General Questions

WHAT IS THE FEE FOR AN INITIAL CONSULTATION?
There is never any fee for an initial consultation.


WHAT IS THE EXTRA COST FOR YOU TO MEET ME AT MY HOME?
As long as your home or whatever location you are in is within a reasonable driving distance from my office, there is no charge.


IF MY SPOUSE AND I DIE WITHOUT A WILL, WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY MINOR CHILDREN?
If you have children that are under the age of 18 or are disabled, you should make plans as to who will take care of them when you are gone. If you do not name a legal guardian in your will, anyone can petition the court upon your death to become the child's legal guardian. Most people think that the grandparents, godparents or aunts/uncles will automatically be the child's legal guardian; this is not so, anyone can petition the court and it will be up to a court to decide who becomes the legal guardian.


CAN'T I HANDLE THE PROBATE PROCESS WITHOUT A LAWYER?
There is no legal obligation to hire an attorney to handle a decedent's legal affairs, however, it is not an easy process. There are many specific things that must be done in a timely manner; there are also things that can be done to obtain discounts on taxes paid. Unless you have the experience and training to handle these matters, it can be quite a difficult and taxing process without the assistance of an attorney.


WHAT ABOUT THE "DO IT YOURSELF" ESTATE PLANNING BOOKS?
These kits, forms and books are created in a generic sense and are not made strictly for Pennsylvania law; even if they are geared toward Pennsylvania, the estate laws are constantly changing and these books are not updated with the changes. If a legal document is not drafted properly it could result in your estate being distributed in a manner contrary to your wishes. Your family may also incur unnecessary legal costs should the document be challenged in Court.


DO YOU HANDLE ANY OTHER LEGAL MATTERS?
Yes, while my practice is primarily focused on estate and real estate law I can also assist you in many other legal matters such as the formation of a business, contracts and consumer issues. If you have an issue that I normally do not handle I will be glad to refer you to a colleague of mine that handles such matters.

GET DIRECTIONS

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The Law Office of Attorney Michael J. Bendick
400 Third Avenue, Suite 318
Kingston, Pennsylvania 18704-5512

Phone: (570) 283-1400
Fax: (570) 283-1401

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