Estate Planning
Wills, Trusts, Living Wills, Estate Administration

At Mudrick & Zucker we recognize that creating a Will or Living Will is not a subject people like to talk about. However, we also understand that you have worked hard for what you have and you should be the one who decides how your assets are distributed when you die. Many people do not realize that if you die without a will the government and Courts decide the order and manner in which your property is distributed. The Courts may distribute your property differently than you intended.

WILL

A Will is an estate planning document. A properly prepared Will sets forth how you want the property that you have accumulated over your lifetime distributed when you die. By preparing a Will you can state who gets what property and how much they get. You can determine at what age certain beneficiaries get the property. A Will can state who is to care for minor children or incapacitated individuals if you die before they come of age. Your Will can also state who will manage their funds that they may inherit from you. A will can include other provisions, including tax planning and charitable gift provisions. Your will can be changed as many times as you like during your life time as long as you are mentally competent to make the changes.

LIVING WILL

Adults in Pennsylvania have the right to accept, reject or discontinue medical treatment. In most cases healthcare providers must respect those wishes. A Living Will lets your medical providers and family members know your desires regarding what types of treatment you want or do not want in the situation where you are terminal or in a permanent vegetative state and cannot express your intentions to accept or reject certain treatments including but not limited to the use of Life Support systems such as cardiac defibrillation, feeding tubes, respirators and the use of heroic measures to sustain ones life. Regardless of whether you want or do not want such measures taken, your family and Physicians will have no way of knowing without a Living Will. Neither a Physician nor a member of your family can use a Living Will to withhold treatment or terminate your life indiscriminately.

Power of Attorney for Healthcare Decisions

This document appoints an individual to make healthcare decision for you in the event you are unable to make the decision for yourself. For example, if you are unconscious or temporarily incompetent, then the Power of Attorney allows your agent to make decision in your place.

Estate Administration

Administering an Estate can seem a daunting challenge to someone who has just lost a loved one. Clients often find dealing with the Will, Trusts, Courts, Taxes, Creditors and valuation and liquidation of assets to be too much of a burden during such a difficult and emotional time. Mudrick & Zucker is well equipped with the knowledge and staff to assist you to manage the flood of issues that arise upon a loved one's death.

At Mudrick & Zucker, we are well qualified to help you through these difficult decisions. We have helped hundreds of individuals and families assure that their wishes and desires are carried out.