Family Legal Center, LLC – Laura Cohen, Esq.
Estate Settlement, Estate Planning, Wills, and Powers of Attorney
Estate Administration or Settlement
Legal procedures are the furthest thing from your mind when a loved one passes away. It is a sensitive time; however, there are things that must be handled in a timely manner, such as transferring the ownership of the house, furniture, clothing, jewelry, vehicles, other personal belongings to the heirs of the estate.
Probate, also known as Estate Administration, is the process that occurs after a person dies and prior to his or her assets being distributed.
An experienced lawyer in estate law should guide the process with an expertise that the non-lawyer cannot. At the Family Legal Center, we handle everything from placing the required creditor advertising, collecting assets, and accounting for them, to paying bills, filing taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. We ease the process so that the executor has little to do and can feel secure knowing that the estate is being executed or processed correctly and legally. We are proud to say that we assure peace of mind, even through the grieving period and mourning at the loss of a loved one.
Wills, Living Wills, and Powers of Attorney
The Estate Planning process should be developed to meet each person's individual needs. An experienced practitioner should do the preparation of your will, living will, power of attorney and other estate planning documents. Estate planning is essential for the well being and peace of mind for your family.
Over time, we learn that the only sure thing in life is that there will be change. Sometimes we become complacent and don't consider the important details that need to be addressed in our lives.
There are certain events in your life that should be a signal that you need to review your estate plan. Your will, living will, and powers of attorney should always reflect your current life situation, not the one you had five years ago or even the one you had a year ago.
There are several life events that should trigger you to review your Estate Plan.
- Marriage
- New Baby
- Acquiring substantial assets
- Divorce
- New Step Children
- Recent name change
- Death in the family
As part of your Estate Plan, financial, healthcare and end of life issues should all be addressed. This may include the need for a will, trust or financial and healthcare powers of attorney. It is best to consult with an attorney who practices in the area of estate planning so that your individual circumstances can be reviewed and a proper estate plan can be developed to fit your individual needs.
Your WILL is assurance that personal assets and possessions will be distributed to whom you desire upon your death. It may also provide immediate guardianship for your children and include tax planning strategies for you and your family. Without a will, you will be leaving your family with unnecessary confusion at a very difficult time. We guide you step by step through the estate planning process so you will be comfortable with these important decisions.
A LIVING WILL gives you the opportunity to determine what medical treatment you are to receive in the event that you should become terminally ill and permanently unconscious. In Pennsylvania, you have the legal and ethical right to make these determinations while you are able to do so. If others do not know your wishes about treatment, you may receive treatments that you don't want. You should plan ahead for the time when you cannot make decisions about your medical treatment.
Few people realize the magnitude of financial and personal management problems that can result if a disability should occur. A POWER OF ATTORNEY gives authority to an agent to carry out predetermined desires should this unexpected event occur. Three major areas to consider for inclusion in a Durable Power of Attorney are Financial Management, Personal Care, and Health Care decisions.
"Prior to my husband's death, we realized that we needed a will that would address our special concerns, as it was a second marriage for both of us. After his death, I had no idea what needed to be done to fulfill the conditions of his will, or to satisfy the state and federal governments concerning his estate. Attorney Cohen handled everything in a very expedient and professional manner. I truly appreciated her knowledge, and especially her sensitivity. It was very comforting to know that things were being taken care of. It was one less worry I had."
Joan Kotz, Pittsburgh, PA
Costs
At initial consultation, we discuss all fee arrangements and cement the agreed-upon fee structure with an agreement letter which the executor signs. We do not work through layers of legal assistants and paralegals, so we can keep our costs down, a savings of which is ultimately passed on to our clients. We are also conveniently located with free parking and provide flexible scheduling and immediate availability of legal help.
About Laura
Laura Cohen, Attorney at Law, is one of the few women lawyers in the Eastern Suburbs who gears her practice to Family and Estate Law. Ms. Cohen graduated with honors from Chatham College as a single mother with two children. She then earned her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. During that time, Ms. Cohen worked at the Legal Aid Society and the Health Law Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. It was then she realized the need for affordable, personalized legal representation.
Ms. Cohen opened the Family Legal Center, LLC in 1996 with the objective of providing a community based legal practice that provided personalized and professional legal representation. Her practice is focused in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties.
The Family Legal Center, LLC provides complimentary services to the community through speaking engagements relating to the legal needs of families.
Credentials
- Graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law
- Who's Who in American Law
- Who's Who of American Executives and Professionals
- Member of Allegheny County Bar Association (Family Law Section; Probate & Trust Law Section)
- Member of Pennsylvania Bar Association (Family Law Section)
- Sworn in by the Supreme Court of the United States
- Board of Directors, Neighborhood Legal Services Association
- Hearing committee Member of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
For more information, please contact:
Family Legal Center, LLC – Laura Cohen, Esquire
2526 Monroeville Blvd.
Monroeville, PA 15146
Phone: 412-824-0100
Email: Family Legal Center, LLC – Laura Cohen, Esquire
Website: www.familylegalcenter.com