Attorney Rackley will discuss the details of a will and estate planning with each client. A friendly and helpful team will guide the process in a timely manner.

An estate plan does not have to be complicated. The typical documents that most people need for their estate plan include a will, power of attorney, and medical power of attorney/living will. Young or old it is important to have a will where you explain how you want your assets to be distributed at death, who you want to be responsible for settling your estate (your personal representative), and who you want to care for your minor children (guardian) if you meet an untimely death.

Attorney Rackley will meet with you and gather information about your family, assets, and any possible tax issues. The advantages of having a will that fully documents your final requests will be explained. During the discussions, how you want your belongings and property distributed will be determined and the best procedures to do so will be recommended. In appropriate situations, a trust can be created, either as part of your will or separately.

A power of attorney is a document that appoints a named person (your agent) to make personal and financial decisions for you while you are alive. The power of attorney can be effective immediately or only in the event of disability or incapacity. The authority of an agent under a power of attorney terminates upon death. Without a power of attorney it might be necessary to become involved in a lengthy and expensive court proceeding to have a guardian appointed.

The medical power of attorney/living will appoints a medical health care decision maker when you can no longer make your own health care decisions. It also includes instructions explaining your wishes for end of life care.

With or without a will, your estate must be settled through a court administered process to insure proper distribution of your assets to your loved ones. The Rackley office staff will assist the personal representative (either executor or administrator) of your estate to gather your assets, pay your debts, and distribute your assets as you have specified. We provide all services to completely administrate and settle your estate in a timely fashion.

If you die with a trust, Pennsylvania law requires that the trust be settled in a manner similar to the settlement of an estate. The Rackley office is able to assist your successor trustee in settling the trust.

Make sure assets are handled properly and disputes are prevented. From wills to powers of attorney to medical powers of attorney/living wills, Attorney Rackley and his staff will provide the effective means of planning and protecting your estate.