The Law Office of Gail L. Hills focuses on estate planning for middle-class workers and families, wealth preservation, and business formations and contracts.
Below are a list of the variety of services that we provide for our clients.
Our firm provides the following list of services. Please click the links to go to the description for that service.
Wealth planning refers to the strategic process of managing and maximizing one’s financial resources and assets to achieve specific financial goals and objectives. It encompasses a range of strategies, including investment management, tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning, risk management, and charitable giving. Wealth planning takes into account an individual’s or family’s current financial situation, future financial aspirations, and the desired legacy they wish to leave behind. It involves analyzing and structuring assets, minimizing tax liabilities, creating effective estate plans, and ensuring proper wealth transfer to future generations. Wealth planning also addresses the protection of assets against potential risks and the implementation of strategies to grow and preserve wealth over time. By engaging in comprehensive wealth planning, individuals and families can optimize their financial resources, enhance their financial security, and create a roadmap for long-term financial success.
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a person, known as the grantor or settlor, transfers their assets to a trustee who manages those assets for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. Trusts are versatile tools that serve various purposes, such as estate planning, asset protection, and charitable giving. They offer a range of benefits, including privacy, flexibility, and control over the distribution of assets. Trusts can be revocable or irrevocable, depending on the grantor’s preferences and objectives. Revocable trusts allow the grantor to modify or revoke the trust during their lifetime, while irrevocable trusts are generally unchangeable once established. Trusts are particularly useful for individuals seeking to protect their assets from creditors, minimize estate taxes, or provide ongoing financial support for loved ones. By establishing a trust, individuals can ensure their assets are managed according to their wishes and provide for the long-term financial security of their beneficiaries.
A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive or healthcare power of attorney, is a legal document that allows individuals to express their healthcare preferences and decisions in advance, particularly in situations where they are unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. It outlines the individual’s wishes regarding medical treatments, life-sustaining interventions, and end-of-life care. A living will typically covers scenarios such as the use of artificial life support, resuscitation efforts, pain management, organ donation, and the designation of a healthcare proxy or agent. By creating a living will, individuals ensure that their healthcare choices are respected and followed, even if they are unable to express them at the time. It provides guidance to healthcare professionals and relieves loved ones of the burden of making difficult decisions on the individual’s behalf. A living will is an essential component of comprehensive advance care planning and empowers individuals to maintain control over their medical care and treatment preferences.
Income-preservation planning is a financial strategy designed to protect and preserve an individual’s or family’s income in the face of potential risks and uncertainties. This type of planning focuses on ensuring a steady and reliable stream of income that can sustain one’s lifestyle and financial obligations, even during unforeseen circumstances such as disability, illness, or job loss. Income-preservation planning involves assessing and mitigating risks through various methods, such as insurance policies (such as disability insurance or income replacement insurance), emergency funds, and diversification of income sources. It also includes budgeting and expense management to maintain a sustainable level of spending relative to income. By proactively planning to preserve income, individuals can safeguard their financial stability, protect their loved ones, and maintain their quality of life, even during challenging times.
A healthcare power of attorney, also known as a medical power of attorney or healthcare proxy, is a legal document that designates an individual to make medical decisions on behalf of another person, known as the principal, when they are unable to do so themselves. This trusted individual, often a family member or close friend, is granted the authority to make healthcare choices, including treatment options, surgeries, medications, and end-of-life decisions, in accordance with the principal’s wishes. The healthcare power of attorney is particularly valuable in situations where the principal is incapacitated, unconscious, or mentally incapable of making informed decisions. The appointed agent is responsible for advocating for the principal’s healthcare preferences, consulting with medical professionals, and ensuring that the principal’s best interests are upheld. By establishing a healthcare power of attorney, individuals can have confidence that their medical decisions will align with their values and beliefs, even when they are unable to actively participate in the decision-making process.
A financial power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, the authority to manage financial matters on behalf of another person, known as the principal. This document is typically used when the principal is unable to handle their financial affairs due to physical or mental incapacity, illness, or being unavailable for an extended period. The agent appointed under a financial power of attorney can perform various tasks, such as paying bills, managing investments, collecting income, filing taxes, and making financial decisions. The scope of the agent’s powers can be broad or limited, depending on the wishes of the principal. It is crucial to choose a trustworthy and capable agent who will act in the best interests of the principal. A financial power of attorney can provide peace of mind by ensuring that financial matters are appropriately managed, even when the principal is unable to do so themselves.
Estate administration is the legal and practical process of settling and distributing the assets and affairs of a deceased person, often referred to as the decedent or the estate owner. It involves managing various aspects, including identifying and collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, resolving any outstanding legal matters, and ultimately distributing the remaining assets to the rightful beneficiaries or heirs. Estate administration typically begins with the appointment of an executor or personal representative, who is responsible for overseeing the process and ensuring that the decedent’s wishes, as outlined in their will or state intestacy laws, are carried out. The executor’s duties may include filing necessary legal documents, valuing assets, communicating with creditors, preparing an inventory of assets, and distributing the estate according to the established plan. The complexity and duration of estate administration can vary depending on factors such as the size of the estate, the presence of disputes or litigation, and the efficiency of the executor. Proper estate administration is crucial for honoring the decedent’s wishes, protecting the interests of beneficiaries, and bringing closure to the estate’s affairs.
Deed transfers refer to the legal process of transferring ownership of real estate from one party to another. A deed is a written document that serves as evidence of ownership and outlines the specifics of the property being transferred. The transfer typically occurs when the current owner, known as the grantor, conveys their interest in the property to a new owner, known as the grantee. Deed transfers are commonly conducted in various situations, such as the sale or purchase of property, gifting property to a family member or friend, or transferring ownership as part of an estate plan. The process involves preparing and executing a new deed that accurately reflects the transfer of ownership, and filing the deed with the appropriate government authority, typically the county recorder’s office. Deed transfers require careful attention to detail and adherence to legal requirements to ensure a valid and legally binding transfer of property. Engaging the services of a qualified real estate attorney or title company can help facilitate a smooth and proper deed transfer process.
Contracts involve Rights, Responsibilities, Rewards, and Penalties between two or more individuals or entities and the legal terms that are “best practices” to keep our client’s interests intact.
Our office can help you with the following contract issues:
Contract formations, such as Leases and Partnership Agreements; and,
Contract review where we tell you where you can improve the contract you have or let you know if the other party is asking for something that is inappropriate.
Business succession planning is the process of creating a strategic roadmap for the smooth transition of a business’s ownership and management from one generation or leadership team to the next. It involves identifying and developing future leaders within the organization, determining the best structure for the succession plan, and establishing a framework for transferring ownership and control. Business succession planning aims to ensure the continuity, stability, and long-term success of the company, while also addressing the interests and needs of the current business owner or founder. This process typically involves comprehensive financial analysis, legal considerations, and clear communication with all stakeholders involved, including family members, key employees, and potential successors. By implementing a well-crafted business succession plan, organizations can minimize disruptions, maintain customer and employee confidence, preserve the company’s values and legacy, and facilitate a seamless transition of leadership and ownership.
Business formation includes working with our clients to determine what would be the best Entity type for their needs. After determining the “choice of entity,” we will register you with the Pennsylvania Department of State, file any additional formation documents the client may needs, such as registering a fictitious name, and all other elements required to get clients’ new business legally up and running.
Businesses also need to dissolve when the owner is no longer working them. We will file all of the documents and get all of the clearances required in order to shutter client’s businesses in an organized, timely manner.
Business consulting is a professional service provided to organizations to help them improve their performance, efficiency, and overall success. Business consultants, often experts in specific industries or functional areas, work closely with businesses to identify challenges, analyze operations, and develop strategies for growth and improvement. They offer valuable insights, objective perspectives, and specialized knowledge to assist businesses in areas such as strategic planning, marketing, operations, finance, human resources, and organizational development. Business consultants conduct thorough assessments, gather data, and provide recommendations tailored to the unique needs and goals of the organization. They may also assist with implementing changes, streamlining processes, and optimizing performance. Through their expertise and guidance, business consultants support companies in making informed decisions, adapting to market changes, and achieving sustainable success in today’s competitive business landscape.
Asset-preservation planning is a strategic approach to safeguarding and protecting an individual’s or family’s assets from potential risks, losses, or creditors. This type of planning aims to minimize the erosion of wealth and preserve the value of assets over time. Asset-preservation planning involves various strategies, such as estate planning, asset allocation, insurance coverage, and legal structures like trusts or family limited partnerships. The goal is to structure assets in a way that offers protection from potential lawsuits, creditors, or excessive taxation while maintaining liquidity and flexibility. Additionally, asset-preservation planning may include measures to minimize potential risks associated with market volatility, inflation, or economic downturns. By implementing comprehensive asset-preservation planning, individuals can effectively shield their wealth, ensure its long-term sustainability, and provide a solid financial foundation for future generations.
Unemployment Compensation disputes arise from a variety of circumstances where an employee finds him or herself separated from their employment. The dispute may be related to the reason for the separation, the compensation/payout related to the separation, or many other reasons. Generally, Unemployment Hearings are in front of a Referee, but cases can be escalated and heard before a Judge. Our services can be administrative in that we will help you file your claim for Unemployment Compensation or, if you disagree with the Department of Labor’s determination, we can file your appeal. Our services can also be representation at a hearing or appeal. In some instances, the State tries to recoup “overpayments,” in which case we can fight their attempt to have you pay back your benefits. We can follow your case up to and including litigation in front of a Judge.