Estate Planning Attorney in Philadelphia

Plan Today To Protect Your Family Tomorrow

When you think about the future, you probably picture your children, your home, and the people who matter most. An effective estate plan is how you make sure they are protected if something unexpected happens. It can feel overwhelming to sort through wills, powers of attorney, and Pennsylvania rules on your own.

At Law Office of Smith & Horwitz, we help families in this area create clear, practical estate plans that reflect real life. As a long-standing family law firm, we understand the way divorce, custody, and support orders affect your choices. Our attorneys bring more than 35 years of experience in family litigation to every plan we design.

When you work with us, you can expect straightforward guidance, honest advice, and a process that respects your time and budget. Our goal is to give you confidence that your wishes are understood and documented so your family has direction when it matters most.

Contact our trusted estate planning lawyer in Philadelphia at (215) 515-8464 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Why Families Choose Our Estate Planning

Choosing someone to help with your estate plan is as much about trust as it is about documents. Many of our clients come to us because they want a firm that understands both the legal and personal sides of family decisions. We focus exclusively on family-related law, including divorce, custody, child support, and property division.

This focus means we see every day how financial decisions, parenting arrangements, and new relationships affect long-term plans. When we act as your estate planning lawyer, Philadelphia families can work with us. We look at existing court orders, prior agreements, and your current family structure. We work to design a plan that fits those realities instead of ignoring them.

Our boutique size allows us to provide attentive, one-on-one service instead of handing your matter off to a different department. Clients often tell us they value being able to speak directly with their attorney and get clear explanations. Our recognition as SuperLawyers reflects our commitment to strong advocacy and careful legal work on behalf of families.

Cost is a real concern for most people. We offer flexible retainers and focus on efficient processes so you can move forward without feeling like the process is open-ended. Our firm also places a high value on communication, which means you know what is happening with your plan and why each decision matters.

What A Thoughtful Estate Plan Can Do

A good estate plan is more than a single document. It is a coordinated set of decisions that guides what happens to your property, who cares for your children, and who can act for you if you cannot speak for yourself. Without these decisions in place, Pennsylvania's intestacy laws and default rules decide many outcomes.

If someone dies without a will in Pennsylvania, the state’s intestacy rules generally determine which relatives inherit and in what shares. For families with blended relationships, stepchildren, or estranged relatives, those default rules may not match their wishes. A clear will and related documents give you more control over what happens.

If an estate needs to go through probate in Philadelphia, the Orphans’ Court division of the Court of Common Pleas typically oversees the process. An organized plan can make that process smoother for your personal representative and your family. It can also reduce confusion and the risk of disputes between relatives.

With a thoughtful estate plan, many clients can:

• Decide who will receive specific assets, such as real estate, savings, and personal items
• Choose a trusted person to serve as a guardian for minor children if both parents are unavailable
• Appoint someone to manage finances and legal matters if they become incapacitated
• Set out health care wishes in advance so loved ones are not guessing during a crisis
• Reduce the chances of conflict between a current spouse, former spouse, and children

As an estate attorney Philadelphia residents can turn to, we focus on converting your concerns into clear, written instructions. We walk through your priorities, explain your options in plain language, and help you decide which tools make sense for your situation.

Our Estate Planning Process In Philadelphia

Many people delay estate planning because they are not sure where to start. We structure our process so you know what to expect at each step and what is needed from you. When you retain us as your estate planning attorney, Philadelphia families can rely on, we begin with a conversation rather than a stack of forms.

In the initial meeting, we listen to your story. We ask about your family members, prior marriages, children, and any court orders that may affect property or parenting. We also discuss your goals, such as protecting a child with special needs, providing for a new spouse, or preserving assets for the next generation.

From there, we move into information gathering and plan design. We typically review key documents, including deeds, account information, and relevant divorce or custody orders. This helps us align your estate plan with existing legal obligations under Pennsylvania law and avoid unintended conflicts later.

Our estate planning process often follows these steps:

• Initial consultation to understand your family, concerns, and goals
• Information gathering about assets, liabilities, and existing legal orders
• Development of a tailored plan structure and document recommendations
• Drafting of wills and related documents based on your instructions
• Review meeting to walk through each provision and answer questions
• Final signing with proper formalities and guidance on storage and updates

Throughout this process, our attorneys communicate clearly and in a timely way. We explain why certain choices may be better in light of Pennsylvania rules or the way the Philadelphia Orphans’ Court typically handles issues. Our goal is to make a complex area of law feel organized and manageable.

We also discuss practical details, such as who will know where your documents are kept and how your named decision-makers will learn about their roles. Our firm works to save clients time and money by identifying potential issues early and addressing them in the planning stage.

Estate Planning For Complex Family Situations

Some families face additional layers of complexity when creating an estate plan. You may have children from different relationships, a former spouse with rights under a prior divorce decree, or a partner who is not yet a legal spouse. These situations require careful thought so that your plan is both fair and workable.

As an estate planning lawyer, Philadelphia families with complex histories. We draw on decades of family law experience when advising you. We have seen how unclear documents, or no documents at all, can lead to conflict in the Court of Common Pleas and within families. That perspective informs the guidance we provide at the planning table.

If your divorce was handled in Pennsylvania, your property settlement agreement and related orders often affect what you can leave and to whom. Support obligations and custody orders issued in Philadelphia can also shape decisions about guardianship, life insurance, and how children are provided for. We review these items with you so that your estate plan respects existing commitments.

Blended families may have particular concerns about balancing the needs of a current spouse and children from a prior relationship. We talk through these concerns openly and explain different approaches. Our attorneys work to help you choose a strategy that reflects your priorities, reduces the potential for disputes, and remains realistic over time.

Life changes, and your plan may need to change as well. When clients return to adjust their documents after a new marriage, the birth of a child, or a change in health, our familiarity with their family story helps the process move smoothly. We view estate planning as an ongoing part of protecting your family, not a one-time event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need An Estate Plan If I Already Have A Will?

A will is important, but it is only one part of an estate plan. Many people also benefit from powers of attorney and health care directives. These documents help manage your affairs if you are alive but unable to act, which a will does not address.

How Does Divorce Or Custody Affect My Estate Plan?

Divorce, custody, and support orders can significantly affect what you own and what you must provide. We review Pennsylvania and Philadelphia orders, then design or update your plan so it aligns with those obligations. This approach helps reduce surprises and potential conflicts later.

What Should I Bring To Our First Estate Planning Meeting?

It helps to bring a list of your assets and debts, any prior wills, and copies of divorce, custody, or support orders. You do not need every detail in perfect order. We can help you identify what additional information will be useful as we move forward.

How Much Does It Cost To Work With Your Firm On An Estate Plan?

Costs depend on the complexity of your situation and the documents you choose. We discuss fees at the outset so you understand the expected range. Our firm uses flexible retainers when appropriate and focuses on efficient planning to respect your time and resources.

Can I Update My Estate Plan If My Situation Changes?

Yes, estate plans can usually be updated as life changes. Many clients revise their documents after marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial shifts. We encourage periodic reviews so your plan continues to reflect your current wishes and obligations.

Talk With Our Philadelphia Estate Lawyers

Taking the first step toward an estate plan often brings a sense of relief. You do not need to know every answer before you contact us. Our attorneys are here to walk you through your options, explain how Pennsylvania rules work, and help you make decisions that feel right for your family.

At Law Office of Smith & Horwitz, we combine decades of focused family law experience with a personalized approach to planning. When you reach out, we will discuss your goals, outline a practical path forward, and answer your questions in clear language. You can move at a pace that feels comfortable while still making meaningful progress.

If you are ready to talk with an estate lawyer Philadelphia residents can trust with sensitive family matters, we invite you to connect with our team. We are committed to accessible communication, realistic guidance, and careful attention to your needs.

Contact us at (215) 515-8464 to schedule your free consultation with our reliable estate planning lawyer in Philadelphia and start your journey toward a clearer, more secure future.