Estate Planning and Wills
Sigmon & Sigmon, P.C. has a long history of preparing wills and minimizing taxes through estate planning. Jack Sigmon, our founding partner, was writing wills back in the 1950s. Our firm has continued the tradition, and is knowledgeable and skilled in the will, probate, and estate planning laws of both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Reasons to have a will
The importance of having a will cannot be stressed highly enough. We believe that every individual should have one so that:
- The distribution of assets is made in accordance with the decedent's wishes
- An executor of the decedent’s choice is appointed to probate the will and handle the administration of the estate
- Other wishes of the decedent such as funeral arrangements can be fulfilled
If there is no will, an administrator is appointed by the probate court and the assets are distributed according to the Pennsylvania or New Jersey intestacy laws. The intent of the decedent is not taken into consideration.
Executor or administrator duties
In Pennsylvania, we accompany the executor to the Register of Wills in the county where the will is to be probated. In New Jersey, we accompany the executor to the Surrogate's Court. We help executors or administrators accomplish other duties for which they are responsible such as:
- Opening an estate account
- Obtaining a federal estate taxpayer identification number
- Gathering and distributing the assets
- Securing jewelry and valuables
- Notifying beneficiaries and creditors
- Caring for the property
- Paying debts of the estate
- Filing and paying the federal and state estate taxes
- Filing and paying the final federal and state income taxes
Other estate services
Some of the other services we provide and documents we prepare include:
- Estate planning
- Review of estate plan by a CPA
- A health care directive in the form of a living will or health care power of attorney, in case you are not capable of making your own health care choices
- Federal and state inheritance tax returns
- Revocable and irrevocable trusts
- Guardianship petitions when a person is incapacitated and needs someone to manage physical or financial affairs
- Powers of attorney to authorize someone to manage your financial affairs when you are away or are no longer competent to take care of your own affairs
Fighting to win your legal issue
Contact Sigmon & Sigmon, P.C. online or call us at 610-865-3404 to speak to caring and talented attorneys who have been dedicated to solving legal issues for clients since 1987.
