Estate Planning Lawyers for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Meet some of our Philadelphia Estate Planning Lawyers
Susan T.
General practitioner since 2005, general practice; civil disputes, torts.... logo Call us: (410) 878-7006 Menu Services All Maryland and Pennsylvania Legal Services Susan C. Trimble Attorney at Law WHAT WE ARE ABOUT Susan C. Trimble, is an established attorney in the Maryland area. Her work is infused with commitment to her community and family. is tailored to your wants and needs. Here you will find an approachable, personable and conscientious advocate. EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate (JD). University of Baltimore School of Law, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 2006. Bachelor of Science (BS), English Literature. Towson University, 1989. Associate in Claims, (AIC) certification. Fraud Claims Law Associate, (FCLS) certification. Member of Maryland State and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.
"Prompt, professional and excellent completion of this project! Thoroughly pleased! Would highly recommend!"
Brian R.
Highly respected strategic advisor and trusted business partner to diverse stakeholders, ranging from C-suite executives to frontline managers in both public and private sectors. Recognized thought leader known for translating complex legal concepts into straightforward, pragmatic, actionable advice. Proven track record of collaborating with executive teams to drive and execute corporate initiatives. Expert at leading tactical legal strategies across various business functions in dynamic, high-growth environments, with a keen sense for balancing legal rigor and practical business solutions.
"Brian is an excellent resource. He communicates well, presents a very realistic picture of options, and provides the right guidance. We were very happy with his work."
Adrienne H.
Senior Corporate Attorney with extensive experience across diverse law firms, specializing in M&A transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate governance. Proven ability in risk mitigation and forming strategic partnerships, leveraging strong analytical skills to achieve successful outcomes. Recognized for high productivity and efficient task management. Expertise in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication that enhances navigation of complex legal issues for clients.
Kenneth G.
Kenneth E. Gray, Jr. is a business and tax attorney who advises entrepreneurs, investors, and closely held companies on transactions, tax planning, disputes, and long-term wealth structuring. He focuses on helping clients make legally sound decisions that also make business sense. Ken’s practice includes business formation and restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, private investments and fundraising transactions, contract drafting and negotiation, and cross-border matters. He also maintains a significant tax practice, advising on federal and state structuring, specialty filings (including partnership, corporate, and non-resident matters), and representing clients in disputes before the U.S. Tax Court and other federal and state tribunals. In addition to his transactional work, Ken handles commercial and business litigation, including tax controversies, financial disputes, and partnership matters. His litigation experience informs how he structures deals and governance documents, with an eye toward preventing disputes before they arise. Ken also advises individuals and families on estate planning, trust formation, tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies, and probate administration, including planning involving closely held businesses and foreign assets. Before practicing law, Ken worked in banking and private equity, including managing a $5 billion emerging markets fund-of-funds portfolio at the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and serving in equity research at ABN AMRO. That financial background allows him to understand transactions from both the legal and capital perspective. He holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and an MBA from Yale University. He practices before the U.S. Tax Court, various state courts, and other federal courts.
"It is not easy to find a lawyer that knows Offshore Asset Protection Trusts, which own a foreign LLC, which owns a USA LLC. Fines could reach $100K if the tax forms are incorrect, or not filed. He was able to review my draft returns and provide memos with required changes (many, many changes), after 1 follow-up everything was basically done other than a few tiny edits. I really appreciated how he worked me in, right in the busiest time of tax season, to ensure there were no errors. Would definitely hire again."
Ann D.
Ann R. Dougherty, Esquire practices in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey with over 25 years of experience and has taught legal writing at the Delaware Law School of Widener University. Ann’s experience includes general liability, commercial property and bad faith insurance coverage litigation. Ann has successfully represented corporations in declaratory judgment matters concerning environmental and asbestos exposure, handled excess recoveries, comprehensive claim reviews and negotiated cost sharing agreements. She has also represented religious organizations including risk management strategies. In addition to practicing law, Ann also teaches introductory Philosophy and Ethics courses. Ann is a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization for Women and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She has served on the Boards of the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic for Delaware and the Wilmington Ballet Academy.
February 23, 2024
Deborah S.
My name is Deborah Schwab, and I am an experienced attorney with a background in real estate, contract negotiation, and corporate governance. Currently, I am a transactional counsel with Priscott Legal, LLC, the partner law firm of Ontra.ai. In this remote role, I represent private equity and VC firms and negotiate a high volume of non-disclosure agreements, joinders, and other legal contracts. Prior to this, I served as legal counsel for PennTex Ventures, LLC, where I was responsible for negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts and agreements for sales and acquisition of real estate, lease negotiation, and resolving issues involving ancillary transactions. As the first in-house counsel for PTV, I was responsible for all legal and compliance matters and managed outside legal counsel. Before joining PennTex Ventures, I worked as real estate counsel for 84 Lumber & Nemacolin Woodlands, Inc., where I acquired eleven properties with a portfolio value in excess of $15 million. Prior to this, I spent several years as an attorney and supervisor at CNX/Consol Energy, where I worked as a title attorney, trained and managed a team of title attorneys/analysts, conducted due diligence for large land transactions, and identified business/legal risk exposure for multi-state projects. I received my Juris Doctor from Duquesne University and hold a Post Baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate from the same institution. Additionally, I earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh. I am also a court-appointed special advocate working as a volunteer with children who are in the foster care system. Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I am always open to new opportunities and would be happy to connect with you.
Faye C.
Practical, efficient and creative solutions for businesses and individuals has been my passion for over a decade. We work with individuals and families to plan their legacies. Estate planning is more than some pieces of paper - it is a gift to your family. From every changing tax laws to questions about probate vs non-probate property, I thrive on counseling others and providing peace of mind. The same mindset goes into working with solopreneurs, entrepreneurs and executives for variety of businesses, addressing their most pressing issues on any given day. From inception to contract drafting to succession planning, we thrive on working with those with lots of ideas to devise and implement strategies to bring those ideas to fruition, foreseeing and anticipating potential pitfalls as well as areas of potential growth.
June 13, 2024
Ronald T.
Practicing attorney for 30 years. Prosecutor, Solicitor and Guardian Ad Litem for children. Extensive criminal, civil and family law experience. Looking for remote work. Have a PA bar license.
March 11, 2025
Stefan R.
I'm an experienced attorney with a vast experience in legal fields.
April 4, 2025
Christopher M.
Experienced in-house counsel with a strong track record in commercial contracting, data privacy, and regulatory compliance across global organizations. Skilled at aligning legal strategy with business objectives, negotiating complex agreements, and mitigating enterprise risk. Passionate about enabling innovation through practical, business-focused legal solutions.
August 23, 2025
Celia B.
Prenuptial & Family Law Attorney | Licensed in PA & NJ Based in Harrisburg, PA, Celia Butler is a trusted and compassionate attorney with over 12 years of experience in family law. She focuses her practice on prenuptial agreements, believing strongly in their power to foster transparency, security, and mutual respect in a marriage. Celia sees prenups not as a sign of mistrust, but as a thoughtful and responsible step toward building a strong foundation for the future. Known for her professionalism, discretion, and unwavering dedication, Celia prides herself on always putting her clients first. She brings a deep understanding of sensitive family matters — from custody and property distribution to marital agreements — and guides clients with clarity, empathy, and a commitment to practical results. Celia is dually licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and holds federal admissions in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the District of New Jersey, allowing her to serve a broad range of clients across state and federal jurisdictions.
January 6, 2026
Robert F.
I’m a commercial contracts attorney who helps growing companies get out of contract chaos and into something sustainable. I focus on the agreements that sit at the core of how companies operate—customer contracts, vendor deals, SaaS agreements, and supply and distribution relationships. Before going independent, I worked in private practice and embedded legal roles supporting technology, consumer goods, and manufacturing businesses. That experience shaped a practical, business-first approach to contracts: clear drafting, efficient negotiation, and advice grounded in how companies actually operate. I hold the CIPP/US credential and have completed AI governance training, which informs my work on data, privacy, and AI-adjacent risk terms commonly found in modern commercial agreements. If you want contracts that are clear, balanced, and usable by the people who sign and manage them, that’s where I’m most effective.
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Browse Lawyers NowEstate Planning Legal Questions and Answers
Estate Planning
Will
Pennsylvania
Are any ContractsCounsel lawyers open to serving as an executor for my estate?
I'm 49, and I live in Pennsylvania. I'm not married, and I don't have any kids. My net worth around $2 million. I understand that if any lawyer is open to this arrangement, he/she would need to screen me before agreeing to serve as my executor.
Kenneth G.
Pennsylvania ethics rules permit a lawyer to serve as executor for a client, subject to PA RPC 1.7 conflict disclosure and PA RPC 1.8 Comment guidance, including advising of the lawyer's financial interest and the availability of alternative candidates. An engagement would be a long-tail fiduciary commitment, and the executor role should sit in a separate engagement letter with full Rule 1.7 disclosures, written informed consent, succession provisions, and confirmed fiduciary insurance. The engagement is ethically allowed, but there are enough structural hurdles with having a lawyer serve as executor that one may want to consider a bank or institutional executor in some cases.
Estate Planning
Settlement And Release Agreement
Pennsylvania
Must I sign a family settlement release for my fathers estate in PA in order for the executor to distribute monies?
My fathers exectutor is ready to finalize the estate bank account and I received a "release" letter, must I sign it before money is distributed? (PA)
Ryan W.
In Pennsylvania, probate estates are wrapped up after the executor provides the beneficiaries with an accounting. The purpose is for the beneficiaries to review what the executor did during the administration of the estate and have the opportunity to voice any objections he or she may have. The release that you received is fairly standard in the estate administration process. You are not required to sign the document. The estate can also be finalized by requesting an order of distribution from a judge. If you do not happen to take issue with anything the executor did, signing the release agreement will likely be more efficient.
Estate Planning
Fee Agreement
California
Do I need to provide my personal and assets info to an estate planning attorney before signing a fee agreement so they can begin prepping a living trust
Looking for an estate planning attorney to prep a living trust and all other necessary docs
Jane C.
No. You do not need to provide any information until you agree to work with the attorney.
Estate Planning
Last Will and Testament
Georgia
I had an Alabama elder care lawyer create my POA, will, etc. Now I am living permanently in Ga. Is my paperwork still good or do I need to get it reviewed and updated in Ga.
widowed and living alone
Allen L.
The short answer is: your Alabama documents are most likely still legally valid in Georgia, but a Georgia attorney review is strongly recommended — especially given your situation living alone and widowed. Here is the breakdown: Will Georgia recognizes a will validly executed in another state as long as it was properly signed and witnessed under that state's law at the time it was made. Alabama and Georgia both require two witnesses, so your will should be fine. That said, if your Alabama will names your spouse or references Alabama-specific assets, accounts, or property that has since changed, it absolutely needs updating for that reason alone. Power of Attorney Georgia adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act in 2017. Georgia will generally honor a POA validly created in another state. However, Georgia has specific statutory language that banks, hospitals, and other institutions are accustomed to seeing. If your Alabama POA does not track Georgia's statutory form, some institutions may resist honoring it or ask for additional paperwork, which can cause serious delays in a crisis. Having a Georgia-compliant POA dramatically reduces that friction. Healthcare Directive / Advance Directive This is the most important one to update. Georgia has its own Advance Directive for Health Care form that combines a living will and healthcare proxy. Georgia medical providers are trained on this specific form. An Alabama healthcare directive may be legally valid here, but you may encounter real-world resistance from hospitals and doctors who are not familiar with it. A Georgia-specific advance directive is highly advisable. Practical Concerns Given Your Situation Living alone and widowed means your agent under your POA and your healthcare proxy are your first and only lines of protection if something happens. You want zero friction when those documents need to be used. This is not the situation to test whether an out-of-state document will be accepted in a moment of urgency. You should also confirm that whoever you have named as your agent, executor, and healthcare proxy is still the right person, still willing, and still able to serve. Bottom Line Your documents are not void, but getting them reviewed and updated for Georgia is genuinely worth the time and cost. At a minimum, a new Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care and a Georgia-compliant Durable POA should be strongly considered. While you are at it, confirm your beneficiary designations on any life insurance, IRAs, and bank accounts, as those pass outside your will regardless. Next Step The easiest way to get this handled is to open a project on ContractsCounsel at www.contractscounsel.com. You can post your document review and drafting project there, receive competitive flat-fee bids from Georgia-licensed attorneys who handle exactly this type of elder law work, and get everything updated without having to search for a lawyer on your own. It is a straightforward process and puts you in control of the cost upfront. Given your situation, this is one of those things that is well worth getting done sooner rather than later.
Estate Planning
Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
Illinois
What’s the Difference between General POA and Durable POA
I’m trying to get POA over my Mother Financial because she not Paying the Mortgage which is past over due along with some Bills she hasn’t paid on in months I don’t us to lose our home and she suffers from Dementia and we Both recently suffered from a stroke I would appreciate if you respond to my message beside With a Hi There !
T. Phillip B.
I'm not a fan of either term as I find they just confuse things. Durable usually is referring that it remains effective after incapacity. Sometimes general is looked at as terminating at becoming incapacitated. Another term which comes up is springing which this one makes more sense where it isn't effective immediately but upon a date or occurrence (usually someone being deemed incapacitated). I don't think I'd ever create a POA where it terminates at incapacity since that's when I'd need it to work. Now you say your mother has dementia. Will she understand what she is signing and the purpose of the document? If not, she doesn't have the required mental capacity to establish a POA and will have to have a guardian appointed by the court.
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