CRABBS & CRABBS

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ABOUT US

Crabbs & Crabbs Attorneys

Crabbs & Crabbs is a family-run law firm servicing primarily York and Adams Counties. Its practice areas include Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney), Estate Administration, Will Contests, Family Law (Divorce, Child Custody, Support/Alimony, Prenuptial Agreements), Adoption, Incapacity/Guardianship, and Name Changes.

PRACTICE AREAS

Estate Planning

(Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills)

Effective estate planning can be a tool to protect loved ones and ease the burdens associated with death and incapacity. It is never too soon to put these planning tools in place.

The lawyers at Crabbs & Crabbs have assisted hundreds of clients with future-planning and regularly advise clients on the uses of Wills and/or Trusts to meet their goals. Powers of Attorney are also strongly recommended as a way to protect one’s assets and family in the case of sudden incapacity or gradual mental decline.

Our lawyers have prepared hundreds of wills and administered or assisted in administering countless estates. The duties of an executor can be simply stated: “gather and liquidate the assets of the estate, pay creditors, pay taxes, and distribute the balance according to the will or the intestate law.” Although easily stated in general terms, depending on the specifics of the situation, proper administration can require prosecution of lawsuits, collection of debts, negotiation of disputed obligations, sale of real estate, liquidation of other assets, as well as preparation of Inheritance Tax Returns, Federal Estate Tax Returns, and Fiduciary Income Tax Returns. Our years of experience in these areas allow us to assist in efficient and timely dealing with these and other problems. We also recommend and routinely prepare powers of attorney for our clients. This advance planning can ease the burden of a sudden and unexpected incapacity.

Estate Administration

When a loved one passes away, it is often necessary to “administer” his or her estate. The activities that come to the minds of most are transferring real estate, paying the funeral bill, selling vehicles and other items of personal property, and closing bank accounts. However, it is also necessary to follow the procedure to be sworn in as Executor/Administrator, pay debts and taxes, ensure no third-party liability, file an accurate Inheritance Tax Return, and account all activities to other heirs or beneficiaries.

By accepting the role of Executor or Administrator, one takes on the legal responsibility to administer that estate according to law and to act in the best interests of the heirs. If the estate is not administered correctly, that Executor/Administrator may be subject to personal liability. Having experienced legal representation to guide him through the process provides an Executor the comfort of knowing that he has acted according to law and will be free of any liability at the conclusion of administration.

The purchase of a home is, for most, the single largest purchase of a lifetime, where something as simple as the failure to provide a disclosure statement can lead to the loss of a sale under a written contract for sale of real estate. Our experience includes the preparation of contracts for purchase and sale of real estate and related documents, negotiation and preparation of residential and commercial leases, representation of buyers or sellers in real estate closings, and negotiations and litigation concerning property rights and neighbors’ disputes.

Orphans’ Court litigation

(Will contests, guardianships/incapacity)

The Orphans’ Court hears disputes related to decedents’ Wills; activities of Agents under Powers of Attorney; and guardianships/incapacity matters, to name a few. Having experienced representation in such significant proceedings is invaluable.

Adoption

Adoption is the legal process whereby a person or two people take on the role, obligations, and duties of parenting another person – a child or adult. Often it is a way to provide security and permanency for a child whose birth parent or parents cannot or will not give the love and stability that the child deserves. The law has developed with various safeguards and procedural requirements to ensure that a proposed adoptee is protected.

From adoption to pre-marital agreements through divorce, including equitable distribution (Court-ordered division of property upon divorce), spousal and child support, alimony, and separation agreements, family law affects countless individuals in our community. Our lawyers have extensive experience, both in Court and out, in this weighty, emotionally charged area of the law.

Incapacity/Guardianship

When a person cannot manage his or her own affairs, because of a lifelong condition, gradually deteriorating mental abilities, or sudden tragedy, it can be necessary for a friend or loved one to gain control over the individual’s assets and person. In the event that there is no Power of Attorney granting that authority, the Court must be asked to deem the person incapacitated and to appoint a guardian or guardians to take over.

Name Change

Minors and adults in Pennsylvania may request Court approval of a name change provided that certain statutory requirements are satisfied.

Family

(Divorce, Custody, Support)

“Family law” is a broad category, covering divorce and division of assets and debts, custody of minor children, spousal and child support, and prenuptial agreements. With all of the incorrect information circulated on the internet and among friends and family, having an attorney familiar with these practice areas can provide assurances that the client is well-informed and well protected.

Attorney Ruth Crabbs Gunnell handles the family law matters at Crabbs & Crabbs and offers a one-hour Strategy Session to new clients for the fee of $100.00. In this Strategy Session, Attorney Gunnell will explain the process or processes that the potential client will be facing, clarify common misconceptions, and assess the potential client’s particular situation.

We understand that divorce can be emotionally taxing, and we work diligently to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients and their families. Additionally, our dedicated Customer Support service is available to assist clients with any questions or concerns they may have throughout their legal journey, ensuring that they receive the support they need. At Crabbs & Crabbs Attorneys at Law, we are here to advocate for our clients and provide them with the professional assistance and personal care they deserve during these difficult times.

OUR ATTORNEYS

The seasoned attorneys at Crabbs & Crabbs have a combined total of over 70 years of experience providing support and representation in a wide variety of legal areas, including family law, estate planning and administration, name changes, adoptions, Will contests and Orphans’ Court litigation, and incapacity/guardianship.