Planning for the future is one of the most critical steps to protect your loved ones and preserve your legacy. Whether you need to create a will, establish a trust, or navigate the probate process, the experienced Lemoyne wills, trust and estate lawyers at Mooney Law are here to help. We work closely with individuals and families throughout Cumberland County to create clear, legally sound estate plans that reflect your wishes and safeguard your assets.
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or elderly. It is essential for anyone who wants to ensure their property is distributed correctly, avoid unnecessary taxes, and provide for their family in the event of incapacity or death.
Our attorneys offer personalized advice, customized documents, and strategic planning tailored to your unique goals and circumstances. Whether starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.
Why Choose Mooney Law for Estate Planning in Lemoyne?
At Mooney Law, we understand the sensitive nature of estate planning. Our approach is grounded in compassion, clarity, and practical legal knowledge. We don’t use cookie-cutter documents or take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Instead, we listen to your concerns, evaluate your financial situation, and craft a plan that works for you and your family. Our Lemoyne wills, trust and estate lawyers have the experience and legal insight to ensure your wishes are documented and enforceable.
Why clients trust Mooney Law with their estate planning needs:
- Decades of combined estate planning and probate experience
- In-depth understanding of Pennsylvania inheritance and tax laws
- Local knowledge of Lemoyne courts, probate procedures, and title systems
- Customized documents tailored to each client’s needs and family structure
- Proactive planning to minimize probate costs and avoid disputes
- Clear explanations of legal terms, options, and consequences
- Affordable and transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Ongoing support for plan updates, modifications, and trust administration
Our goal is to bring you peace of mind and make the estate planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Our Estate Planning Services
Estate planning involves more than just drafting a will. It includes various legal tools designed to protect your assets, direct the transfer of your property, and appoint trusted individuals to manage your affairs if you’re unable to do so.
Our Lemoyne estate planning services include:
- Wills: Legal documents that detail how your assets should be distributed upon your death and name guardians for minor children
- Revocable Living Trusts: Trusts that allow you to manage your assets during your lifetime and transfer them to beneficiaries outside of probate
- Irrevocable Trusts: Irrevocable trusts are used for asset protection, Medicaid planning, or tax reduction, which cannot be modified once established
- Powers of Attorney: Documents authorizing a trusted individual to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated
- Healthcare Directives (Living Wills): Instructions for medical care if you are unable to communicate your preferences
- Beneficiary Designations: Assistance reviewing and updating accounts, life insurance policies, and retirement plans to ensure they align with your plan
- Estate Tax Planning: Strategies to reduce or eliminate estate and inheritance taxes
- Trust Administration and Trustee Guidance: Helping trustees understand and fulfill their legal obligations after a trust is activated
Our attorneys help you understand your options and determine the best estate planning strategies based on your goals, family dynamics, and asset profile.
Avoiding Probate Pitfalls
Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s assets. In Pennsylvania, probate can be time-consuming, costly, and subject to public record. Many people can minimize or even avoid probate with proper estate planning.
Our Lemoyne wills, trust and estate lawyers will help you create an estate plan to streamline your property transfer and keep your affairs private.
Benefits of avoiding probate may include:
- Faster access to assets for beneficiaries
- Lower legal and court costs
- Greater privacy and discretion
- Reduced likelihood of disputes or challenges
- Better protection for blended families or complex family structures
If a loved one has already passed away, and you’re responsible for administering their estate, we also provide probate and estate administration support. We can help you comply with Pennsylvania law, distribute assets, resolve debts, and close the estate efficiently.
Estate Planning for Every Life Stage
Your estate plan should evolve with you. Whether you’re a young parent, a business owner, approaching retirement, or managing long-term care planning, we offer guidance tailored to your stage of life.
We help clients with:
- First-time estate plans for young families
- Guardianship planning for minor children
- Trusts for children with special needs
- Planning for aging parents or long-term care
- Succession planning for small business owners
- Blended family inheritance planning
- Estate updates after divorce, marriage, or new family members
- Protecting digital assets and online accounts
Estate planning is not a one-time event. We build long-term client relationships and offer periodic reviews to ensure your plan reflects current laws and life changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a will if I already have a trust?
Yes. A will is still necessary to handle any assets not transferred into the trust and to name guardians for your children. This is commonly referred to as a “pour-over” will.
What happens if I die without a will in Pennsylvania?
If you die without a valid will, your assets will be distributed according to Pennsylvania intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes. The court will also appoint someone to manage your estate.
How often should I update my estate plan?
It is a good idea to review your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events such as birth, death, marriage, divorce, or a significant change in finances or assets.
Can I name multiple people as co-executors or co-trustees?
Yes, but it’s vital to ensure they can work together effectively. Sometimes, naming one primary and one backup may avoid future conflict or confusion.
Is a handwritten will valid in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does recognize handwritten (holographic) wills under certain conditions, but they are more likely to be challenged. A formal will prepared with an attorney provides better legal protection.
Can a will or trust be contested?
Yes. Common grounds for contesting include lack of mental capacity, undue influence, or improper execution. Working with an experienced attorney can minimize the chances of a successful challenge.
What if my estate is small—do I still need a plan?
Absolutely. Even if your estate is modest, having a plan ensures your assets go to the right people, prevents family conflicts, and appoints someone to make decisions if you are incapacitated.
Talk to Lemoyne Wills Trust and Estate Lawyers Today
Planning your estate is one of the most thoughtful and essential things you can do for your family. At Mooney Law, our Lemoyne wills, trust and estate lawyers are here to help you confidently make informed decisions. Whether you must draft a simple will or create a comprehensive trust-based estate plan, we will guide you through every step with care and professionalism.
Our firm proudly serves individuals and families across Lemoyne and Central Pennsylvania. We offer in-person and virtual consultations, flexible scheduling, and a client-centered approach that makes estate planning accessible and practical.
Contact Mooney Law today to schedule a confidential estate planning consultation. Let us help you secure your legacy, protect your family, and plan for tomorrow—today.