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Estate Planning and Probate

When should I hire an Estate Planning and Probate attorney?


4 signs you need to hire an estate planning and probate attorney
You are ready to create an estate plan.
One wrong word or missing signature can destroy your distribution of assets or worse, risk your family having to work things out in probate court. Ensure your end-of-life wishes are granted and hire an estate planning attorneys to draft your will and/or trust.
You need legal documents like deeds or claims prepared during probate.
If you’ve inherited something you’d like to sell or transfer to another heir, you’ll need a probate lawyer to help properly arrange the inheritance.
Somebody thinks the will should be deemed invalid.
Emotional disputes over asset distribution can tear families apart. Each party involved needs a lawyer, including one to represent the estate, to help resolve conflicts before they turn into a court battle.
You need to go before a judge during estate proceedings.
Unclear or incomplete wills that get challenged by the heirs can lead to litigation. Probate lawyers will present the will or estate documents for interpretation. Each party involved should also have an attorney to ensure their interests are represented.

If you want to ensure your end-of-life wishes are met,
the answer is NOW.
Avoid Probate - Prevent Family Conflicts - Work with an Estate Planning Attorney

Common estate planning concerns we help with:

Wills and Trusts

A properly drafted will and/or trust will ensure your needs and wishes are carried out legally. From designating powers of attorney for incapacitation to making provisions for your family, special needs children, spouses, step children, and grandchildren, having a plan in place will prevent undue hardship and decision-making on your family, and help you avoid the fees and heartache of doing it through probate court.

Probate Representation

The probate lawyers at Zunder and Associates can help you settle your loved one’s estate so you can focus on healing after loss. We can help with things like locating and filing the will with the court system, filing probate documents, processing life insurance death benefits, settling financial affairs, securing tangible property, and overseeing the final distribution of assets according to the will guidelines, and more.

Trust Administration

In order for a trust to carry out the wishes of the maker, it must be administered. This includes filing it with Pennsylvania Probate Court and tax filings with the State and IRS. Beneficiaries must be notified, and several legal and financial transactions must occur for the trustee to avoid financial and legal consequences. If you’ve agreed to be the trustee, we highly recommend working with an experienced trust attorney from Zunder and Associates in Butler County. We will ensure you understand all the legal language in the trust and help you protect yourself while carrying out the wishes of the deceased.

Probate Representation

Whether you wish to contest a will due to undue influence or lack of capacity or you want to protect your interests because someone else is, call Zunder and Associates. Hiring an experienced team of probate attorneys will give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

Guardianship and Conservatorship

Designating guardians and conservators is an important part of ensuring your loved ones who cannot make their own decisions are taken care of in the event you are incapacitated or passed on. We help you balance dignity with protection for your loved one.

Special Needs Planning

Ensuring your special needs child is taken care of means more than setting up a trust to cover their financial needs. We help you understand long-term needs and plan for your child’s future, including receiving benefits from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, housing options and services through local agencies, guardianships, and more.

Zunder and Associates are Butler County's Compassionate, Trusted Estate Attorneys


Photo of elderly couple

Get the Peace of Mind You Need

It’s never too early to plan for the unexpected. The estate and probate attorneys at Zunder and Associates ensure in the event you become incapacitated or lose your life, your needs are met, your wishes are carried out, and your family can focus on healing.

At any age, having to make the hard decisions about medical treatment, distribution of assets, and settling an estate is stressful, confusing, and can tear families apart. With complete and well planned legal trusts and wills, we help you protect your family and their future, even after you are unable to do it yourself. Show how much you care about the well-being of your family by taking care of the details now.

With Zunder and Associates creating your will and trust your family is covered.

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