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Reading Estate Planning Attorney

Thinking about a time when you are no longer here is difficult. For some people, the emotional nature and morbidity of this reality can result in an avoidance of planning for the future and creating an estate plan. While thinking about death is difficult, what may be more difficult is knowing that you don’t have a plan for your assets, property, medical care, and providing for your family at the time that a serious injury or health event occurs. At the law office of van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Reading estate planning attorneys cannot overstate the value of an estate plan.

Call us today to start creating your estate plan and preparing for your future.


Elements of an Estate Plan

A strong estate plan is comprised of various different legal tools and documents. These include:

  • Last will and testament. Also known simply as a “will,” a last will and testament is used to leave assets to beneficiaries and organizations, name an executor/administrator of your estate, specify how you want debts to be paid, and name a guardian for any minor children. A will is a foundational element of an estate plan.
  • Living will/advanced directive. Another important element of an estate plan is a living will, also called an advanced directive. This type of document outlines your wishes for healthcare and end-of-life care should you be incapacitated to the point where you cannot communicate these wishes yourself. For example, an advanced directive can be used to inform your doctor of your preferences related to the use of feeding tubes, resuscitation, palliative care, organ donation, and more.
  • A trust is a financial tool that is used to leave assets to beneficiaries. Assets are placed in a trust which is then managed by a trustee. The trustee is responsible for distributing assets to beneficiaries per the terms of a trust. Forming a trust may be a smart part of an estate plan, particularly because assets in a trust may be protected from liability, do not have to go through the probate process, and may also yield tax mitigation benefits.
  • Powers of attorney. Finally, your estate plan should include powers of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated to the point where you are not able to make those decisions for yourself. There are two common power of attorney types: a healthcare power of attorney and a financial power of attorney.

Why Work with Our Reading Estate Planning Attorneys?

Creating an estate plan is serious business and something that you want to do with an experienced attorney on your side who understands the various laws related to estate planning and how to create an estate plan that protects the interests of you and your loved ones. Our Reading attorneys are passionate about what we do, committed to our clients, and have decades of combined legal experience.

To learn more about creating an estate plan and how our law firm can help, please call our trusted Reading, PA estate planning lawyers directly today to schedule your first meeting with our firm. We look forward to serving you.


Notable Case Results

Always Pursing the Best Possible Outcome

Assault Injury

$1 Million

Tractor-Trailer Accident

$10 Million

Bicycle Accident

$4.8 Million

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In the Media

Throughout the years, our firm and our individual attorneys have been recognized in both local and national media for our extensive legal knowledge, experience, and record of success. Our attorneys frequently appear in the media to provide insights and information on various legal matters, including high-profile cases.

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Choosing the Right Firm Can Make All the Difference

  • Unrivaled Record of SuccessWe have won tens of millions of dollars for injured victims, and have achieved countless "not guilty" verdicts for clients faced with criminal charges.
  • No Challenge too BigOur firm has handled some of the biggest cases in country, including representing the President of the United States.
  • Personalized RepresentationWe understand that every case is unique. Therefore, we tailor our approach based on the facts of the case and the needs of our client.
  • Uncompromising PassionOur competitive nature is one of our strongest qualities. You can be confident that no other firm will outwork our team.
  • Holistic ApproachNot only do we want to excel legally for the client, but we also want to make sure we are strengthening their mind, body and spirt.
  • Supporting the CommunityOur team engages in many community events and regularly donates time and resources to many charitable organizations in Philadelphia.

Talk to Our Experienced Team

Home to Philadelphia’s most accomplished attorneys, van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim pairs diverse practice experience with a passion-driven, comprehensive law practice—all for the client’s benefit.

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