Wills & Powers of Attorney

Zullinger-Davis-Trinh, P.C., offers comprehensive representation in estate planning, including matters of Wills and Powers of Attorney, and probate and estate administration. Our work begins with determining each client’s individual estate plan and making those life decisions that are so critical.

But we don’t stop there. Our attorneys in Chambersburg and Shippensburg, PA, also provide guidance and support to executors, administrators, and family members of the deceased during what is often a difficult and uncertain time.

Even if we did not write the original documents, we can assist you. Call to learn more.

Wills

We are proud to offer legal guidance for preparing a Will. While you may not want to think about it, a Will allows you to direct how your assets will be distributed after your death and allows you to decide who will be in charge of that process.  We can prepare a Will that will map out a plan for your family and will give both you and your family peace of mind. 

Trusts

A trust protects your assets by leaving them to a designated person upon your death. A trust gives you control over how your assets are distributed after your death. For example, you can set up a trust for your children on the condition that it’s only used for education. We will discuss all of your options and prepare or update a trust to give you protection and peace of mind.

Special Needs Trusts

A special needs trust is a vehicle that allows individuals with physical or developmental disabilities to have the benefit of assets, including inherited assets, without disqualifying them from means-tested government benefits, such as Supplemental Social Security (SSI) or Medical Assistance (Medicaid).    Special needs trusts supplement the individual’s government benefits and provide additional resources for the individual’s care and comfort.

Living Wills

A living will is your written expression of how you want to be treated when you are determined to be “incompetent” and in an “end-stage medical condition” or in a “state of permanent unconsciousness”. We will prepare a living will to provide your loved ones with instructions in the event that you cannot communicate your wishes at the end of your life.

Durable Powers of Attorney

A durable power of attorney gives a third party authorization to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. This is a unique kind of power of attorney that allows the third party to act on your behalf, even after you become mentally incompetent.

Health Care Power of Attorneys

If you become ill, you may not be able to communicate decisions about your health care. That is why it is a good idea to set up a health care power of attorney. Your designated health care power of attorney allows your designated agent to make decisions about your medical care.

Guardianships

A guardianship is needed when an adult is deemed incapacitated and unable to make decisions on their own behalf, including financial, medical and personal decisions. The Guardian can be a professional or a family member and is appointed by the Court to make decisions about the care and treatment of the incapacitated person and/or to manage their property and finances.

Fill out our Estate Planning Intake Form and bring it to your scheduled consultation.

FAQs

When should I make a will?

It is never too early to draft a Will. If you have assets that you would like to pass on to a loved one, the time to set up a Will is now!

When should I set up a trust?

If you want to protect and control your assets in the event of your death, it is a good idea to set up a trust as soon as possible.

Who should I tell about my will or trust?

Who you discuss your Will or trust with is entirely up to you. In general, it is a good idea to inform your next of kin, your beneficiaries, the executor of your estate, the person you choose as your trustee, and your lawyer.

What happens if I die without a will?

If you die without a will, the state laws decide who will inherit your assets. Typically, that is your spouse, children, or other family members.

Have a question? Our team is always reachable!