invite you to join our free educational workshop. Register now and secure your spot!

In the mid-90s, my grandpa Bellomo was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease, and I remember watching him progress through the stages of this disease and thinking how horrible it was and that he was no longer my grandfather. I remember being very optimistic that there would be a cure for this disease in the very near future. Here we are in 2022 and there are no cures to this difficult disease. In my practice as an estate planning and elder law attorney, we have answers to just about every question and solutions to just about every problem. The one constant difficult issue that arises on a regular basis is a client who is diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease and how to provide the care that they need to keep them safe as long as possible. Certainly, keeping somebody at home is a much better option than taking them out of their environment into another situation but as this disease progresses, the individuals will often get combative and violent and oftentimes cannot remain in the home. There are several wonderful care options at assisted living facilities that are called memory units. Unfortunately, these are private pay situations with no ability for government funds to help assist or pay for this type of living. Oftentimes, memory care units can cost somewhere between $7,000 and $9,000 a month which often becomes cost prohibitive. In many cases, the individual ends up being placed in a nursing home not because a nursing home is the right place for the client, but rather because there are ways to have the government assist with the funding of the approximate $12,000 to $13,000 a month of care. Whether or not this is the best place for the individual is certainly debatable but for some families it is simply not an option. Alzheimers is a very difficult disease and our hats off to all caregivers out there who are assisting to the best of their ability. Please feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or comments at 717-845-5390.

Greetings, I trust this message finds you in good health and high spirits. In my years as an elder law and estate planning attorney here at Bellomo & Associates, Ive had the privilege of guiding families through the intricacies of planning for the future. Today, I want to share some insights on common estate planning mistakes, drawing from the experiences of those Ive had the honor of assisting. Its human nature to postpone tasks, especially those that involve contemplating the future. However, delaying your estate planning can have significant consequences. Whether youre an income-generating couple, a seasoned individual considering nursing home care, or a young family with dreams to protect, procrastination can rob you of the peace of mind that comes with a well-thought-out plan. No two families are the same, and neither should their estate plans be. Cookie-cutter approaches often neglect the nuances that make your situation unique. As your trusted advisor, I emphasize the importance of personalized solutions. Your plan should reflect your values, aspirations, and the legacy you wish to leave behind. Life is dynamic, and so are your circumstances. Marriage, births, career shifts, and even unexpected health challenges can reshape your priorities. Failing to update your estate plan accordingly can lead to unintended consequences. Regular reviews ensure that your plan remains a true reflection of your current life stage and desires. Discussing end-of-life matters can be uncomfortable, but its a crucial step in ensuring your wishes are understood and respected. Communicating openly with your loved ones about your estate plan can prevent misunderstandings and provide clarity during challenging times. In the age of online resources, its tempting to try a do-it-yourself approach to estate planning. However, the potential pitfalls of DIY plans can far outweigh the perceived cost savings. Professional guidance ensures that your plan complies with legal requirements and considers intricate details that may be overlooked. To those of you who resonate with these considerations, I extend an invitation to join us at our next estate planning workshop. Its not just an opportunity to learn about common mistakes but also a chance to connect with others who share similar concerns. Bring your questions, share your stories, and lets navigate the path to a secure future together. Remember, estate planning is not just a legal process; its a journey toward safeguarding what matters most to you. I look forward to meeting you and exploring the important next steps in creating a plan that reflects your unique legacy. To a future of informed decisions and lasting legacies, Jeff BellomoWe offer FREE WORKSHOPS every week! Click here to register! 

Here are WayForth's 5 tips for selling your house quickly and for more money: Stage Your Home One of the most important steps in selling your house is staging it effectively, but also efficiently. Buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in the house, so take time to declutter, deep clean, and repair any necessary items, but dont go overboard. But at a minimum, focus on decluttering, removing personal and unnecessary items and leaving the home as clean and open as possible. Price it right Setting the right asking price is essential if you want to make a quick sale with minimal time on the market. Working with an experienced realtor who can provide some insight into both current market conditions as well as comparable listings in your area is critical. Take Good Photos In todays digital world, many people will be seeing your property online before they even set foot inside it. Investing in quality photographs that can accurately capture how great your space looks will help attract more buyers and entice them to schedule a viewing appointment faster. Make Repairs (but not renovations) Buyers have high expectations when it comes to buying a home, and many struggle to see past even basic defects, so before listing yours make sure all those minor fixes have been addressed from squeaky door hinges to cracks in drywall to leaky faucets! Leverage Social MediaSocial media is an incredibly powerful tool that can help reach potential buyers matched specifically for your house! Once the listing is complete and your realtor is ready to launch the marketing campaign, be sure to share the listing on your own social media and encourage friends, family and especially neighbors to do the same.  At WayForth, we can help you with almost every step of the process, while also making sure you get settled in with minimal stress wherever you might be going. We can get you started whenever you are ready by doing some basic decluttering and packing. Give us a call at 817-697-4478 or go to our website to learn more!