Areas of Practice
Guardianship / Incapacity
When a person is incapacitated, he or she is not able to manage their own financial or health matters. In order for other persons to be able to act for you, only a court-appointed guardian or a designated agent identified in a written durable power of attorney may act for you. If you do not have in place written durable powers of attorney designating an agent, application to a court for guardian appointment is the only other option. Court guardianship proceedings take time and cause delay, are expensive, and the court has the right to choose a guardian who may not be someone you would choose. Using written durable powers of attorney, you have the right to designate those persons you would rely on to manage your affairs during your period of disability, and they may act immediately without delay.
Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney (POA) is a written authorization to represent or act on another’s behalf in private affairs, business, health, or some other legal matter. A Power of Attorney specifies the powers you give to your agent. The powers can be limited or broad. The person authorizing the other to act is called the principal, grantor, or donor of the power, and the person authorized to act is the agent. Creating a durable power of attorney requires that you have the required legal and mental capacity to do so. If someone is already incapacitated, it is not possible for that person to execute a valid power. If a person does not have the capacity to execute a power of attorney (and does not already have a durable power in place), often the only way for another party to act on their behalf is to have a court impose a conservatorship or a guardianship.
Probate & Estate Administration
Administering an estate involves much more than distributing property to beneficiaries. Executors and personal representatives may need to identify and inventory assets, address creditor claims and outstanding debts, complete required probate filings, handle Pennsylvania inheritance tax obligations, and ultimately distribute estate property according to the will and applicable law.
Robert W. Maher assists families and personal representatives in Abington and throughout Eastern Montgomery County with probate and estate administration matters. His goal is to help clients understand each stage of the process, fulfill their responsibilities, and address legal and administrative requirements as efficiently as possible during an already difficult time.
Elder Law
In its broadest sense, elder law is the specialized field of law that addresses the diverse legal needs of aging baby boomers and their elderly parents. This includes the following legal areas: Disability planning, including special needs planning; long term care planning, including Medicaid planning and veterans benefits; estate planning; guardianship and conservatorship; estate settlement, including probate and trust administration; elder abuse, both personal and financial.
Inheritance Tax Returns
Pennsylvania Inheritance tax is imposed as a percentage of the value of a decedent’s estate transferred to beneficiaries by will, heirs by intestacy and transferees by operation of law. The tax rate varies depending on the relationship of the heir to the decedent. Inheritance tax payments are due upon the death of the decedent and become delinquent nine months after the individual’s death. If inheritance tax is paid within three months of the decedent’s death, a 5 percent discount is allowed.
Nursing Home Planning
Private Pay is generally the first line of defence for healthcare expenses. People pay out of pocket for prescription drugs, co-payments, deductibles, additional services, and non-healthcare expenses (such as respite, housekeeping, care management, and companion services) not covered by insurance or other benefits. Medicare is a federal government-run health insurance program for those over age 65. It covers hospital and doctor expenses, as well as some preventive procedures.
Estate Planning
Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging, during a person’s life, for a management and disposal of that person’s estate during the person’s life and at and after death, while minimizing gift, estate, generation-skipping transfer, and income tax. Estate planning includes planning of incapacity as well as a process of reducing or eliminating uncertainties over the administration of a probate and maximizing the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses. The ultimate goal of estate planning can be determined by the specific goals of the client, and may be as simple or complex as the client’s needs dictate. Guardians are often designated for minor children and beneficiaries in incapacity.
Small Business Planning
Starting a business is an exciting proposition, but it’s also an incredibly challenging undertaking. The business structure you choose will have legal and tax implications.
A sole proprietorship is the simplest and the most common structure chosen to start a business. It is an unincorporated business owned and run by one individual with no distinction between the business and you, the owner. You are entitled to all profits and are responsible for all your business’s debts, losses, and liabilities. A limited liability company is a hybrid type of legal structure that provides the limited liability features of a corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership.
Special Needs and Medicaid
Chances are there is or will be someone in your family (child, grandchild, nephew, niece, parent, grandparent) who will need long-term help managing personal care and/or finances. Careful planning is necessary to craft a plan that will supplement government benefits that are worth preserving, is flexible enough to adjust to changes in future benefits, will preserve and expand assets, will make sure this person receives proper care, and may even save taxes. For a special needs trust, the proper funding, implementation, and periodic review are especially critical because it may have to last a lifetime and often cannot be replaced. Once the plan is in place, it will need to be managed.
Real Estate
Real Estate Attorney in Abington & Eastern Montgomery County, PA
Real estate transactions can involve significant financial and legal obligations, making experienced legal guidance valuable before an agreement is finalized. Robert W. Maher assists individuals, families, and small business owners with real estate matters in Abington and throughout Eastern Montgomery County, including issues involving purchase and sale agreements, leases, property transfers, and other real estate contracts.
With more than 40 years of legal experience and a background that includes teaching real estate law, Robert Maher helps clients understand the terms, obligations, and potential legal implications of a transaction before moving forward. Whether you are buying, selling, leasing, or addressing another real estate matter, contact Robert W. Maher to discuss your situation and available options.
Wills and Trusts
Wills and trust preparation in Abington, PA is an essential part of protecting your family, assets, and legacy. A properly drafted last will and testament allows you, as the testator, to clearly designate who will receive your property, finances, and personal possessions, including loved ones or charitable organizations. It also enables you to appoint a trusted guardian for minor children and ensure your wishes are honored rather than default Pennsylvania inheritance laws. At R. Maher Law, I provide personalized wills and trust preparation for individuals and families in Abington, Eastern Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Berks County, and Delaware County, PA. My estate planning services are designed to address assets titled in your name without designated beneficiaries, helping you gain peace of mind while minimizing confusion, disputes, and unnecessary delays for your loved ones.
For more information about the services I offer and how I can help you, contact me today at 215-886-3588 ext. 114. I look forward to providing the guidance you need to make the best possible decisions in your case.
CONTACT
Phone: 215-886-3588 ext. 114
Fax: 215-884-9025
Email: rmaherlaw@gmail.com
HOURS
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
REVIEWS
We proudly serve individuals looking for an attorney in Abington, Eastern Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Berks County, and Delaware County, PA.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.