We are proud to announce that attorney Mike Frisbie recently obtained a Certificate in Estate Planning and Administration from the Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law. This Certificate in Estate Planning and Administration strengthens Mike’s expertise in this long-standing practice area and complements the services we provide to our existing business and estate planning and administration clients.
Here are a few recent examples where Mike applied his enhanced knowledge of sophisticated tax planning, estate administration, and family business succession planning:
Establishing Validity of a Will
A client brought in a will obtained from an online provider that was not executed in a manner to make probate easily, in other words, not “self-proving.” A “self-proving” will is one that also has a sworn statement signed by witnesses present for the signing of the will, removing the need for these witnesses to testify after the passing of the person that the will was indeed signed in their presence. Also, the will had confusing language regarding the disposition of property and how and who pays the taxes. Mike led the clients through the probate process, assisting them in administering the will consistent with the decedent’s wishes.
Protecting Domestic Partner Assets
A client held joint assets with an unmarried partner. When the partner entered a nursing home, the nursing home wanted to include the joint assets in its calculations for payment of charges. Mike saved the clients’ assets by helping the client persuade the nursing home not to include certain assets in the calculations.
Honoring Final Wishes
A client’s stepmother refused to probate a will to provide the shore house that our client and her siblings were entitled under the will. Mike’s work forced the stepmother to probate the will so that the terms of the client’s father’s will were enforced and his father’s wishes — keeping the shore house in the family by giving it to his children — were honored.
Planning is Key
Through Mike’s extensive experience in estate planning and administration, Mike guided clients through these pitfalls and achieved positive solutions. He can also help you ensure situations like those outlined above are avoided with some simple steps and proper planning.
Estate planning is an important step to take to protect you and your family, no matter what your age. Even though you may have planned your estate years ago, life and circumstances — like marriage, the birth of children and grandchildren, divorce, and more — bring about important changes. Changes in your life are all good reasons to come in and review your estate plans and make any necessary updates. If estate planning or updating your documents is something you have been putting off until tomorrow, contact us today. Let’s schedule some time to talk about it.
Mike Frisbie provides individuals and businesses with top level legal services for their everyday situations and problems. Together, they plan and prepare solutions with a litigator’s eye toward avoiding litigation. He takes pride and pleasure in helping people and businesses solve their problems.
This article is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
Many people avoid preparing a Will because they think, “If I die without a Will, my spouse will get everything anyway, right?” This is a misconception can lead to unexpected – and likely, expensive – consequences. Dying without a Will triggers what is known as “Intestate Succession.” When you die intestate, the disposition of most of your property is controlled by the Pennsylvania Law of Intestate Succession set forth in 
