Law Blog
-
Top 5 Elder Law QuestionsNovember 5, 2021Articles, Elder LawCaring for a parent or family member as they age is something most of us will have to deal with at some po... -
What You Need to Know About PA Real Estate...November 4, 2021Articles, Real EstateWhy exactly are sellers obligated to disclose all this information to the buyer? Read on to find out how i... -
What is the Time Limit to Probate a Will i...November 2, 2021Articles, Estate Administration/ProbateWhen a parent or a grandparent suddenly passes away, the family is usually left to take care of their asse... -
Common Estate Planning TermsNovember 2, 2021Articles, Estate PlanningHaving an estate plan is the best way to protect your family and preserve your legacy; if you’re delving i... -
Medicaid Planning in PennsylvaniaSeptember 23, 2021Articles, Estate PlanningDeciding to place a loved one in long term care can be one of the most difficult decisions a person has to... -
What is a 1031 Exchange and how can they s...September 22, 2021Articles, Real EstateWhen you sell a piece of real estate, income taxes are due on the gain from the sale. For example, if you... -
Do I need a Real Estate Attorney to Purcha...September 16, 2021Articles, Real EstatePurchasing or selling a house is one of the most important decisions a person will make. Most people will... -
5 Mistakes Buyers Should Avoid Before Clos...September 9, 2021Articles, Real EstatePurchasing a home can be an exciting and nerve-racking time. There is always so much information and misi... -
How Probate Guardianship WorksAugust 30, 2021ArticlesGuardianship is the process for an adult family member, friend, or professional, who is not a child’s or i... -
Estate Planning 101 for Single PeopleAugust 30, 2021Articles, Estate PlanningFuture planning and decision making can be a challenge. Planning can be even more complex when it involves... -
What Happens to Debt After Death?August 30, 2021Articles, Estate PlanningWhat happens to debt after death? Who is responsible? Find out all you need to know from the probate lawye... -
Estate Planning for Single PersonJune 21, 2021Articles, Estate PlanningFuture planning and decision making can be a challenge. Planning for your estate can be even more complex ...
-
What Happens to Debt After Death?June 21, 2021ArticlesWhat happens to debt after death? Who is responsible? Find out all you need to know from the probate lawye... -
What Happens If I Don't Have an Estate Pla...April 16, 2021Estate PlanningDeath can be a terrifying thing to face. However, planning for our own death is one of those difficult thi... -
Probate Attorney In Cumberland County, PAJanuary 8, 2021Articles, Estate Administration/ProbateConsidering hiring a probate lawyer in Cumberland County, PA? Learn why Cherewka Law has been trusted in C... -
What Happens After Probate is Closed?January 8, 2021Articles, Estate Administration/ProbateClosing an estate in PA can be lengthy and you need to be sure you follow all the proper protocols. Find o... -
Ten Tips for Engaged CouplesDecember 2, 2020ArticlesDecember is the most popular month for engagements. Young people getting engaged in Pennsylvania face man... -
How to Get a Business License in PANovember 21, 2020Articles, Business"How to a apply for a business license in Pennsylvania." This is a common question for entrepreneurs in P... -
What if I Am Named as Executor in Someone ...November 11, 2020Estate Administration/Probate, Estate PlanningAll too often, people create their Wills and name a personal representative (the Executor) without speakin... -
Five Types of Risk Businesses FaceSeptember 21, 2020ArticlesPursuing a business venture naturally involves risk. Eliminating all risk is not an option—there are many ... -
What Are My Duties If I Agree To Serve As ...September 17, 2020ArticlesThe executor’s first duty is to gather and secure the estate’s assets. Finding all of the assets may not ...
-
What Is Probate?September 17, 2020ArticlesWe often hear that “Probate” is something we want to avoid. But what is “probate”?
-
What Taxes Are Due When Someone Dies?September 17, 2020ArticlesWhen an individual dies, there are four taxing systems that come into play: the Pennsylvania Inheritance ...
-
What Is A Gun Trust and Why Should You Hav...September 15, 2020ArticlesIf you’re gun owner, you’ve likely heard the term “gun trust,” but you may not understand what a gun trust... -
Parent's Estate: Probate Without a LawyerAugust 15, 2020ArticlesOften a child or family member of an individual who has recently passed away will consider tackling the es... -
How Will Pennsylvania’s New Digital Asset ...August 6, 2020Articles, Estate Administration/Probate, Estate PlanningMost people in Pennsylvania have some sort of digital assets by now. Virtually every financial institutio... -
Treating Children Fairly Does Not Necessar...July 15, 2020Articles, Estate PlanningMost parents want to treat their children fairly in their estate planning and many assume that means havin... -
Are Holographic Wills Enforceable?June 15, 2020Articles, Estate PlanningPrincess Diana Thought So… Princess Diana of Wales was one of the world’s most loved celebrities – and one... -
Asset Protection Planning for the Modern C...May 15, 2020ArticlesOnly the very wealthy and those in high-risk professions need asset protection planning, right? That’s a m... -
Strategies for Saving on 2019 Income TaxesApril 15, 2020Articles, Estate PlanningNow is the time to begin looking at ways to minimize your 2019 income tax bill. This letter outlines seve... -
What is Estate Planning and Why Is It Impo...April 3, 2020Articles, Estate PlanningEstate planning, like retirement planning or life insurance, is an important step to ensure your family’s ... -
New Law Changes That Affect Pennsylvania B...March 15, 2020ArticlesSales Tax on Beer - This summer, the cost of your beers are going to increase. Starting on July 1, 2019, t... -
Irrevocable Trusts Protect Loved Ones, Ass...February 15, 2020Articles, Estate PlanningSigning away ownership of assets often seems contradictory when you start to think about creating an estat... -
Pennsylvania Clean And GreenJanuary 15, 2020Articles, Real EstateIn 1974, Pennsylvania enacted a law amid fears that farmers were going to be taxed off their lands and the... -
Ten New Pennsylvania Laws Now In EffectDecember 15, 2019ArticlesThat Could Affect Your Life - 1. Protecting animals in hot cars. Police officers are now permitted to ente... -
Three Estate Planning Mistakes Farmers and...November 15, 2019Articles, Estate PlanningFarming or ranching is more than a means of livelihood – it is about preserving a legacy and unique way of... -
Three Essential Tips for Protecting Your I...October 15, 2019Articles, Estate Planning2018 was no stranger to natural disasters. From multiple earthquakes, back-to-back hurricanes, and raging ... -
Where there’s a Will there’s a WaySeptember 15, 2019ArticlesTop Ten Strangest Will Bequests of all Time. Roses for Life - Comedian Jack Benny left some unusual instr... -
Pennsylvania Data Breach Notification LawAugust 15, 2019Articles, Keystone Business TopicsEmployers in Pennsylvania May be Held Responsible for Data Breaches of Employees’ Personal Information ... -
10 New PA Laws Now in Effect That Could Af...March 21, 2019ArticlesNew laws in Pennsylvania are now active and each one is worth reading about because they could have a majo... -
3 Estate Planning Mistakes Farmers and Ran...March 14, 2019Estate PlanningFarming or ranching is more than a means of livelihood, it's about preserving a legacy. An out of date or ... -
Three Essential Tips for Protecting Your I...March 7, 2019ArticlesWhile Pennsylvania is not as prone to tornados, wildfires, and some of the other natural disasters seen in... -
Top Ten Strangest Will Bequests of all Tim...February 28, 2019Estate PlanningWhere there's a Will there's a way, and some ways that various WIlls have distributed property and money r... -
Employers in PA May be Held Responsible fo...February 1, 2019ArticlesOn November 21, 2018, the PA Supreme Court issued a decision regarding breaches of employer’s security tha... -
Three Signs You Need to Update Your Client...October 11, 2018Estate PlanningEstate plans are only useful when they accurately reflect the current state and federal tax law, as well a... -
Estate Planning Isn’t Spooky! But Not Plan...October 5, 2018Estate PlanningThe idea of implementing an estate plan might be one of the scariest things you have to confront as an adu... -
Retirement Planning for Business OwnersSeptember 20, 2018Estate PlanningFor many employees, saving for retirement is usually a matter of merely participating in their employer’s ... -
Helping Entrepreneurs Protect What They’ve...July 26, 2018Articles, Estate PlanningSuccessful entrepreneurs are great at turning their visions into vibrant, thriving businesses. They’re goo... -
Before Your Kids Go Off To CollegeJuly 18, 2018Articles, Estate PlanningThis is graduation time. This is a time of celebrating your children going to college. Here are things you... -
Leaving a Home to Heirs While Still AliveJuly 11, 2018Articles, Estate PlanningEstate planning is growing as the baby boomers head towards retirement. The most frequent question is how ... -
FAQ: Selling a House to a Family MemberJuly 11, 2018Articles, Real EstateHave you ever thought about selling a property to a family member? Here are questions you should consider ... -
Purchasing Property Without Your Spouse: T...July 11, 2018ArticlesPurchasing property with only one name on the property deed is not always a bad idea. Here are a few reaso... -
How to Settle An Estate in PennsylvaniaJuly 11, 2018Articles, Estate PlanningEstate Administration can be complex, but it does not have to be. Here is a general overview of the estate... -
How to Plan for Inherited IRAsJuly 11, 2018ArticlesMistakes made with an inherited IRA can quickly become very expensive. During life and after death, IRAs a... -
How to Protect Your Child’s Inheritance fr...July 11, 2018ArticlesThere are many ways to structure your child’s inheritance to help ensure it will remain in the family for ... -
Provisions of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Affect...July 11, 2018ArticlesThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides some welcome certainty for many tax-exempt organizations relative to ta... -
How to Keep Proper Corporate RecordsJuly 11, 2018ArticlesKeeping good corporate records helps you maintain the “corporate veil protection” you need against lawsuit... -
How Pour-Over Wills Ensure Safe Transfer o...July 11, 2018ArticlesPour-over wills are useful if assets are wide and varied, and by transferring those properties into a trus... -
10 Types of Trusts: A Quick LookJuly 11, 2018ArticlesThere's a myriad of trusts available, so creating an estate plan can seem daunting. Here’s a look at ten c... -
Real Estate Swaps and Tax MitigationMarch 29, 2018ArticlesReal estate investors are often looking to begin their exit planning, but inevitably the subject of income... -
Why You Should Use a Professional for Esta...March 21, 2018ArticlesEstate administration can be a complex process requiring familiarity with the process, statutes, and tax f... -
Executor Tips and the Probate Process Expl...March 14, 2018ArticlesAn executor is the personal representative of a decedent’s estate and is responsible for protecting the as... -
What is Tenants in Common and Should I Pur...March 7, 2018ArticlesTenants in common is an arrangement that comes into play when multiple people decide to purchase property ... -
How to Incorporate Digital Assets into you...February 28, 2018ArticlesIn the age of digital assets, our online profile has real-world value, beyond the personal value that are ... -
What to Do with an Inherited HouseFebruary 21, 2018ArticlesGenerally, there are three options to choose with an inherited house: live in it, rent it, or sell it, and... -
What if Nobody Wants your Stuff?February 19, 2018ArticlesThe number of "family treasures" a person can collect over several decades can be overwhelming. -
Why You Should Begin Estate Planning Durin...February 14, 2018ArticlesGetting your financial and legal house in order is likely the last thing on your mind during tax season. -
Estate Planning After First BabyFebruary 7, 2018ArticlesCreating an estate plan is often pushed back on nearly everyone’s to-do list. The reasons you might be del... -
How Long Should You Keep Important Documen...January 31, 2018ArticlesIn a society dominated by paperwork, the question of how long to hold on to important documents has been b... -
Estate Planning with Rental PropertyJanuary 24, 2018ArticlesA comprehensive estate plan should address all of your assets, including rental property. -
Opportunities for Small Business Under New...January 21, 2018ArticlesThe newly enacted section 199A of the internal revenue code create great tax saving for small business own... -
Can You Bequeath Your Frequent Flyer Miles...January 17, 2018ArticlesIf you’re a frequent airline traveler, one of your estate planning concerns may be what will happen to you... -
Benefits of a Trust to Manage WealthJanuary 10, 2018ArticlesA trust offers several financial benefits and protections. Learn the fundamentals of setting one up, manag... -
New Opportunities Under Tax Cuts and Jobs ...January 9, 2018ArticlesCongress has just passed, and President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017.
-
The Benefits of a Legal Assessment for a C...November 11, 2016Video TipsLegal assessments are beneficial for corporations and small businesses to plan for the upcoming year, to r...
-
WBE Certification: What you need to knowOctober 28, 2016Video TipsHave questions about WBE (Women's Business Enterprise) Certification? If you are a female majority owner (...
-
Special Needs Resident RegistriesOctober 19, 2016ArticlesWe are seeing more and more municipalities and/or police departments setting up new programs usually calle...
-
8 Signs Your Estate Plan May be Out of Dat...October 19, 2016Articles, Estate PlanningEstate Plans, like computer programs, can become outdated. Learn what the eight signs are that can reveal ...
-
College Student Emergency PlanningOctober 19, 2016ArticlesHere's an issue many families overlook when children leave for college: That child, in the eyes of the law...
-
Guardianship in PennsylvaniaOctober 14, 2016Video TipsIn Pennsylvania, all individuals over the age of 18 are considered adults under the law. This poses a prob...
-
IRS Update: The Disallowing of Valuation D...September 30, 2016Video TipsStarting January 1 of 2017, the IRS has announced the disallowing of valuation discounts.
-
What Non-Profits Need to Know About Tax Ex...September 19, 2016Video TipsAs this presidential campaign continues, it's important that non-profits and churches understand and avoid...
-
2016 Mergers and Acquisition Activity in C...September 16, 2016Video TipsIn this video, Michael Cherewka with Cherewka Law discusses Mergers and Acquisition Activity in Central Pe...
-
5 Tips to Avoid the Probate ProcessJuly 19, 2016Video TipsSometimes it's possible to avoid the probate process. Nick Montagnese of Cherewka Law provides suggestions...
-
Starting a Business: What Type of Entity S...July 19, 2016Video TipsSelecting an entity is one of the most important aspects of starting a business. There are many options, w...
-
Buying a Business: What You Need to KnowJuly 5, 2016Video TipsIf you have considered, or are considering, buying a business, it's not always as straightforward as it ma...
-
What Non-Profits Need to Know About Change...June 21, 2016Video TipsThe Real Estate Tax Exemption has changed; this is especially relevant to Non-Profits. Learn how these cha...
-
Tax Update for Early 2016June 7, 2016Video TipsIt may feel as though tax season has just ended, and it has. But, now's the right time to begin preparing ...
-
Brief Overview of the Probate Process in P...May 24, 2016Video TipsThe probate process varies from one state to another. Nick Montagnese, of Cherewka Law in Harrisburg, Penn...
-
What You Need to Know About Pre-Need Insur...May 17, 2016Video TipsAre you familiar with Pre-Need insurance? Is it something you should carry? Learn more as Nick Montagnese ...
-
Value of Prince's Estate Grows as Probate ...May 4, 2016Articles, Estate PlanningJust like David Bowie's death taught us earlier this year, the unexpected demise of Prince provides a stro...
-
How to take Title to property when purchas...April 21, 2016Video TipsAn important aspect of purchasing a home is taking Title to property. To learn more, watch this video wher...
-
How to protect yourself when buying a homeApril 7, 2016Video TipsBuying a home is one of the biggest purchases many individuals and/or families will make in their lifetime...
-
Tips for engaged couples who are going to ...March 24, 2016Video TipsThere are legal considerations for engaged couples who are going to be married in the near future. Nick Mo...
-
The IRS Took Half of Tony Soprano’s Estate...March 17, 2016ArticlesActor and producer, James Gandolfini was famously known as the likeable mafia man Tony Soprano on the long...
-
How to Avoid Probate CostsMarch 4, 2016Articles, Estate PlanningThe bad news: probated estates are subject to a variety of costs from attorneys, executors, appraisers, ac...
-
Exit Planning: Should you sell your busine...February 25, 2016Video TipsExit planning is important for all business owners. A popular question is whether you should sell your bus...
-
Special Needs Trusts: What you need to kno...February 12, 2016Video TipsSpecial Needs Trusts are important for any guardians of individuals with special needs. To learn more abou...
-
Is There an Income Tax Time Bomb Lurking i...February 5, 2016Articles, Estate PlanningAs the federal estate tax exemption has ballooned from $1.5 million ten years ago to $5.43 million today, ...
-
Estate Planning: How to deal with personal...January 28, 2016Video TipsUnderstanding personal property and how it relates to estate planning is important. In this video, Attorne...
-
USING A PENNSYLVANIA POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR...September 15, 2015Articles, Estate PlanningRecent changes to the law in Pennsylvania regarding Powers of Attorney allow agents under the power of att...
-
10 TIPS FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERSSeptember 10, 2015ArticlesBefore diving into which neighborhood, or how many bedrooms you are looking for, determine what price rang...
-
Co Executors of a Will in PennsylvaniaSeptember 3, 2015ArticlesOne of the decisions that must be made when drafting your Will, is who to name as Executor of your Estate....
-
Estate Planning: The Importance of Asset P...August 14, 2015Video TipsAs it relates to estate planning, the importance of asset protection cannot be understated. It's important...
-
Incapacity is Part of Estate PlanningAugust 12, 2015Articles, Estate PlanningWhen many people think about putting in place an estate plan, they often only think about wills, trusts, p...
-
Estate Planning: Have You Considered a Bus...July 31, 2015Video TipsYour business exit strategy is just as important as the initial steps you take to start your business. In ...
-
Estate Planning: How to Preserve Your Fami...July 17, 2015Video TipsPreserving your family legacy is important, even after you exit the business. In this video, Attorney Mich...
-
Estate Planning: What Happens If You Becom...July 3, 2015Video TipsSometimes the unexpected happens. When it does, being prepared is your best option. In this video, Attorne...
-
Digital Assets and Estate PlanningJune 11, 2015Articles, Estate PlanningAs a follow-up to our email discussion of including digital assets in your estate planning, there are seve...
-
How to Choose an ExecutorJanuary 2, 2015ArticlesOne of the important decisions you’ll need to make in writing a will in Pennsylvania will be to name an ex...
-
Estate Planning for ParentsDecember 18, 2014Articles, Estate PlanningWanting to protect your children when you aren’t there to do so is one excellent reason to develop an esta... -
For Heirs Requiring Continuing Care, Consi...December 4, 2014ArticlesIf the beneficiaries of your estate include anyone with significant physical or mental limitations making ...
-
Why Now is a Good Time to Start Thinking A...November 26, 2014Video TipsHave you considered your business exit strategy? Do you have a plan in place?
-
When You Might Consider Creating a Living ...November 20, 2014Articles, Estate PlanningIt’s crucial to note a living trust does not take effect until specific assets have been transferred into ...
-
The Importance of Establishing a Care Plan...November 13, 2014Video TipsHave you established a care planning agreement? If not, the time is now. Attorney Michael Cherewka discuss...
-
Delaware Enacts New Model Law to Aid Acces...November 6, 2014ArticlesGov. Jack Markell’s August 12 signing of the “Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act” made Delaware the fi...
-
End of Year Tax Planning Considerations Yo...October 30, 2014Video TipsThe end of the year is rapidly approaching. Are you prepared? Attorney Michael Cherewka discusses end of y...
-
Legal Considerations for You and Your Coll...October 13, 2014Video TipsSometimes being a parent means taking the time to understand various legal considerations for your child. ...
-
Estate Planning FAQJune 12, 2014Articles, Estate Planning, FeaturedCheck out my interview, An Overview of Estate Planning on Pennsylvania Homes, one of the top sites for Pen... -
Important Estate Planning QuestionsJune 2, 2014Articles, Estate Planning, FeaturedEstate planning can be a difficult topic to think about – this does not take away from its importance. It’... -
Do You Have a Captive Insurance Company? W...April 25, 2014Articles, FeaturedIRS examinations of captive insurance arrangements are on the rise. You may now wish to revisit your capti... -
Recent Developments of PA Legislature on C...April 17, 2014Featured, Video TipsAs a business owner, it's critical to pay attention to changes in legislation that could affect you. Watch...
-
Buy-Sell Agreements 2014: What You Need to...April 10, 2014Featured, Video TipsIt's a new year. With that comes new information that could affect your business. In this video, Attorney ...
-
Estate Planning Law: Changes in Federal Es...April 3, 2014Featured, Video TipsEstate planning is a necessary action for ensuring your wishes are carried out. Are you prepared? Do chang...
-
PA Employment Law: How it is Going to Affe...March 25, 2014Featured, Video TipsMany small business owners have heard about PA's Employment Law and may be wondering how it will affect th...
-
Proposed Regulations Address the 3.8% Net ...October 21, 2013ArticlesWhen we first told you about the 3.8% Net Investment Income (NII) tax back in 2010, we noted areas of unc...
-
2013 Tax Law Changes-What You Need To KnowOctober 14, 2013ArticlesOn January 2, 2013, the President signed into law the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. In addition, t...
-
What You Should Know About Successor Trust...September 30, 2013Estate PlanningIf you or a loved one is experiencing a significant period of disability, chances are you have heard the t...
-
Developing a Planned Giving StrategySeptember 16, 2013Estate PlanningPlanned giving strategies are critical in order to ensure the money and gifts you’d like to be given in th...
-
Video: Tax Planning for FarmersJuly 22, 2013Video TipsIn 2012, Pennsylvania made many tax changes for those involved in the agricultural industry. Attorney Mich...
-
Exit Planning: Know Your GoalsJuly 15, 2013ArticlesBefore any conversations occur with an exit planning attorney, before you can make any big decisions, it’s...
-
PA Transfer Tax Exemptions: Family Farms R...May 25, 2013ArticlesOn July 2, 2012 Governor Tom Corbett signed Act 85 into law, which contained two major items of good news ...
-
New Video: Phantom Stock PlansApril 3, 2013Video TipsHave you heard of Phantom Stock plans? Have you been offered one? There is information you should be aware...
-
New Video: Exit StrategiesMarch 20, 2013Video TipsRunning a solid business means having a solid exit strategy. Attorney Michael Cherewka discusses ways to p...
-
New Video: Estate Tax UpdatesMarch 14, 2013Video TipsFrustrated with Estate Tax changes following the Fiscal Cliff?
-
What is Phantom Stock and How Does it Work...March 7, 2013ArticlesThe basic concept of a phantom stock plan involves a company’s agreement or promise to pay an employee or ...
-
Healthcare and the Family Business SeminarJanuary 14, 2013Articles, Keystone Business TopicsYou know that Healthcare is changing but how do you keep up with these ‘shifting sands’ of rules and regul...
-
Five Common Succession Planning ProblemsAugust 22, 2012ArticlesLearn about the five common succession planning problems that include inadequate communication, an over-pr...
-
Five Common Estate Planning MistakesAugust 15, 2012ArticlesEstate Planning is a process whereby you provide for you and your loved ones if you become disabled, and u...
-
Have You Had Your Special Needs Trust Revi...August 10, 2012ArticlesWhether you are a trustee or a parent, it is a good idea to have the SNT reviewed periodically (ideally, a...
-
A Six Month Window…2012 Gifting Opportunit...July 26, 2012ArticlesThe 2010 Tax Relief Act gives you a chance to transfer substantial wealth free of tax, but you must act qu...
-
Why Clear Estate Planning is EssentialJuly 18, 2012ArticlesThe team at Cherewka Law firmly believes that proper estate planning is an important way to prepare for th...
-
Top 10 Mistakes in Buy/Sell AgreementsOctober 3, 2011Articles, FeaturedThe buy-sell agreement arguably is the most important legal agreement for closely-held entities. The items...
-
Guide to Being an Executor of An EstateJune 24, 2011ArticlesThe administration and distribution of estate assets following the death of an individual will vary time a...
-
The Pennsylvania Inheritance TaxJune 24, 2011ArticlesInheritance Tax is imposed on the value of a decedent's estate transferred to beneficiaries by will or int...
-
The Top Ten Mistakes in Life Insurance and...June 24, 2011ArticlesLearn about the top ten mistakes in life insurance and trusts.
-
Buying a HomeOctober 11, 2010ArticlesBuying a home is one of the biggest – if not THE biggest – expenditure you will make. This outline summar...