Question 1

Why should I create a Living Trust instead of just a Will in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

A Revocable Living Trust avoids probate, keeps your affairs private, and allows for seamless transfer of assets to your loved ones without court involvement. It also provides protection if you become incapacitated. A Will must go through the Pennsylvania probate process, which can take months and become a matter of public record. For NJ residents, a living trust similarly avoids the New Jersey probate process.

Question 2

How much does estate planning cost in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Shcherbakova Law charges transparent flat fees with no hidden costs. Individual Will Packages start at $1,500, Married Couple Will Packages at $2,000, Individual Living Trust Packages at $4,500, and Married Couple Living Trust Packages at $5,000. Guardianship and Probate services start at $4,500–$5,000. A 0% payment plan is available through LawPay.

Question 3

Do I need to come into the office to get my estate plan done?

Accepted Answer

No. You can start entirely by phone or with an in-person consultation. If you cannot make it to the office for signing and notarization, Shcherbakova Law can come to you anywhere in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.

Question 4

What counties and areas does Shcherbakova Law serve in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

Shcherbakova Law serves clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In Pennsylvania, the firm focuses on Bucks County (Levittown, Doylestown, Newtown, Bristol), Montgomery County (Norristown, Lansdale, Blue Bell), Philadelphia County, and Delaware County. In New Jersey, the firm serves clients in Burlington County, Camden County, and surrounding areas including Cherry Hill.

Question 5

What is included in a Will Package from Shcherbakova Law?

Accepted Answer

A Will Package from Shcherbakova Law includes a Last Will and Testament, Financial Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, HIPAA Authorization, Living Will (Advance Healthcare Directive), Final Disposition Directive, and in-office signing and notarization. The married couple package covers both spouses for $2,000.

Question 6

What is a Power of Attorney and do I need one in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

A Power of Attorney (POA) authorizes a trusted person to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Under Pennsylvania law, without a POA your family may need to go to court to obtain guardianship — a costly and time-consuming process. Shcherbakova Law includes both Financial and Medical Powers of Attorney in every Will and Trust package.

Question 7

How long does it take to complete an estate plan?

Accepted Answer

Most estate plans at Shcherbakova Law are completed efficiently. After your initial consultation and questionnaire, documents are drafted for your review. The process typically takes a few weeks from start to signing, depending on your schedule.

Question 8

What is probate and how can I avoid it in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a Will and distributing a deceased person's estate in Pennsylvania. It can take months, involves court fees, and becomes public record. The most effective way to avoid probate in Pennsylvania is to create a Revocable Living Trust. Assets held in a trust pass directly to beneficiaries without court involvement. Shcherbakova Law offers Individual Living Trust Packages starting at $4,500.

Question 9

Does Shcherbakova Law handle probate and estate administration in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shcherbakova Law handles full probate and estate administration in Pennsylvania, including filing with the Register of Wills, asset inventory and valuation, creditor notifications, and distribution to beneficiaries. The firm also handles contested probate matters, will contests, and fiduciary disputes. Probate services begin with a $5,000 retainer.

Question 10

Is Shcherbakova Law licensed to practice in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Attorney Kira Shcherbakova is licensed in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The firm can prepare Wills, Living Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and other estate planning documents for NJ residents, and can travel to clients in New Jersey for signings.

Question 11

What is a Living Will and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A Living Will (also called an Advance Healthcare Directive) is a legal document that states your wishes for end-of-life medical care if you are unable to communicate. In Pennsylvania, a Living Will allows you to specify whether you want life-sustaining treatment continued or withdrawn. Shcherbakova Law includes a Living Will in every Will and Trust package at no additional cost.

Question 12

Can I get estate planning documents if I have a special needs child or dependent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shcherbakova Law handles Guardianship proceedings in Pennsylvania for families with special needs children, elderly parents, or other dependents who need a court-appointed legal guardian. The firm can also incorporate special needs planning considerations into your Will or Trust. Guardianship services start at $4,500.

Question 13

I already got a will — do I still need an attorney to review it?

Accepted Answer

If you already got a will, that's a great start — but wills need to be updated as your life changes. Marriage, divorce, new children or grandchildren, moving to a new state, or changes in your assets can all affect whether your existing will still reflects your wishes. Attorney Kira Shcherbakova can review your current documents and let you know if anything needs updating. Many clients are surprised to find their will is outdated or missing key documents like a Power of Attorney or Living Will.

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Married Couple Living Trust Package

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