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In this article, you will discover: Common misconceptions about writing a will in Pennsylvania. What makes a will legally binding in Pennsylvania. Avoiding disputes among heirs and beneficiaries in Pennsylvania. What Are The Common Misconceptions About Writing A Will? Many individuals believe that a handwritten will or an online will form automatically protects their estate. However, in Pennsylvania, a will must meet specific legal requirements to be valid, and improper execution can render it unenforceable. How Do I Ensure My Will Is Legally Binding In Pennsylvania? A valid Pennsylvania will must be in writing and signed by the testator. While witnesses are not strictly required for validity, they are strongly…Read More

The property taxes you pay are based on the assessed value of your residential or commercial property. If you feel taxes on your property are too high, you can contest the county’s numbers by filing an appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals. However, recent changes in Washington County, Pennsylvania, may affect how and when you file your appeal. Below, we’ll walk you through these changes and what they mean for you as a homeowner. The Deadline To Appeal Has Shifted The deadline to file an appeal has changed. Historically, Washington County allowed appeals to be filed between July 1st and September 1st of each year. However, now you must…Read More

Graduation is a proud and exciting milestone. Whether your child is finishing high school or college, they’re stepping into a new chapter filled with independence, opportunity, and responsibility. But there’s one important change most parents don’t realize: Once your child turns 18, you no longer have the automatic legal authority to make medical or financial decisions on their behalf. That means in an emergency, you could be left unable to: Speak with doctors about their condition Access critical medical information Hccess critical medical information For many families, this comes as a surprise, often at the worst possible time. How To Protect Your Child Post-Graduation To help families navigate this transition,…Read More

In this article, you will discover: The steps an executor needs to take when someone passes away in Pennsylvania. The executor’s process of notifying creditors and beneficiaries when someone dies in Pennsylvania. The tax obligations of a Pennsylvania estate, and how to file them. What Steps Must An Executor Take After Someone Passes Away In Pittsburgh, PA? An executor must: File the will and petition for probate Obtain the Letters Testamentary Secure estate assets Notify beneficiaries and creditors Pay estate debts and taxes Prepare a final accounting of the estate Distribute the remaining assets How Do I Obtain The Death Certificate And Other Necessary Documents? Death certificates are typically ordered…Read More

In this article, you will discover: The Pennsylvania probate process and what it entails. How long the probate process takes in Pennsylvania. The duties of an executor in a Pennsylvania probate. What Does The Probate Process Look Like In Pennsylvania? Probate is the legal process through which your estate is administered when you die. The process begins when your executor files your original will, if you have one, and a petition for probate with the Register of Wills in the county where you resided. Once your executor is appointed, they will be granted Letters Testamentary, giving them legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. The executor then gathers…Read More

Biernacki & Associates, P.C. | Your Experienced Power Of Attorney Law Firm In Pittsburgh, PA A power of attorney is a legal document created by you (the “principal”) that designates a trusted adult (the “agent”) to make decisions on your behalf should you be unavailable, unable or incapacitated. You define the type of decisions your agent will make: medical, personal, legal, financial or business-related. To create an enforceable power of attorney: You must be mentally competent when you sign it The document must include specific notice and acknowledgment language regarding the powers you're authorizing and the responsibilities your agent is agreeing to undertake The document must be signed and dated…Read More

Your step-by-step guide to ensuring nothing is overlooked. When a loved one passes away, there is enough to worry about without the burden of legal considerations. However, this is a necessary step to take when it comes to settling their affairs and ensuring all assets are correctly distributed. Probate is a legal process that involves the management of a deceased person’s estate – ensuring all debts are paid and beneficiaries receive their inheritance. This requires the validation of the will (if one exists), appointing an executor or administrator, and navigating through the court proceedings to settle any disputes or claims. While this may seem like an overwhelming task to take…Read More