PRACTICE AREAS

Incapacity & Estate Planning and Elder Law

At the law office of Carolyn Spicer Russ, I counsel clients throughout the greater Pittsburgh area in all matters involving planning for end-of-life and incapacity, including asset protection. Contact me to schedule a confidential consultation.

 

I focus my legal representation on issues related to planning for incapacity or death. I provide incapacity and estate planning advice to adults of all ages and life situations, from recent college graduates and newlyweds to senior citizens and retirees. I know from experience that the concerns vary. I help younger clients ensure that minor children will receive appropriate care. For elder clients, I work to protect assets and establish plans for end-of-life care. For persons with religious considerations, I help them incorporate their faith traditions into end-of-life planning.

 

When you hire me to put a plan in place to guide your loved ones in the event of your death or incapacity, I will conduct a thorough examination of your affairs. Together, we will identify short and long term goals and identify and evaluate your assets and obligations. I will help you understand the different tools available to help you meet your objectives, such as minimizing the tax burden on your estate or avoiding probate.

 

In my estate planning practice, I help clients understand the different strategies available to bring about the orderly distribution of assets upon death, while minimizing the tax burden and avoiding probate. Once you have determined how you want to proceed, I will prepare all the documents required to create and implement your estate plan, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives (living wills). I help clients plan for the preservation of assets through Medicaid and VA planning, should long-term care be required.

 

For representation in all matters involving planning for incapacity or death, contact my office to arrange a confidential consultation. My office is easy to locate, and free parking is readily available. I offer flexible appointments upon request and will visit you in the hospital, at your home, or in a nursing home. I am also available to make emergency calls in end-of-life situations.

 

 

Incapacity and Estate Planning

I provide comprehensive counsel to help you understand the different strategies available to protect your interests and the interests of your loved ones in the event of your death or incapacity. Once you have made an informed decision that protects you and your loved ones, I will carefully prepare all documents necessary to implement your plan, including:

 

Wills, including Simple Wills Trusts

Special Needs Trusts

Living and Testamentary Trusts

Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts

Trusts for Minors

Powers of Attorney, including Health Care POAs

Living Wills

 

Elder Law Issues

If you require long-term care in your last years, most of the value of your estate can be lost to cover the costs of that care, if you have not planned properly. I will help you develop a plan that allows you to get the care you need while minimizing the impact on your estate. I will work closely with you to evaluate and implement retirement and Medicaid planning strategies to meet these objectives. For knowledgeable and compassionate representation in all matters involving planning for incapacity or death, contact my office to arrange a confidential consultation. I offer flexible appointments upon request and will visit you in the hospital, at your home, or in a nursing home. I am also available to make emergency calls in end-of-life situations.

LOCATION

1007 Mount Royal Boulevard

Pittsburgh, PA 15223

Phone: (412) 492-8975

Fax: (412) 492-8978