Estate Planning / Probate

Delaware County Estate Planning and Probate Attorney

I represent clients in all types of estate planning and probate matters. As a professor of wills trusts, and probate at Widener University School of Law, I have a comprehensive knowledge of estate planning and probate law as it affects estates of all sizes.

In my practice, probate means more than just a rote application of probate laws and the writing of documents. Estate planning, health care, and trust matters involve private decisions about the disposition of one's earthly possessions after death. Ultimately, these decisions affect the lives and futures of family members and loved ones. I take a personal interest in my clients, their estate planning decisions, and their families. I can provide sound advice and counsel in these complex and intensely personal decisions. 

I represent clients in a variety of matters including:

• Wills - simple to complex
• Trusts
• Estate planning - for estates ranging in size from modest to large
• Elder law and the financing of nursing home care
• Inheritance tax planning
• Probate administration
• Probate litigation and trust litigation
• Health care directives
• Powers of attorney
• Special needs trusts
• Guardianships

Estate planning laws change frequently, and the tax rules for large estates are currently set to expire in 2010 unless they are reinstated by legislation. Persons with large estates need informed advice about their options. The uncertainties of the situation do not mean that such people should do nothing. One can build flexibility into a will without knowing what the law will be in the future. I can assist clients facing these problems and point the way to estate planning and will solutions which will preserve assets for your inheritors.

Beware of Probate Avoidance Schemes

Many advertisements offer documents or a living trust system which they claim will enable a person to avoid probate. Be very careful of these claims and schemes. They can encumber assets, result in higher costs, and lead to a delay in the winding up of an estate. I am frequently consulted by clients who are considering these estate vehicles. For these clients, I can explain their drawbacks of these documents and alternative estate planning choices.

Reasonable Hourly Fees

In my probate practice, I charge reasonable hourly rates rather than taking a percentage of the estate value. In most situations, this results in lower legal fees for the estate, and leaves more for the inheritors of the estate. 

To schedule a consultation, call 610-565-4191, or contact me online. I schedule evening and weekend consultations by appointment, at your location if necessary.

My office is conveniently located in downtown Media, with free off street parking.

Jeff L. Lewin
Attorney at Law
117 N. Monroe Street
Media, PA 19063
 Phone: (610) 565-4191 
Fax :(610) 565-4174

Serving clients in the Philadelphia area and along the Main Line, including Media, Swarthmore, Springfield, and Broomall and other communities in the Tri-State area of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.

Delaware County - Montgomery County - Chester County