IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2018 | Page 3

INDUSTRY INSIGHT LEGAL INSIGHT SPONSORED CONTENT C O V E L L I L AW O F F I C E S , P. C . Estate Planning and Life’s Changing Seasons W hen it comes to Last Wills, a lot of people think that they can “prepare it and forget about it”. But in reality, your Will is a fluid legal directive containing details about what you want to happen when you die. Just like your opinions can change when you’re presented with new facts, your Will may need to change when your life takes off in a new direction. “Reviewing your Will isn’t something you need to write down on the calendar, but it is something that you should regularly consider, especially when you have a major life event,” said Joe Covelli of Covelli Law Offices. “Just like the seasons change, our life changes. You could be married or divorced, or you may sadly suffer the loss of a spouse or a child. Alternatively, you could enjoy the birth of a child or grandchild. Your financial circumstances may change. You could hit the lottery, or decide to take your retirement in a lump sum. Or, someone originally mentioned in your Will could predecease you. All of these things could impact your thinking on how you want your affairs handled in the event of your death.” Attorney Covelli also notes that the declining health of an executor or beneficiary is another circumstance prompting the need to examine the Will content for possible changes. “If you appoint someone as Executor who is unable to do the job, either mentally or physically, the process of getting someone new appointed as the Personal Representative of the Estate requires Court intervention, which people should try to avoid at all costs since it often involves more time and money,” Covelli said. If you need your Last Will and Testament updated, do not make these changes on your own, as handwritten writings on the original document can Media Trib Total d oice Awar h Readers’ C rney” o “Best Att invalidate the Will. Some people think that online Will generators are a cost-effective alternative to having a custom-made Will drafted by an attorney, but think again. According to Covelli, the generic nature of online Wills can create more problems for people than they’re worth. “In most cases the online forms are generic, and they are not tailored to the specific needs of individuals,” he said. “Almost everyone has a particular matter or two that makes their situation unique. You may think of your situation as simple or routine, but specific facts and circumstances need to be addressed in estate planning documents. You may own an antique collection or valuable property like a vintage car. You may wish to be cremated, and have a brief ceremony rather than an elaborate wake. You may have minor children or grandchildren, or a special needs child, who would likely necessitate the need for Trust provisions and possibly a Guardian(s) named. Taking the time to meet with an attorney to discuss your particular wishes now, while you have the mental capacity to do so, will ensure that your wishes are carried out as you desire, and not according to the direction of someone else. Fortunately, the Attorneys at Covelli Law Offices are available to help you to understand your Last Will–and every other aspect of your estate planning. At Covelli Law Offices, everyone receives a free 30-minute initial consultation. At your consultation, the attorneys will advise you as to what role they can play in your situation to help you and your loved ones the most. For more information on Covelli Law Offices, go to www.Covellilaw.com, or call 412.653.5000. The office is located at 357 Regis Avenue (across from the Pleasant Hills-West Mifflin Post Office). Joe Covelli has over 37 years’ legal experience and is a “5 Star Professional Award” recipient. He is a Member of the “National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys”, and he heads a team of attorneys with expertise in several areas of the law. For more information, call 412.653.5000, or visit www.covellilaw.com. FREE Consultation | Call Today! 412.653.5000 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL ❘ SPRING 2018 1