Law Offices of Jeremy A. Wechsler

Learn about Health Care Powers of Attorney, Living Wills and more by watching the video below. I'll also address whether these documents need to be updated in the age of Coronavirus. For more information, call (215) 706-0200 or email [email protected].

What estate planning/elder planning topics would you like to hear more about? Please let me know, and look out on this page for more video workshops coming your way shortly.

Have you reviewed your estate plan lately?

Can probate still occur with COVID-19? In Pennsylvania, Register of Wills offices have closed to the public. Most county Register of Wills offices are starting to offer virtual probate, but it is cumbersome and an attorney usually must be involved. Philadelphia is offering emergency probate only -- for example, the deceased individual owned a small business and it is imperative that a successor can control the business. Another example: the Executor cannot file for life insur...ance proceeds to pay the funeral director until they're named Executor. If you have a non-urgent probate matter, the best thing to do is wait until county offices open again. Inheritance taxes are normally due 9 months from the date of death, but that deadline is currently being extended. If you have an inheritance tax deadline coming up, you should speak with your attorney, or get an attorney if you don't have one, to determine whether you can file late or not.

'Catch Me If You Can' reformed con make Frank Abagnale says seniors especially vulnerable to scams.

Interesting updates about the pending SECURE ACT passage in Congress, which would limit the ability for beneficiaries who inherit IRAs to maximize the "stretch" option. "It appears unlikely the SECURE Act will be brought to the floor this fall by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who has said he will not do so unless all the holds have been lifted." https://401kspecialistmag.com/ohios-portman-urges-senate-t/