Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Information

As an executive, family business owner, real estate investor or other professional, and whether you are currently working or retired, you have worked hard to build your personal wealth and perhaps the value of your business and investments.  However, without the proper planning, many of the assets you have succeeded in acquiring can be taken away or taxed more heavily than necessary. 

In many cases, unprepared heirs can lose asset value simply because they do not yet have the advice and tools that they need or they lack the structures to protect them from litigation or a failed marriage. By preparing for future unforeseen events, you can protect your wealth, your lifestyle, your heirs and estate. 

And, through a process known as Enhanced Estate Planning (TM) you can make sure that your heirs do not lose your advice, wisdom, and family values that are essential to future generations success but might otherwise be lost if you pass away.  So wether you need a simple will or more complicated planning techniques such as an Irrevocable Trust, or a GRAT, what you probably want more than anything else is for someone to guide you through the process in a clear, easy, and effective way. That is what we do.  And we also help you to protect assets, and to minimize or avoid estate and inheritance taxes

WORRIED ABOUT DEATH TAXES?

Every year, millions of dollars are spent on federal estate tax, according to published figures from the Internal Revenue Service.  But many of these taxes are incurred by families that just do not know the strategies to legally minimize or avoid such taxes and the similar taxes and probate fees imposed by many states.  Yes, there are ways to minimize the amount paid for estate tax and generation skipping transfer tax, which will help eliminate the burden placed on heirs and estate owners.  Furthermore, many inheritances, after depletion by such taxes and related costs, are then lost in personal or business litigation or in divorces. 

CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO AN INHERITANCE IF AN HEIR GETS DIVORCED?

According to the National Marriage Project, the most recent data shows that the probability that a first marriage will end in divorce or separation is 40 to 50 percent.  And, each year many frivolous as well as potentially successful lawsuits are filed against people just like you.  However, just as there are strategies and techniques to minimize taxation, there are equally powerful tools for protecting heirs from divorces, as well as such creditor claims and lawsuits against them. Beneficiary controlled trusts, and other asset protection trusts and tools can be used now or established under your will to give your children and grandchildren not only tax protection but also a higher level of protection for lawsuits and divorce. For more information about these topics browse the list of blog topics and articles just to the left of this screen.

David M. Frees, III, is an experienced Pennsylvania will and trust attorney. His practice focuses on estate planning, trusts and estate administration with an emphasis on assset protection trusts and the process of passing on a family's values, and knowledge about finances, investment, business, education, and other topics of importance to your family.  His practice also focuses on the preparation of estate plans and asset protection planning that often use wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical powers and directives. 


David Frees currently is Chairman of the Trust, Estates, and Wealth Preservation Section of the firm Unruh, Turner, Burke and Frees. 

CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY DISPUTES AND HAVING A VALID PLAN?

He has written books and had articles, chapters, and essays included in several books and publications including, The Language of Parenting: Building Great Family Relationships At All Ages, Einstein’s Business, Dream, Inc. and The Ultimate Success Secret.  His articles and related publications include programs on Avoiding The Ten Top Mistakes of Executors, and he has authored over ten years of articles covering such issues as family vacation homes, perpetuating family businesses and perpetuating executive wealth.

He has also developed a proprietary process, Enhanced Estate Planning™ that allows you as a single or married person, as parents or grandparent to carefully and strategically plan your estate, to educate the next generation, and to protect assets from claims.

He has helped thousands of individuals with the following matters:

• Administering Estates and Trusts
  
• Avoiding or Dealing with Probate and Executors Fees and Duties
  
• Estate Planning with Wills, Trusts, and Related Tools and Strategies
• Divorce Protection for Your Heirs, Children and Grandchildren
  
• Private Charitable Foundations
• Family Foundation(s) and Donor Advised Funds
• Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRAT)
• Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP)
• Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
• Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT or QPERT)
• Asset Protection Planning of Many Types
  

Many of the clients that approach David Frees are surprised to find that the process of estate planning and asset protection can be incredibly interesting and some have described it as "fun" and as "fulfilling."  Through the knowledge that Mr. Frees provides, clients are able to implement planning strategies from one generation to the next.  Mr. Frees takes pride in his strong and lasting relationships with his clients and has worked with some families for three generations.  Contact Mr. Frees' assitants at (610) 933-8069 to see if you qualify for a free consultation.

Have a legal need other than a will, trust, or estate?  David Frees will make sure that you get the best representation either within the firm or by referral to other counsel.  However, David Frees and the lawyers in his section, offer personal representation in the following areas:

Asset Protection

Building your net worth can take years and it is crucial that you take precautionary steps to protect your assets.  Asset protection provides additional security against creditors, claims, lawsuits and exposure to personal or business liability.  There are many techniques available to protect your property and assets.  These methods for asset protection are generally only successful if done properly.  A knowledgeable Pennsylvania asset protection lawyer, such as David Frees, can help you with your asset protection plan.  David Frees is also often assisted by his lawyers and partners in the business section of the firm who can assist you with related corporate and business organizational issues.

Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning

Both the federal estate tax and generation skipping transfer tax laws are constantly changing.  And, many states change their laws as well. Tax planning is an essential tool to help preserve an estate.  Even if you have determined how the estate assets are to be distributed, without estate tax planning, the assets and properties left to your heirs and beneficiaries can be greatly impacted.  David Frees helps individuals reduce their tax liability and also assists clients with the filing of Federal Estate and Gift Tax Returns and Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Returns.  He works closely with his clients’ tax advisors, in order to help executors and trustees prepare their fiduciary income tax returns.

Protecting Heirs from Divorce and Litigation

For most estate owners, protecting their children and grandchildren from possible divorce litigation and creditor’s claims is a top priority.  They do not want to leave their loved ones vulnerable to a claim to the assets they inherit.  This goal can be accomplished through estate planning.  Likewise, if you are expecting an inheritance, you may want to protect yourself from these types of divorce and creditor risks. David Frees helps his clients protect their heirs through the use of various legal techniques and strategies.

Wills and Trusts

A legal will is designed to let your intentions be known and usually includes the entire estate.  To avoid potential disputes among beneficiaries, a will should be carefully drafted by a Pennsylvania wills attorney.  A trust is also an essential estate planning tool that will detail how the estate will be distributed.  Through the use of a trust, you have the ability to decide which beneficiaries are to receive certain assets and how these assets will be given.  David Frees specializes in helping clients with their wills and trusts and prepares these documents based on each individual circumstance.

Executor, Trustees and Probate

Administering an estate can be an overwhelming responsibility, especially when problems arise.  David Frees provides assistance to executors and trustees, to help ensure an effortless transfer of assets.  When complications arise, Mr. Frees offers his expertise to limit liability exposure to beneficiaries and creditors and can successfully administer wills and trusts in probate court.  Whenever possible, he will help to resolve or close estate and trust administrations through informal family settlement agreements or if necessary, through the court accounting process.

Contact David Frees at whose practice focuses on estate planning wills, trusts, and asset protection (610) 933-8069 for advice regarding your wealth, estate or assset protection planning.  He is a trust and will lawyer who represents thousands of clients in Philadelphia, Chester County, Montgomery County, Delaware County and Lancaster County and many clients from communities such as: Berwyn, Devon, Paoli, Exton, Phoenixville, West Chester, Malvern, Chester Springs, Ardmore, Gladwyn, Exton, Downingtown and surrounding areas.

Alternative Dispute Resolution For Estates and Trusts

David Frees and Unruh, Turner, Burke and Frees offer alternative dispute resolution for Executors, Trustees, and Beneficiaries interested in quickly, fairly, and economically resolving disputes over wills, trusts, and estates. David M. Frees has over 24 years of experience in estate and trust administration and in resolving the problems and competing claims of executors, trustees and beneficiaries.

The System For Protecting Your Assets for Your Self and Your Heirs

Estate planning for families, executives, and business owners. A proven and effective system for preserving family wealth, assets, and your family values and business, investing and other knowledge that might be lost. This system also avoids family disputes and focuses on the traditional goals of wealth preservation and tax savings as well as asset protection and protecting heirs from law suits and divorce. The best will, trust and estates lawyers in Chester County and Montgomery County Pennsylvania are focused on creating customized plans that do exactly what you need and want.

Asset Protection

Your business and assets can be at risk if you do not have an Pennsylvania asset protection plan in place. David M. Frees, III, an experienced Pennsylvania asset protection lawyer, works with individuals who are looking for sophisticated asset protection in Chester County and Montgomery County and in suburban Philadelphia. He limits his practice to Pennsylvania asset protection, estate planning, estate administration, representing executors, tax planning, wills and trusts. Contact Mr. Frees today at (610) 933-8069 for legal advice regarding protecting your assets.

Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning

Excessive estate and inheritance tax can significantly deplete the amount of money left to your heirs. There are many strategies available that will help reduce the tax liability of your beneficiaries. David M. Frees, III, a knowledgeable Pennsylvania estate tax planning lawyer, has over 23 years of experience and can assist you with estate and inheritance tax planning. Contact Mr. Frees today at (610) 933-8069 for legal advice regarding your estate.

Protecting Heirs from Divorce and Litigation

Protecting children and grandchildren from possible divorce litigation, judgments and other claims is usually a top priority for estate owners. There are strategies and legal techniques available that can protect an inheritance. If you are an estate owner or if you are expecting an inheritance, contact David M. Frees, III, an experienced estate planning attorney, at (610) 933-8069.

Wills and Trusts

A legal will is designed to let your intentions be known and usually includes the entire estate. To avoid potential disputes among beneficiaries, a will should be carefully drafted by a Pennsylvania wills attorney. A trust is also an essential estate planning tool that will detail how the estate will be distributed. Through the use of a trust, you have the ability to decide which beneficiaries are to receive certain assets and how these assets will be given. David Frees specializes in helping clients with their wills and trusts and prepares these documents based on each individual circumstance.

Executor, Trustees and Probate

Executors and trustees face an immense responsibility. Probate, trusts and estate administration can be complex. David M. Frees, III is an experienced Pennsylvania probate attorney who can help ensure that an estate is properly distributed. Contact Mr. Frees today at (610) 933-8069.

Elder Law Trusts, Contracts, Checklists and Solutions

Ideas, Information and checklists for individuals and families facing nursing home care, Alzheimers, dementia, nursing home liability, the rights of the elderly, issues of the aged, and related problems. How to use trusts, care contracts, long term care coverage and many planning techniques to protect assets and to protect your home from nursing care and end of life spend down.

Ideas and Information That Make Life Better

David M. Frees III is not just your lawyer. He is a speaker, author, and according to Elite books, one of the fifty most influential thinkers about business today. David has been traveling the globe for business and personal pleasure alone, with his wife, and with his family since he was very young. Now David brings you ideas and information to help to make your travel, your health, your business and personal life even better. These ideas, tools, resources and products range from communications skills to business tools, to travel, sports, and technology. Enjoy!

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Attorney David M. Frees III whose practice involves trusts, estates, wills, and estate and asset protection planning, has just published a new (and free) guide for executors of wills probated in Pennsylvania.  The report entitled:  The Ten Most Common Mistakes That Executors make and How To Avoid Them.  This is a guide for executors to prevent personal liability and a guide to you if you're planning your estate and need to decide who is the best executor.

David Frees and Unruh, Turner, Burke and Frees have offices located conveniently in Malvern, Phoenixville, and West Chester Pennsylvania.  Just click here for directions.

If you are an executor, or if you need to update an old will, trust, or estate plan, or if you need to do one for the first time, call 610-933-8069 and ask for one of David's assistants for an appointment with David or one of his team. 

Please tell us that you're calling from our estate planners web site and you will receive a bonus when you come for an appointent or you have a telephone conference with David.

David Frees has attained AVVOs highest lawyer rating of "superb" or 10.  For more information on David Frees' AVVO rating click here.

Read David's Book:

Videos

The System For Protecting Your Assets for Your Self and Your Heirs:

• Protecting Your Heirs From Divorce or Lawsuits
• Enhanced Estate Planning 1 - What is It? Why Do it? How?
• Enhanced Estate Planning 3 How Do I Do I do It? Your Questions Answered

Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning:

• How Much Can I Give without Filing A Gift Tax Return?
• No More Death Taxes - On the View.
• Keeping Assets in The Family or How I Got The Best of A Very Bad Stock Market

Wills and Trusts:

• Bullet Proof Your Will From Challenges Part 1 of 5
• More Information About Why You Need A Will
• Understanding the GRAT Grantor Retained Annuity Trust

Family Communications and Dynamics:

• This Attorney Wrote The Book on Family Communications
• Dave Frees On PBS Part 2

General:

• Insurance Book
• Insurance Book
• Executor Liability

more

FAQ

The System For Protecting Your Assets for Your Self and Your Heirs

• How much can I give every year to my children and grandchildren without having to file a gift tax return?

Asset Protection

• What is "Asset Protection"?
• Doesn't holding my assets in joint names protect them from my creditors or from lawsuits?
• How do I use a trust to protect assets in the event that I need nursing home care?

Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning

• How much can I give away during my lifetime?
• How much is the annual gift tax exclusion?
• What taxes affect estate planning?

Wills and Trusts

• Which is Better The Will or Revocable Living Trust?  The probate vs. non probate debate continues.
• If we have a child named as a beneficiary of an account or POD (Pay On Death) and that child goes into bankruptcy, can our assets be taken away?
• Do I give up control to my trustee if I create a revocable or living trust?

Executor, Trustees and Probate

• How much can an executor charge for an estate in Pennsylvania?
• How long does probate take in Pennsylvania?
• As an Executor, how do you make sure a handwritten will is authentic?

Elder Law Trusts, Contracts, Checklists and Solutions

• Can family members be paid for providing care to an elderly parent or relative without disqualifying them from long term care under medicaid?
• I have a revocable living trust.  Does that protect my ssets from a nursing home spend down?

New Laws That Might Affect You

• How would the new Pennsylvania Home Improvement Act affect me if I have a business?

General

• Do I need to change my bank and investment accounts for the revocable trust?

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Disclaimer

The materials on this web site have been prepared by the law firm of Unruh, Turner, Burke and Frees, P.C. for informational purposes only and are not legal of the information on this web site is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. You should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. This web site provides links to other internet sites. Unruh, Turner, Burke and Frees, P.C. is not associated with and is not responsible for the content on those sites.

Note: Attorneys practicing in the firm of Unruh Turner Burke and Frees are licensed to practice only in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Not all lawyers are licensed in both jurisdictions and the firm maintains offices only in the State of Pennsylvania. Any information contained in this site is not intended to constitute the pra ctice of law in any jurisdiction and as previously noted no attorney-client relationship is formed by access to these materials. Only direct communication with counsel and acceptance of the matter by an authorized attorney within the firm will constitute creation of the attorney client relationship.