Written by: Robert Buzzendore, Esquire Pennsylvania is one of five states with an inheritance tax. An inheritance tax is a tax on the privilege of receiving property. In other words, it is a tax on the transfer of an asset from decedent to an heir or beneficiary....
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Protection from Abuse Order Survives Religious Challenge
Written By: Robert L. Buzzendore, Esquire On August 2, 2021, in Kaur v. Singh, the Superior Court denied Mr. Singh’s request to have the protection from abuse (“PFA”) order against him declared void for infringing his religious rights. The order restricted him from...
Representing Yourself: Should You?
Written By: Robert L. Buzzendore, Esquire Professional services, whether a physician, engineer or an attorney, are necessary to navigate the complexities of their respective fields. It is acknowledged these costs may come at an unexpected time or result in unplanned...
CHALLENGING A Will
Written By: Robert L. Buzzendore, Esquire Disgruntled, scorned or disinherited heirs may claim the decedent’s Will was invalid. A child from decedent’s first marriage may dislike being disinherited in favor of step-mom, or a child may believe he was the rightful heir...
Spousal Elections: What May Happen If Your Spouse Disinherits You
Written By: Robert L. Buzzendore, Esquire Pennsylvania does not allow a spouse to disinherit the other spouse. If a spouse is disinherited, the law provides different remedies depending on whether the spouse died with or without a Will. If the spouse died without a...
Life Insurance and Retirement Proceeds Does A Will Control Their Distribution?
Written By: Robert L. Buzzendore, Esquire On December 14, 2020, in Goodwin v. Goodwin, the Superior Court entered an important decision regarding life insurance and IRA proceeds in a divorce case. Goodwin v. Goodwin, 2020 PA Super 284, 2338 EDA 2019. The issue was...
Should parents give an equal inheritance among their kids?
Most parents will never admit they have a favorite child, no matter how often their kids beg to know. Most parents won’t admit it because they don’t have a favorite child. They love their children in different ways and maintain unique relationships with each of their...
What is probate, and how can you avoid it in Pennsylvania?
What is probate, and how can you avoid it in Pennsylvania? Probate is the legal process that occurs after a person dies regardless of whether they had a valid will. In Pennsylvania, if a person creates an estate plan, their property is typically distributed according...
Unemployment Compensation: Are You and Contractor?
Written By: Robert L. Buzzendore, Esquire Sometimes a person will work “odd jobs” for a company to receive income. The company may consider the person to be an independent contractor instead of an employee because an independent contractor is not eligible for...
How To Lose Your Retirement Options
Written By: Robert L. Buzzendore, Esquire A Will is beneficial because it provides guidance and direction on how to handle your personal property and/or real estate after your death. On the other hand, a Will does not handle items with a beneficiary such as a...