Law Blog
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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 ...
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What Is Probate?September 17, 2020ArticlesWe often hear that “Probate” is something we want to avoid. But what is “probate”?
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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 ...
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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. -
New Baby? Time to Create Your Estate PlanFebruary 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.
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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...
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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 (...
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Special Needs Resident RegistriesOctober 19, 2016ArticlesWe are seeing more and more municipalities and/or police departments setting up new programs usually calle...
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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 ...
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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...
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Guardianship in PennsylvaniaOctober 14, 2016Video TipsIn Pennsylvania, all individuals over the age of 18 are considered adults under the law. This poses a prob...
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IRS Update: The Disallowing of Valuation D...September 30, 2016Video TipsStarting January 1 of 2017, the IRS has announced the disallowing of valuation discounts.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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How to Avoid Probate in PennsylvaniaMarch 4, 2016Articles, Estate PlanningThe bad news: probated estates are subject to a variety of costs from attorneys, executors, appraisers, ac...
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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...
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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...
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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, ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Children and Estate PlanningDecember 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 ...
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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?
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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. ...
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An Overview about Estate PlanningJune 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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Video: Tax Planning for FarmersJuly 22, 2013Video TipsIn 2012, Pennsylvania made many tax changes for those involved in the agricultural industry. Attorney Mich...
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Exit Planning: Know Your GoalsJuly 15, 2013ArticlesBefore any conversations occur with an exit planning attorney, before you can make any big decisions, it’s...
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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 ...
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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...
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New Video: Exit StrategiesMarch 20, 2013Video TipsRunning a solid business means having a solid exit strategy. Attorney Michael Cherewka discusses ways to p...
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New Video: Estate Tax UpdatesMarch 14, 2013Video TipsFrustrated with Estate Tax changes following the Fiscal Cliff?
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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 ...
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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...
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Five Common Succession Planning ProblemsAugust 22, 2012ArticlesLearn about the five common succession planning problems that include inadequate communication, an over-pr...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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The Executors GuideJune 24, 2011ArticlesThe administration and distribution of estate assets following the death of an individual will vary time a...
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The Pennsylvania Inheritance TaxJune 24, 2011ArticlesInheritance Tax is imposed on the value of a decedent's estate transferred to beneficiaries by will or int...
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The Top Ten Mistakes in Life Insurance and...June 24, 2011ArticlesLearn about the top ten mistakes in life insurance and trusts.
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Buying a HomeOctober 11, 2010ArticlesBuying a home is one of the biggest – if not THE biggest – expenditure you will make. This outline summar...