Wills, Trusts, and Estates Law
Trusted estate planning advisors and counsel to generations of families

We recognize that planning for the preservation and distribution of your estate can be daunting, and that no two clients are alike. As such, we listen closely to our clients’ goals and concerns, and we provide each client individualized attention in order to develop a customized, tax-efficient plan that reflects the client’s objectives and values.

The Wills, Trusts, and Estates Group represents individuals, families, and business owners in estate planning and the efficient transfer of assets from one generation to the next. The ability to protect wealth and assets developed over a lifetime and to pass it from generation to generation has become an increasingly intricate and multi-layered process. Our attorneys have experience in federal, state, and local taxation, and provide all levels of planning to our clients, from relatively straightforward estate plans to sophisticated tax planning and structuring of transactions.

We are able to efficiently and cost-effectively meet the tax-related needs of corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and individuals. The group is capable of handling the tax aspects of trusts, gifting, mergers and acquisitions, and related transactions. Our team also has expertise in planning for individuals with special needs.

Our comprehensive and client-focused approach to your estate planning and other legal needs is designed to provide the peace of mind you seek.

Core Services

Estate Planning


We represent individuals and assist with the drafting and implementation of proper estate planning documents, which usually include Durable Health Care Powers of Attorney/Living Wills, Powers of Attorney for Assets, and Last Wills and Testaments, many of which contain Trust provisions. Depending on the client’s needs and goals, a Revocable Trust may also be drafted.

Irrevocable Trusts


We assist clients with implementation of Irrevocable Trusts, which are often used to hold life insurance, to protect assets being transferred to another generation, and to remove assets from a client’s taxable estate. Irrevocable Trusts could also include Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUTs), intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts, and Trusts established for minors or individuals with special needs.

Charitable Planning


We assist many clients with the formation and the governance of private foundations as well as Charitable Remainder Unitrusts, Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts, and Charitable Lead Trusts.

Pre-Nuptial Planning


Our team is adept in the drafting of Prenuptial Agreements. We represent many clients, whether it be the first marriage where individuals are bringing different assets to the relationship or clients who are entering into a subsequent marriage or relationship later in life. This includes, but is not limited to, Pre-Marital Agreements, Partner Agreements, and the like.

Special Needs Trust Planning


We provide the necessary analysis, estate planning, and trust administration to protect and provide for the child or young adult.

 

The Team

George M. Riter George M. Riter Partner
Joshua D. Fisher Joshua D. Fisher Associate
Susan Coombs Susan Coombs Paralegal
Lynn G. Barbell Lynn G. Barbell Paralegal
Patrick Naessens Patrick Naessens Paralegal
Jeneen Magnin Jeneen Magnin Paralegal
Terri Bennett Terri Bennett Legal Assistant
Lindsey Feaster Lindsey Feaster Legal Assistant
Kimberly Kaisinger Kimberly Kaisinger Legal Assistant

News & Articles

The 2024 Best Lawyers list was released and they made it again

The 2024 Best Lawyers list was released and they made it again

Five of our lawyers have been included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded… Read More

Main Line Today’s 2023 Top Lawyers: we’re on the list!

Main Line Today’s 2023 Top Lawyers: we’re on the list!

We are excited to announce that three of our attorneys were chosen to appear in the Main Line Today’s 2023 Top Lawyers list. For over 16 years, lawyers around the… Read More

Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch List 2024

Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch List 2024

Two of our Associates were included in The Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch List. This list recognizes attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private… Read More