Wills, Trusts & Estate Attorneys serving Philadelphia & new Jersey
Call Now: 215-735-3377
If you want to protect your family, control what happens to your assets, or need help handling a loved one’s estate, The Parrish Law Firm can guide you through every step. Call 215‑735‑3377 to speak directly with Attorney Demetrius J. Parrish Jr. about your estate planning or probate needs.
Why You Need a Will or Trust in Pennsylvania
A clear, legally valid estate plan helps ensure that:
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Your assets go to the people and causes you choose
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Your family avoids unnecessary conflict and confusion
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Minor children have guardians you trust
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Courts and state law do not make decisions for you
​​Without a will or trust, Pennsylvania intestacy laws control who inherits, which may not match your wishes. Proper planning lets you stay in control.
If you don’t yet have a will or trust, call 215‑735‑3377 to discuss a personalized estate plan.
What a Will Can Do for You
A will is the foundation of many estate plans. With a will, you can:
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Decide who receives your property and in what shares
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Name guardians for minor children
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Choose an executor (personal representative) to manage your estate
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Express your preferences about how your final affairs should be handled
A carefully drafted will helps your family know exactly what you wanted and reduces the risk of disputes after you are gone.
Why It’s Risky to Use DIY or Generic Forms
Online forms and generic templates often:
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Fail to comply with Pennsylvania law
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Overlook important assets or complex family situations
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Create ambiguity that leads to conflict and litigation
Working with an experienced attorney helps ensure your will is properly drafted, signed, and tailored to your unique circumstances.
Wills in Pennsylvania – Putting Your Wishes in Writing
Trusts – Extra Protection and Flexibility for Your Estate
What Is a Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages property for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries according to rules you set. Trusts can be created during your lifetime (living trusts) or through your will.
​Trusts can help you:
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Provide for minor or disabled beneficiaries
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Control how and when assets are distributed
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Plan for blended families or second marriages
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Manage property over time rather than in a lump‑sum inheritance
Benefits of Trusts in Estate Planning
Depending on your goals, a trust can:
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Reduce the need for court supervision over certain assets
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Protect beneficiaries from creditors or poor financial decisions
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Provide continuity of management if you become ill or incapacitated
​Attorney Parrish will explain whether a trust makes sense in your situation and, if so, what type of trust structure fits your needs.
To find out whether a trust would benefit your family, call 215‑735‑3377 for a confidential estate planning consultation.
Common Questions About Wills, Trusts, & Probate in Pennsylvania
Will Everyone Know I Filed Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a matter of public record, but it is not typically advertised. In practice, most friends, family members, and employers never know unless you tell them or they actively search court records.
Will I Lose My Home if I File Chapter 7?
Most Pennsylvania homeowners who are current on their mortgage keep their homes in Chapter 7 because of generous homestead protections. If you are behind on payments, a different strategy such as Chapter 13 may be better to catch up.
How Much Does Chapter 7 Cost?
There is a court filing fee and attorney’s fees, which vary depending on the complexity of your case. During your free consultation, Attorney Parrish will explain all costs and payment options up front, so there are no surprises.
How Long Will Chapter 7 Stay on My Credit Report?
Chapter 7 can appear on your credit report for up to 10 years, but that does not mean your credit will be damaged for that entire time. Many people are able to qualify for new credit and improve their scores much sooner by managing their finances carefully after bankruptcy.
