Unfortunately, the death of a family member can not only bring unbearable sadness; it can also bring legal and estate related issues to the forefront. Of course, we're not lawyers which means we're not the right people to advise you on the legal specifics of your situation but we can offer you some of the insights we've gained during our time in funeral service.
We have some suggestions to help you find the best attorney to provide the kind of legal services you need:
At this point, you should have a list of four or five recommended local attorneys. Now it's time to make that first call. You should first ask to set up a face-to-face meeting but be aware that many attorneys charge for this introductory session. That's why your first question should be: "Do you charge for the initial visit?"
If you do agree to a face-to-face meeting, it's important to ask the following questions but be observant too. Look around: is the office organized? Is he or she listening closely to what you have to say? What is your gut feeling to what you're seeing and hearing? Trust your intuition; if you don't feel you are a good match, then move on to the next attorney on your list.
The questions to ask in your initial interview are:
When you're satisfied you've found the right attorney at the right price, always ask for a written agreement and read it thoroughly. If you have questions about what you've read, ask them before you sign.
When someone dies without leaving a dated, signed and properly witnessed will, the court decides who should receive the deceased's assets. It won't matter what your familial relationships were really like; the state will award property and cash to the survivors based solely on their legal relationship to the deceased. This is called dying "intestate". Generally only spouses, common-law spouses, and blood relatives inherit under intestate succession laws.
All this can be avoided, if you take care of things ahead of time. When you leave documents that clearly state who you wish to get your property and cash after you die, you better support your survivors in coming to terms with your death. A will removes stress and fighting from your loved one.
814-724-2120
Ryan M Warren Funeral Home
and Cremation Services, Inc.
544 Chestnut Street
Meadville PA 16335
Fax: 814-337-2124
Email: info@warrenfh.com
814-967-3295
Ryan M Warren Funeral Home
and Cremation Services, Inc. - Townville
33353 N. Main Street
Townville PA 16360
Email: info@warrenfh.com
814-438-3857
Warren-Glenn Funeral Home
and Cremation Services, Inc.
62 S. Main Street
Union City PA 16438
Email: info@warrenfh.com
814-437-3048
Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home
and Cremation Services Inc.
1315 Chestnut Street
Franklin PA 16323
Fax: 814-437-6177
Email: info@warrenfh.com