Family Matters. Experience Counts.
Planning for the future means making thoughtful decisions today. A living trust can be one of the most strategic and compassionate tools in your estate planning toolkit, offering you control, privacy, and peace of mind. At Cooper Family Law, our experienced team provides comprehensive trust services tailored to the unique needs of Philadelphia’s individuals and families.
A living trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to place assets, such as property, investments, or bank accounts, into a trust during your lifetime. You retain control of those assets while you’re alive, and upon your passing, they’re distributed to your chosen beneficiaries without the delay and expense of probate.
This differs from a testamentary trust, which is created through a will and only takes effect after death. Both serve specific purposes, and our Philadelphia trust attorneys help clients evaluate the best options for their estate.
Creating a living trust provides several benefits that align with the needs of middle- to high-income earners in Pennsylvania:
Avoiding Probate: Unlike a will, a living trust allows assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries.
Maintaining Privacy: Probate is a public process; trusts keep your estate details confidential.
Flexibility and Control: You can amend or revoke a revocable living trust at any time.
Incapacity Planning: If you become incapacitated, your successor trustee can step in to manage assets on your behalf.
If you value privacy and efficiency, a living trust attorney can help you structure a trust that meets both your goals and legal obligations.
You may benefit from a living trust if:
You own property in multiple states
You wish to avoid probate
You have privacy concerns
You want to ensure a smooth transition of wealth
You’re part of a blended family or have children from a previous relationship
You wish to include conditions on inheritance (e.g., age or life milestones)
Our team works closely with clients to assess their assets and family dynamics to build a comprehensive estate plan.
| Feature | Living Trust | Will |
|---|---|---|
| Probate | Avoided | Required |
| Effective Date | Immediately upon creation | After death |
| Privacy | Private document | Public record |
| Asset Control During Lifetime | Yes | No |
| Guardianship of Minor Children | No (requires a will) | Yes |
Working with a seasoned Philadelphia trust attorney can help you decide how both a will and trust may work together for your unique situation.
In addition to revocable living trusts, Cooper Family Law can help you explore other types of trusts, including:
Irrevocable Trusts
Testamentary Trusts
Special Needs Trusts
Charitable Trusts
Marital or Bypass Trusts
Each trust type carries unique benefits and considerations. During your consultation, we’ll identify the solution that fits your family structure, goals, and asset profile.
Yes, like wills, trusts can be contested under certain circumstances, including claims of:
Lack of mental capacity
Undue influence
Fraud or coercion
Improper execution
To minimize the risk of disputes, our attorneys draft and execute trusts with the highest standards of legal precision and transparency.
Use the button below to book your consultation easily online.
Estate planning is more than paperwork; it’s a reflection of your values, your relationships, and your hopes for the future.
At Cooper Family Law, we take the time to understand your goals and craft legally sound, personalized trust instruments that protect your legacy and honor your intent. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, we’re here to help.
With 50+ years of combined experience, we handle a range of family law matters with effective, trusted solutions.
We craft tailored legal strategies to address your family’s unique needs and ensure the best possible outcome.
We provide guidance and support throughout your case, helping you navigate emotional and legal challenges.
Proudly serving Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties with trustworthy family law solutions.
Use the button below to book your consultation easily online.
The best way to understand how Cooper Family Law can support you is by hearing directly from those we’ve helped. Our clients consistently praise our attentive service, thoughtful legal guidance, and successful outcomes. Read through our client testimonials to see why families across the Philadelphia region trust us with their most important legal matters.
We understand that every family’s financial landscape and planning needs are unique. That’s why we take a thoughtful, client-focused approach, educating you about your options, outlining potential scenarios, and answering your questions with patience and clarity.
When you work with Cooper Family Law, you’ll never feel like just another case file. We value trust, communication, and a collaborative process that places your peace of mind at the center of our work.
Establishing a living trust doesn’t need to be intimidating. At Cooper Family Law, we provide a step-by-step approach to simplify the process.
We begin with a thorough consultation to understand your needs and determine the best legal strategy for your case. During this time, we listen to your concerns and explain your options clearly.
After assessing the complexity of your case, we’ll outline the retainer amount. The retainer is used to cover initial legal services, and we ensure that every dollar is applied transparently to your case as work progresses.
We craft a strategy focused on your specific goals, whether that’s a peaceful resolution or preparing for litigation. Our attorneys handle every detail with care and precision, from negotiations to court appearances.
Throughout the process, we maintain open lines of communication, keeping you updated and addressing any concerns promptly. You can rely on us for legal guidance at every stage.
After reviewing our process, we invite you to take the next step. Click the button below to schedule a consultation with a trusted trust attorney in Philadelphia.
1500 John F Kennedy Blvd # 220
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Attorney Advertising Materials: Patrick J. Cooper is responsible for the content of this website. 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. Each case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
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