From the very beginning, representing individuals and financial institutions in the successful settlement of real estate transactions has been the cornerstone of the firm of Jacques & Jacques, P.C. The paperwork involved in the transfer of real estate is complex. The Agreement of Sale is the first of many documents in the process. At the settlement, a Deed, Mortgage, Note and a myriad of loan documents appear before you, awaiting your signature. Most individuals feel more comfortable knowing that a knowledgeable attorney is there to explain documents and answer any questions. We can also draft and interpret real estate documents, including Agreements of Sale, Deeds, Mortgages, leases, and easements. We hold settlements and are licensed underwriters of title insurance.

Commercial real estate transactions are even more complicated, with pages upon pages of documents, leases, subleases, financing arrangements and security interests. Commercial real estate properties will often require zoning and land use applications, or subdivision representation as well.

As the buyer in a purchase transaction, or borrower in a refinance closing, you as the consumer have the absolute right to choose your own attorney to handle the closing. Many realtors and lenders now have their wholly owned title and settlement agencies. It is your right to have your own representation, so make sure you request the qualified attorneys of Jacques & Jacques, P.C.

Although estate planning sounds like a complicated process for the wealthy, most people will benefit from having key documents in place to protect their property, ensure the proper care of minor children and determine how decisions are made in the event of death or disability.

WILLS

A Will is a written document as to how a person wishes his or her assets will be distributed after death. Typical matters covered in a Will include who: receives your assets, will act as the trustee for minors’ funds, will act as guardian over a minor, acts as executor.

A Will takes effect at the death of the testator. The testator while living may revoke it by canceling or destroying it or by making another will at a later date; or he or she may modify it by the addition of a codicil.

Since Wills have always been a fruitful source of litigation, they should be drawn to express the intention of the testator in the simplest and clearest manner. Drafting a Will demands care and competence. Our firm has decades of experience in preparing Wills, from the simple to complex

TRUSTS

A Trust is a right in property held by one party for the benefit of another. The trustee holds the legal title or interest in the trust property while beneficiaries have the beneficial interest in the Trust. There are many different trusts: Revocable Trust (also known as Living Trusts), Irrevocable Trusts, Testamentary Trusts and Life Insurance Trusts, to name a few.

On the death of the settlor, the trust is in existence and easily administered.

POWERS OF ATTORNEY

A Power of Attorney is a document that allows you to appoint a person to handle your affairs if you are unable to do so. The person you appoint is referred to as an "Attorney-in-Fact" or "Agent." For example, when you are traveling or when you are physically or mentally unable to handle your affairs. A general Power of Attorney is frequently included as part of an estate plan to make sure that you have covered the possibility that you might need someone to handle your financial affairs if you are unable to do so.

ADVANCED HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES

Health Care Power of Attorney is a document that allows you to designate a person (an "Agent") who will have the authority to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unconscious, mentally incompetent, or otherwise unable to make such decisions.

A Health Care Power of Attorney is different from a Living Will because it allows you to appoint someone to make health care decisions for you.

Both Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney are considered "Advance Health Care Directives" because they provide instructions on what you want to happen in the event that you become unable to make health care decisions in the future.

Estate administration has been a major focus of our practice since 1934. Because of our long history in handling estate matters, we understand your needs as an Executor or beneficiary and seek to provide personal attention during the estate administration.

When a loved one passes away, his or her estate usually goes through a process called probate or estate administration. Probate is where the assets of the deceased are managed and distributed. If your family member had a Will contact us immediately as there are many procedures that must be completed. The length of time needed to complete the probate of an estate depends on the size and complexity of the estate.

While every probate estate is unique, most involve the following steps:

• Filing of a petition with the proper Pennsylvania Register of Wills.

• Notice to heirs under the Will or to statutory heirs.

• Inventory and appraisal of estate assets by Executor/Administrator.

• Payment of estate debt to rightful creditors.

• Sale of estate assets.

• Payment of federal estate taxes and Pennsylvania inheritance taxes, where applicable.

• Final distribution of assets to heirs.

Jacques & Jacques, P.C. takes the complexity out of probate, and handles the process for you to ensure that things go smoothly.

One of the most fundamental decisions prospective entrepreneurs face is choosing the type of business entity best suited to meet their needs and objectives. Our attorneys have extensive experience in creating various types of businesses, including subchapter “S” corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and other business associations in a broad range of services and industries.

In deciding to engage in a new business, you must first consider the characteristics of the various types of organizations which are available in Pennsylvania to determine what type of entity is most appropriate to your situation. After assessing your needs and goals, our attorneys will walk you through the pros and cons of different business entities, helping you determine the best fitting entity.

Once the entity is determined and formed, our attorneys continue to guide our corporate clients through the consideration of financial options, liabilities, tax implications and long-term planning.