Conti Law was recently featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s “Questions With Conti” series, where Attorney Michele P. Conti answered important questions about estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, and asset protection. Through this informative series, Michele shared valuable insights to help individuals and families better understand how to protect their loved ones and plan […]
Conti Law Firm was recognized as the 2024 Best of the Best, Gold Winner in the Law Firm category by the Official Community Choice Awards for Allegheny Southwest. Each year, Trib Total Media invites readers and the public to nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses across Southwestern Pennsylvania. After nominations, the top five […]
What happens to a house when a loved one enters a nursing home in Pennsylvania? It’s not as simple as just living there. Learn when a house must be sold, how the state can place a lien, and what options family members have. Watch the full video to understand your rights and avoid common mistakes. […]
Selling real estate as an Executor in Pennsylvania? Here’s why the title company may hold funds in escrow — and why it’s completely normal. Watch the full video to learn how the inheritance tax process works when selling property and what to expect after settlement. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more […]
When a minor is named as a beneficiary of an estate, special rules apply. If no remainder trust is created in the will, the court must appoint a limited guardian to oversee the child’s funds until they reach the age of majority. Watch the full video below to learn about how the process works and […]
Thinking about obtaining guardianship of a loved one in Pennsylvania? Here are 6 important things you need to know before you start the process. Watch the full video to learn how guardianship works and what steps you’ll need to take.
Wondering how Pennsylvania inheritance tax works? Here’s everything you need to know in a nutshell. Learn what’s taxable, what’s exempt, and how tax rates are based on your relationship to the decedent. Watch the full video to understand the basics and avoid common mistakes. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more estate […]
Many people make critical errors when setting up a revocable living trust—don’t be one of them! From inconsistent beneficiary designations to false assumptions about asset protection, these mistakes can cost your loved ones. Watch now to ensure your trust is set up the right way!
If a minor passes away and a lawsuit is involved, an estate must be opened. Watch the full video to learn what steps parents need to take and how the process works in Pennsylvania. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more helpful estate planning tips.
If you have minor children, never list them as direct beneficiaries on life insurance, retirement accounts, or bank accounts! Without proper planning, the court will appoint a guardian to manage their inheritance until they turn 18—and that person may not be who you’d choose. Instead, set up a remainder trust to protect their future and […]
One of the most common estate planning questions is: How much does it cost to probate an estate in Pennsylvania? The answer depends on several factors, including estate complexity, legal fees, and whether there are disputes among beneficiaries. In this video, attorney Michele Conti explains the costs associated with probate, what influences them, and how […]
When a loved one passes away and a personal injury lawsuit is filed, what happens next? In this video, attorney Michele Conti explains the legal steps involved, including how wrongful death and survivor’s actions impact estate taxes in Pennsylvania.
Setting up a revocable living trust is just the first step—properly funding it is crucial! Learn how to transfer real estate, update insurance policies, and manage bank accounts to ensure your trust actually works as intended. Don’t let all that effort go to waste!
As an estate planning attorney, I see these mistakes far too often—don’t make them! Never write on your will, store documents in a safe deposit box, or name a minor as a direct beneficiary. Learn why multiple executors, adding a child to your deed, and poor beneficiary designations can cause costly legal issues. Watch now […]
If you’ve been named an executor, your first priority is securing the residence. Locate estate documents, safeguard valuables, and change the locks to prevent anything from going missing. Protecting the estate ensures that assets go to the rightful beneficiaries. Watch now for more estate administration tips!
Do you have the right estate planning documents in place? 📝 As an attorney, I recommend at minimum having: ✔️ Financial Power of Attorney ✔️ Health Care Power of Attorney & Living Will ✔️ HIPAA Authorization ✔️ Funeral Declaration ✔️ Last Will & Testament (or a Revocable Living Trust) Without these, your loved ones could […]
Creating a trust is an important step in estate planning—but it’s not enough just to have the document. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not funding their trust properly. In this video, Michele Conti of Conti Law explains why funding your trust is crucial and how to ensure all of your assets are […]
Many parents consider adding a child to their bank account for convenience, but is it really a good idea? In this video, attorney Michele Conti explains the benefits, risks, and potential tax implications of joint bank accounts—and whether a power of attorney might be a better solution.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to estate planning is putting it off. No one likes thinking about wills, powers of attorney, or guardianship—until it’s too late. In this video, attorney Michele Conti explains why procrastination can cause legal headaches for your family and how Pennsylvania intestacy law determines who inherits […]
If you or a loved one co-own a bank account, do you know what happens to that money after one person passes away? In this video, attorney Michele Conti explains how joint assets work, the inheritance tax rules in Pennsylvania, and why co-owners don’t have to share the funds—even if other beneficiaries expect to receive […]
One of the most heartbreaking conversations attorney Michele Conti has had involves widows and widowers left without an estate plan. Many people assume that when a spouse dies, the surviving spouse automatically inherits everything—but in Pennsylvania, that’s not the case unless a will is in place.
What happens when a minor inherits from your estate? Without the proper legal provisions, a child could receive their entire inheritance at age 18, which may not be ideal. In this video, attorney Michele Conti explains how to structure an estate plan to protect young beneficiaries and ensure responsible asset distribution.
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, especially with all the legal terminology. In this video, attorney Michele Conti breaks down the most commonly used estate planning terms so you can better understand the key roles and documents involved in planning for the future.
Not all beneficiaries are taxed the same when they inherit assets. In this video, attorney Michele Conti explains how to strategize asset distribution to minimize inheritance taxes and maximize the value passed on to your heirs.
Many people misunderstand Pennsylvania inheritance tax, and failing to plan properly can lead to costly mistakes. In this video, attorney Michele Conti breaks down the truth about PA inheritance tax, who it applies to, and how to avoid unnecessary penalties.
If you have a child, spouse, or loved one with special needs, you might think you can’t leave them an inheritance without jeopardizing their benefits. That’s not true! In this video, attorney Michele Conti explains how to protect your loved one’s government benefits while ensuring they inherit assets using a third-party supplemental needs trust.
If you love your pet like family, have you ever thought about who will care for them if you pass away or become incapacitated? In this video, attorney Michele Conti explains how to protect your pet’s future through pet trusts and estate planning.
In this episode, attorney Michele Conti answers some of the most frequently asked questions about powers of attorney in Pennsylvania. Do you automatically have power of attorney for your spouse? Can you choose someone outside your family? What happens if you become incapacitated without a POA? Get all the answers in this informative discussion!
In this episode of Questions with Conti, Michele Conti answers common client questions about getting started with Conti Law. Learn how to schedule a complimentary consultation, what documents to bring, and what to expect during your first meeting. Whether you’re planning your estate, need guidance on guardianship, or are handling estate administration, we’re here to […]
In this episode of Questions with Conti, attorney Michele Conti answers two important estate planning questions: Should you add your child to your deed? And what happens if you buy a home for your child but keep it in your name? While these strategies might seem like smart ways to avoid probate or reduce inheritance […]
Michele Conti was recently featured in the Western PA Guide to Good Health. She shared her expert insights on the importance of proactive estate planning and how it can provide peace of mind in uncertain times. In the feature, Michele emphasizes that while no one likes to think about the inevitabilities of aging and passing […]
Creating an estate plan and making gifts to your loved ones Most people plan on making a New Year’s resolution. Whether that involves making a lifestyle change, cleaning out that cluttered room in the house or repairing a frayed relationship, resolutions often involve addressing something that we’ve put off for far too long. That could […]
In today’s increasingly digital world, almost all of us have acquired a new form of property interest called digital assets. Digital assets, which are separate from our physical possessions, consist of digital information or communications stored as data on a computer server and accessed via the internet. These assets can include email accounts, social media […]
We’ve all been there, or if we haven’t yet, we will some day. A parent’s health is declining and we prepare for the inevitable. A spouse is diagnosed with cancer and we wait with baited breath to see if the treatments work. But what happens when a family death is unexpected, when a sister doesn’t […]
If you have a special needs child, you have probably spent years learning everything that is best for your child’s medical and financial care. Even though you may be very familiar with their assets and their medical treatment, you could run into issues talking to financial institutions and medical providers once your child turns 18 […]
Many people set resolutions at the beginning of each year. Usually, people talk about eating healthier, exercising more and saving money. When you are setting your New Year’s resolutions, make sure you also don’t forget about your estate plan. It’s important to make sure that you don’t leave your family guessing in the event that […]
As we begin the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our financial goals and take proactive steps toward a secure future. Whether planning a major purchase or considering your legacy, effective financial planning is the key to achieving financial success. 1. Organize your Financial Records We handle a lot of estate and […]
What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how did you choose your specific practice area? My family. I saw family members struggle with choosing an attorney or being talked down to when working with them. I promised myself I would treat my clients like family – be patient and kind, walk them […]
Being a single parent is a huge responsibility, and one of the most significant stressors that often arises is the “what ifs” of the future. What would happen to your children if something were to happen to you? This is where estate planning becomes essential for single parents. The legal documents help protect your family […]
Estate planning is important no matter your age. Whether you’ve just turned eighteen, or you’re enjoying retirement, having an estate plan can give you control over your assets and help you make decisions about your medical care in the event of a medical emergency. Here are some important things to consider for estate planning at […]
Millions of baby boomers are living healthy, longer lives. Studies show that nearly one in seven adults over the age of 65 will need long-term care at some point in their later years. To ensure you have a plan in place for your care and to navigate the complex long-term care system with ease, begin […]
Estate planning is a crucial aspect of financial management for everyone, but it holds particular significance for women. Statistically, women tend to live longer than men, and as a result, many will likely be responsible for making critical decisions about the future of their family’s wealth. Why is estate planning especially important for women? There […]
Estate planning is an important part of planning for you and your family’s future. Despite how important it is, many people put it off or avoid the task altogether. Creating an estate plan doesn’t have to be an intimidating experience. At Conti Law, we want to prepare you for the experience. The more you understand […]
Most of us would like what we’ve worked hard for all of our lives to continue to provide for our families for a long time, even after we pass. We’d like it if that money didn’t go straight to creditors or get spent on things that are frivolous. As such, it’s normal if you have […]
Talking about what you want to happen at the end of your life is difficult and emotional. Most people are uncomfortable when confronted with their own mortality or the fact that mom and dad won’t be around one day. That’s why it’s important to think about what you want to happen to you when you […]
Not less than once a week, I hear a client say something to the effect of, “my wife wouldn’t do that!” or “My kids are really good…They won’t fight when I die.” There’s also the infamous, “They all get along – they won’t fight over the few bucks I have.” Though I may not know […]
All too often, I consult with clients who had a parent who passed away who had remarried but hadn’t made the prerequisite arrangements for their estate. This essentially leaves two different families with the task of sorting through what passes to whom. Questions like, “Why wouldn’t they have done this before they died?” or “Why […]
Do you have a power of attorney in place? What happens if you don’t and the day arrives when you are unable to make a decision for yourself? Typically, your medical and financial durable powers of attorney specify who is authorized to act in your stead and to make decisions for you. If you do […]
Time and time again, the same scenario rears its ugly head: estate planning was put off until it was too late and, upon the first spouse’s passing, the surviving spouse learns that all isn’t well in their world. Titling of your assets is imperative. Just because you’re married does not mean that you will inherit […]