Effective July 1, 2023, Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law P.C. acquired the Law Offices of Grieco & Petty, LLC.
Wills

Pennsylvania Wills Attorneys

Helping You Plan for the Future of Your Estate

Life can change in an instant. One day you’re here, but the next day you could be gone. But what’s worse is not knowing what the future holds for your family and loved ones when you’re gone. Unfortunately, many people do not plan for the future. This can leave your loved ones facing a number of uncertainties and challenges in the event of your passing. The sooner you plan ahead by creating a well-rounded and comprehensive estate plan, the less stress you will have worrying about the “what-ifs.”

One of the most basic and effective ways to protect your loved ones and the future of your estate is to draft a will. While this is a fairly straightforward document, it is incredibly invaluable to have the assistance of an experienced estate planning lawyer when drafting or modifying your will.

Since 2000, our Pennsylvania wills lawyers have helped clients across the state create solid estate plans. We understand that this can be a confusing and, at times, difficult process to navigate. That’s why we will take the time to walk you through the process and make sure the future is not a concern.

Give us a call at (877) 989-4878 or contact us online to learn more during a free, private consultation.

What Is a Will?

When planning for the future of one’s estate, a will is used to express the estate owner’s wishes as to how their property is to be distributed upon their death. A will is also responsible for naming the party who will manage the estate until its final distribution, otherwise known as an executor.

Having and executing a will is potentially the most crucial step in the estate planning process in Pennsylvania. If someone does not have a will when they pass away, the state will distribute your property. This is also true if a court finds your will invalid.

Types of Wills in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there are several types of wills that can be prepared. Which type of will you choose is determined by your unique circumstances and goals.

The different types of wills in Pennsylvania are as follows:

  • Simple Will: This type of will contains no trust provisions and leaves the deceased’s belongings to one or more people. It is typically used when the estate left behind is small enough that there are no tax considerations and the deceased has no children or has children that are already of age and, therefore, the protection of a trust is not needed.
  • Will with a Trust for Children: This type of will contains provisions for your children and/or someone with a disability who needs the protection of a trust. It will be used when there are children and the estate left is small enough that there are no tax considerations, as in the case of a simple will outlined above.
  • Will with a Disclaimer Trust: This type of will contains trust provisions that are optional. In most cases, this type of will awards gifts outright instead of via a trust. However, there are provisions that go into effect if the beneficiary refuses to accept a gift under the will.
  • Will with a Marital Gift and Non-Marital Trust: This is a will with some type of trust that preserves a couple’s credit amount in the estate of the first spouse to die, along with another trust that allows another part of the estate to pass to the surviving spouse free of federal estate tax.
  • Will with a QTIP and Non-Marital Trusts: This is a will with a trust in which the unified credit amount intact in the estate of the first spouse to die and with a Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trust that permits the income from another part estate to be used by the surviving spouse and then passed down to others free of federal estate tax.
  • Pour-Over Will: This type of will serves as a safety net to any belongings that aren’t included in a living trust. The assets will automatically transfer to a previously established trust upon a person’s death.
  • Will with a Qualifying Domestic Trust (QDOT): A will with a Qualifying Domestic Trust (QDOT) contains a trust that permits the deferral of federal estate tax until the death of the surviving spouse where the surviving spouse isn’t a U.S. citizen.

The Importance of Having a Will

You might think having a will isn’t a big deal, but in reality it is. Regardless of how much money you have or how many possessions you own, a will is an essential part of the estate planning process. It will ensure that your assets will go to your family or whoever is designated as a beneficiary. Without a will, the state will distribute your property according to intestacy laws.

Intestacy laws are inheritance guidelines that distribute the deceased's assets throughout the family, starting with the closest living family member. This is why you will want to create your own will—to ensure that your property is left to individuals of your choosing.

Additionally, if you own a business, a will can ensure the legal transaction of your assets and shares goes smoothly. And, if your children are still considered minors, a will is necessary to ensure who their legal guardians will be going forward, especially in the event that both parents die.

How to Amend a Will in Pennsylvania

Wills can be amended in a process known as a codicil.

A will can also be revoked through certain actions, such as:

  • Creating a newly drafted and validated will
  • Providing other written documents signed and proved in the same manner in which a will is deemed valid
  • Through the act of burning, tearing, canceling, obliterating, or destroying the will with the purpose of revocation

Grounds to Contest a Will

When a loved one passes and their will has been changed, you may suspect wrongdoing and wish to contest the will.

There are various grounds in which a will may be contested, including but not limited to:

  • Lack of testamentary capacity
  • Undue influence
  • Fraud
  • Forgery
  • Mistake
  • Insane delusion

If you believe a loved one’s will was created under terms which were not representative of their wishes, you need legal assistance from a trusted estate planning law firm.

Our Pennsylvania Will Attorneys Can Help You

The time to plan for the future is now. That is why the Pennsylvania wills attorneys at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC are here to help you plan ahead. We will work tirelessly to make this process as simple as possible by working with financial advisors and experts to make sure your finances are taken care of.

Contact our firm today at (877) 989-4878 or reach us online via our online contact form. Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential.

  • $795 Thousand Car Accident

    confidential settlement in a crash.

  • $1.3 Million Car Accident

    A settlement was obtained in this uninsured motorist case on behalf of a 21-year-old man who was ejected from an SUV and subsequently died. The driver of the SUV had been cut off by another vehicle. The settlement was obtained from Mr. Sperlazzo’s uninsured motorist carrier.

  • $1.1 Million Car Accident

    The verdict was obtained for Mr. Smith against the defendant who was high on heroin at the time of the crash. This verdict was the Number #1 Motor Vehicle Collision verdict in Luzerne County in 2012.

  • $900 Thousand Car Accident

    Our client was struck by a vehicle that was racing.

  • $750 Thousand Car Accident

    Our client sustained a significant injury, including, post-traumatic stress disorder.

  • $275 Thousand Car Accident

    The settlement was on an insurance policy of $15,000. The settlement was both for compensatory and bad faith damages.

    “I highly recommend Attorney Molly & the firm to anyone seeking reliable & compassionate assistance during challenging times.”

    I have a friend who sought help from Fellerman & Ciarimboli and said they were very nice and helpful. So when I needed assistance, they were the first ones I thought of, and gave them a call. I was connected to Attorney Molly Clark, who made a significant impact. Her comforting personality created a welcoming environment during our interactions, turning what could have been a somber experience into one filled with positivity. Our upbeat conversations, in contrast to the challenging situation, improved my well-being.

    What truly won me over was Molly's commitment to keeping me informed about the progress of my situation. Whenever I called her with questions, she promptly provided answers, ensuring I had the information I needed when I needed it. Working with Fellerman & Ciarimboli was a positive experience given the circumstances I was facing. I highly recommend Attorney Molly and the firm to anyone seeking reliable and compassionate assistance during challenging times.

    - Frank K.
    “You are like family to us & will always love you!”
    Molly thank you for everything you’ve done for Terry and me. You went above and beyond. You are like family to us and will always love you!
    - Arlene P.
    “I can't express how GREAT my first experience with an attorney has been!”
    I can't express how GREAT my first experience with an attorney has been! I'm not kidding when I say that both you and the entire firm are I think the best around. Once get things settled around here, I would like to make an appointment to come up to talk about some other issues, but I have been doing nothing, but singing the praises of you The entire organization to everyone that I speak with.
    - R.R.
    “The compassion shown to us by not only the three of you, but everyone to whom we encountered at Fellerman & Ciarimboli was off the charts and so sincere.”

    There are no adequate words to convey to you, Mike, and Ed how grateful our family is for all of your hard work in helping us through the most difficult time of our lives. Your commitment to justice is unlike anything we have ever witnessed. Our tragedy became your tragedy. The three of you have become part of our family.

    Harry, you explained everything necessary in terms which were comprehensible and helpful to us to better understand all that was presented. We are so grateful for that.

    The compassion shown to us by not only the three of you, but everyone to whom we encountered at Fellerman & Ciarimboli was off the charts and so sincere.

    We will grieve our profound loss for the rest of our lives, but all of you helped to make it a bit easier, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

    God's Blessings to you and your family.

    - Client
    “Happy that I chose you to take my case. Your team is amazing, too!”
    Molly, Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much you mean to me, throughout this process, you have always been there and helped me through. I am glad it all came to a good ending and that it is over. But, I will miss you and you will always be referred to anyone that ever asks me for an amazing lawyer! Keep fighting for the people who need you! You are amazing at what you do, you're professional and genuine! I wish you all the best in your career and am happy that I chose you to take my case. Your team is amazing, too!
    - Nicole W.
    “I was in a bad accident and I had my daughter in the car with me. I highly recommend this firm.”
    I was in a bad accident and I had my daughter in the car with me. I highly recommend this firm. My attorney Myer Messinger was very compassionate and offered empathy with helping me and my daughter with the mental agony we experienced after the accident. Mr Messinger is very professional and knowledgeable. We sat for hours for the mediation and he fought to get me the best settlement
    - Enide Jerome
    “Very Informative & Helpful”
    “Corey Suda was our attorney as well as Ed Ciarimboli and they were both great, very informative, helpful, stayed in contact with us throughout our case. Very happy with the outcome of the case!!”
    - Debbie C.
    “Highly Recommend!”
    Called Greg Fellerman for a legal issue. He immediately took my call and helped me resolve the issue. Big thanks!
    - Brandon Z.

Contact Us Today

At Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law, PC, we're always ready to take your calls! Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
  • Our Clients Time is Valuable
    Every case is unique and we spend the time working hard on your case, so you can focus on everything else.
  • Experienced Trial Attorneys
    For 20 years our attorney's haven fought hard for clients and will not back away from a trial.
  • Ready and Available to Help You
    Schedule a free initial consultation with our team.
  • Our Results Make a Difference
    We've recovered hundreds of millions for our clients.