Comprehensive Elder Law Services Addressing a Full Range of Legal Issues

Pittsburgh Estate Planning And Elder Law Services

Our attorneys at Sikov and Love, P.A., are available to assist you and your family with all legal issues related to estate planning and those that come with growing older. Since 1952, our attorneys have provided dedicated and skilled representation to clients throughout western Pennsylvania.

Attorney Carol Sikov Gross is one of the few Certified Elder Law Attorneys in western Pennsylvania. This professional distinction underscores the level of experience and dedication we provide to our clients.

Our firm is ready to answer your questions and help you protect your assets for the future and ensure your wishes are honored. Contact our elder law and estate planning attorneys to arrange a consultation.

Comprehensive Elder Law Services For Your Future

Growing older comes with unique legal considerations. Our elder law attorneys offer compassionate and strategic guidance to help you protect your well-being and financial future.

Long-term care planning: Nursing home care in Pennsylvania is expensive, costing approximately $12,000 per month on average. In-home care can be even more costly. We can help you plan how to pay for long-term care or how to get government benefits, such as Medicaid, to help cover costs, as well as prepare for the possibility of nursing home care in the future. Our lawyers can advise you on how to reach your long-term goals.
Medicaid planning and medical assistance: We can help you prepare an appropriate plan based on your specific financial situation. With Medicaid planning, it may be possible to obtain funds from the government to pay for long-term care.
Special needs planning and special needs trusts: Our firm can help you plan for the special needs person in your life and make it possible for this individual to maintain government benefits while receiving benefits from a special needs trust. Guardianships can also be established for special needs individuals who may need more than a power of attorney or for elderly individuals who are incapacitated due to conditions such as dementia.
Veterans Administration (VA) benefits: Our attorneys can help you understand possible VA benefits and develop a long-term care strategy that meets your needs.
Elderly in crisis: Our firm responds to a variety of crisis situations. These can include assisting a family member in a hospital who has been told they cannot go home again or helping to protect funds for a spouse whose partner has just gone into a nursing home after a medical emergency.
Orphans’ court litigation (elder law context): We represent clients in disputes involving abuses of powers of attorney and removal of fiduciaries, which often arise in elder care contexts concerning incapacitated individuals or financial exploitation.

These services are designed to protect the rights, assets, and well-being of seniors and individuals with special needs, offering peace of mind through thoughtful legal strategies.

Protecting Your Legacy And Your Loved Ones Through Estate Planning

When you plan your estate thoughtfully, you take control of your legacy, assuring you that your family’s future is secure. Our estate planning attorneys are ready to answer your questions and guide you through this process.

Comprehensive estate planning: Our firm offers a full range of estate planning services designed to help you plan for the future, protect your assets and ensure your wishes are followed.
Probate and estate administration: We represent clients in handling the estates or trusts of deceased individuals. Our goal is to ensure matters are dealt with in a timely fashion, save tax costs and distribute funds to heirs more quickly and efficiently.
Orphans’ court litigation: We represent clients in contested probate or estate matters, as well as in litigation involving will or trust contests, ensuring your interests are vigorously defended during challenging times.

We help you create a clear roadmap for your assets and care so the provisions you’ve made continue to support and protect your loved ones.

Essential Estate Planning Tools

A robust estate plan utilizes various legal documents tailored to your unique needs and goals. Understanding these tools is key to making informed decisions about your future.

Power of attorney: This allows you to designate a trusted individual to make financial or health care decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This essential document ensures your affairs are managed according to your wishes, even if you cannot communicate them yourself.
Wills: This fundamental document specifies how your property will be distributed after your death, names guardians for minor children, and designates an executor to manage your estate. A well-drafted will ensures your final wishes are honored.
Trusts: This offers a versatile way to manage and distribute your assets, potentially avoiding probate and providing privacy. It also offers greater control over how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritance. Trusts can be customized for various purposes, including special needs planning and asset protection.
Guardianship: This may be established by the court to appoint a legal guardian for individuals who are unable to make decisions for themselves, such as minors or incapacitated adults. A guardianship ensures their personal care and financial affairs are managed responsibly when other tools, like powers of attorney, are not in place or are insufficient.

These foundational tools form the backbone of a comprehensive estate plan, providing security and clarity for your future and the well-being of your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning And Elder Law

Going through the complexities of estate planning and elder law often brings up many questions. Below are answers to some of the questions you might have, designed to provide clarity and inform your decisions.

Can estate planning help avoid probate?

Yes, certain estate planning tools, such as trusts and beneficiary designations, can help your assets pass directly to heirs and avoid the probate process, potentially saving time and costs.

Do I need both a will and a trust?

While both wills and trusts are crucial for estate planning, they serve different, often complementary, functions.

A will primarily outlines how your assets are distributed after your death and allows you to name guardians for minor children. It goes through a public court process called probate.
A trust, on the other hand, allows you to transfer assets into it during your lifetime and provides more control over how and when those assets are distributed. It can help avoid the public probate process entirely and offer greater privacy.

Many people benefit from having both, as they can complement each other effectively.

How often should I update my estate planning documents?

It’s recommended to review your estate plan every three to five years, or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets or health, or changes in tax laws.

What happens if I die without a will in Pennsylvania?

If you pass away without a will (intestate) in Pennsylvania, state law determines how your assets are distributed, which may not reflect your personal wishes. Having a will ensures your intentions are honored and your loved ones are provided for as you intend.

Contact Our Pittsburgh Elder Law And Estate Planning Attorneys

To discuss your elder law issues, estate planning needs or any related legal concerns, contact our experienced Pittsburgh attorneys. We can help you learn how we can assist you and your family. Call 412-567-1236 or fill out our online form to arrange your consultation.