.2603121035430.png)
Philadelphia Estate Planning Lawyer
Estate Planning Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Crafting Comprehensive Legacy Strategies Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
Whether you are old or young, or married or single, you should work with a Philadelphia estate planning attorney to ensure that you have all of the necessary documents and materials in place so that your assets are distributed according to your wishes in the event of your death. Estate planning also involves creating advance directives, which can help to ensure that your health care decisions are honored in the event that you become incapacitated and cannot make those decisions for yourself. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we have years of experience assisting clients in Philadelphia with their estate planning needs, and we can speak with you today.
Find Out What Your Case is Worth
We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.
Common Philadelphia Estate Planning Needs
Our firm can help you with all aspects of your estate planning needs, including but not limited to the following:
- Drafting a will;
- Executing a will;
- Establishing a trust;
- Creating advance directives;
- Amending a will; and
- Managing beneficiary designations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning in Pennsylvania
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!
-
A will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes instead of according to Pennsylvania intestacy laws. Without a will, the state decides who receives your property, which may not align with your intentions. A will also allows you to name guardians for minor children and outline specific gifts or charitable donations, providing clarity and preventing disputes among beneficiaries.
-
A will directs how your assets are distributed after death, but it generally must go through probate. A trust, on the other hand, can allow assets to pass outside of probate, often resulting in faster and more private distribution. Trusts can also be used for ongoing asset management, tax planning, and providing for loved ones over time. The right choice depends on your goals, assets, and family needs.
-
Yes. Advance directives are essential documents that ensure your medical preferences are honored if you become incapacitated. These include a living will, which outlines the medical care you want—or do not want—and a health care power of attorney, which designates someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. Without these documents, medical providers and family members may face confusion or conflict about your care.
-
It is recommended that you review your estate plan every few years or whenever you experience a major life change. Events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, acquiring significant assets, or the death of a beneficiary or executor may require updates. Regular reviews help ensure your documents remain accurate, enforceable, and aligned with your current goals.
Contact Our Philadelphia Estate Planning Lawyers
Estate planning is complicated, but it is incredibly important for everyone. Whether you have questions about drafting an enforceable will, establishing a trust, creating advance directives, or any other aspect of estate planning, one of our experienced Philadelphia estate planning attorneys can assist you. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we are committed to serving clients in and around Philadelphia with a wide variety of estate planning issues.
Call us today to start creating your estate plan and preparing for your future.
in their own words
Clients share their experiences and results firsthand
-
"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
-
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
-
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
-
"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
the complete coverage advantage
-
Full-Spectrum
LawFrom criminal defense to personal injury and beyond, clients gain seamless, strategic support from a full-service law firm built to handle every legal challenge under one roof.
-
Values-Driven
PracticeFrom pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.
-
Human-Centered
AdvocacyWe stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.
-
High-Caliber
ResultsOur attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.