top of page

Search Results

Search this site

81 results found with an empty search

  • LegalShield | Fiffik Law Group, PC

    LegalShield Member Hub Our LegalShield Partnership LegalShield is the pioneer in the industry of underwriting and marketing legal expense plans. We are proud to be involved with a program to provide access to the legal system for the working men and women of America. REQUEST A CONSULTATION COMPLETE ESTATE PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE LegalShield Contact Info Tel: (412) 391-7339 Fax: (412) 391-8232 Customer Service: (800) 654-7757 Your LegalShield Membership HOW TO USE YOUR LEGALSHIELD MEMBERSHIP Step One: When you have a legal question or issue, it is important to call your Provider Law Firm as soon as possible. Waiting to seek advice may result in fewer legal options available to you. Call as soon as you realize you have a legal issue. Step Two: When calling your Provider Law Firm, use the toll-free number for fast service. When your Provider Law Firm returns your call, a different number may appear on your Caller ID as it's an outgoing call. Remember, using the toll-free number connects you to special staff who will expedite your call to an attorney. Step Three: The person answering the toll-free number will ask you for your name and membership number (listed on your membership card). If you are calling for assistance with a third party, they will also ask you for that party's name, address, and other pertinent information. Step Four: You will be asked to briefly explain your legal concern. By providing these details, the firm will be able to select an attorney with experience in the area of law pertaining to your legal issue. You will also be asked to provide the best contact number where you can be reached. Please share your cell phone number and home number so an experienced attorney can easily reach you within 8 business hours. Step Five: When you speak to your Provider Attorney, it is important to have your facts and documents with you for reference. If you have documents, they may be requested by the attorney for review. Please do not mail the originals to the Provider Law Firm. Fax or email them when requested. Step Six: Please take time to review your New Member Guide when it arrives. Fill out your Will Questionnaire and mail it to your Provider Law Firm as soon as possible so you can get started protecting your family. LegalShield Membership Services Member Services Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Central), Monday-Friday (except holidays). If you have any questions about your LegalShield membership contract, contact Member Services at memberservices@legalshield.com or (800) 654-7757. Your Member Services Department is located in Ada, Oklahoma, at the LegalShield Home Office. You should call Member Services if you: Have a question about what’s covered under your plan contract. Need to update information—your address, phone number, or email address. Need to make a change in your payment method. Need to add or remove a family member from your coverage. Need a replacement contract or membership card. Need an additional Will Questionnaire. Have had a positive experience with your Provider Law Firm and would like to share your success story. LegalShield + Fiffik Law Group The need for legal services is immense. Americans experience millions of civil legal problems every year. The average is 3 problems every 18 months . It's not a question of “if”, but rather “when” Pennsylvanians will have a legal problem. Common Legal Problems: Money Problems Finances; Government Benefits; Debts; Insurance Disputes Housing Problems Landlord/Tenant Disputes; Mortgage Issues Employment Problems Workplace Discrimination; Payroll Issues; Employee rights Relationship Problems Marriage Transitions; Child Custody and Support Personal Injury Problems Workers Compensation; Auto Accidents Most people don’t recognize these situations as legal issues or that they can be helped by access to legal advice. 80% of people with legal issues never turn to an attorney for help. They handle them on their own, do nothing or turn to family. Without assistance, these situations can escalate with potentially significant negative consequences. Not all legal matters are "problems." Some are GOOD things! ✔ Buying a House or Renting an Apartment ✔ Starting a Business ✔ Taking Care of Your Family with Estate Planning Our mission is nothing short of changing the future. We want fewer people to go at it alone when they have a legal issue. We want more members of our community to be connected and empowered. ✓ Targeted We have attorneys with a wide range of skills and experience. Whatever the situation, we have an attorney here who has the knowledge to help with the issue. ✓ Timely We’re here when members need us. They can initiate a request for service any time or day on the phone, via text, or by filling out a request for consult online. ✓ Trustworthy With LegalShield, money doesn’t get between members and the help they need. It's already taken care of. When they call they’re not asked to pay – they simply start getting help.

  • Holiday Inn Express | Fiffik Law Group, PC

    800 555-0100 Thank You Thank you for your message. We will get in touch with you shortly ABOUT THE FIRM A Pennsylvania firm families have trusted for decades Fiffik Law Group has counseled Pennsylvania families and businesses on estate, elder-law, and related matters for more than 30 years. Michael E. Fiffik, Esq. Managing Partner · Fiffik Law Group, PC Michael leads Fiffik Law Group as its Managing Partner, having built it into a full-service Pennsylvania firm serving families and businesses statewide. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1992 (J.D., University of Pittsburgh), he brings more than three decades of experience guiding clients through estate, business, and real-estate matters. Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, 2011–2024 AV Preeminent (Martindale-Hubbell) Avvo 9.5 PA & Allegheny County Bar Fiffik Law Group’s attorneys have been featured in The New York Times, CNN, CNBC , Kiplinger, and U.S. News. Your workshop presenter : Ben Shotten, the firm’s estate planning attorney, focuses on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate avoidance, and elder law — and regularly leads these educational workshops in plain English. Fiffik Law Group, PC 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-200, Radnor, PA 19087 · [[(800) 555-0100]] · Serving Bucks & Montgomery counties Attorney Advertising. This page is an advertisement for legal services by Fiffik Law Group, PC, responsible attorney Michael E. Fiffik, Esq. (Managing Partner), licensed in Pennsylvania. Presenting attorney: Ben Shotten. The information here is general and educational, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created by attending this workshop or submitting this form. The workshop is complimentary and carries no obligation. [[Insert Pennsylvania bar’s exact required disclaimer/identification wording.]] © 2026 Fiffik Law Group, PC. All rights reserved.

  • Franconia Heritage Banquet & Conference Center | Fiffik Law Group, PC

    (412) 792-0078 Register The Workshop Our Attorneys Date & Location Who Should Attend FAQ COMPLIMENTARY ESTATE-PLANNING WORKSHOP Will or Trust: Which One Is Right for You? A plain-English workshop in Telford on October 22 — learn how wills and trusts work, how to avoid probate, and how to protect your family. ✓ Complimentary — no obligation ✓ Seating limited to 30 ✓ Two session times Presented by estate planning attorney Ben Shotten . Bring your spouse or a family member — just let us know so we save both seats. Reserve your seat Complimentary · Registration required Full Name* Email* Phone ZIP Code Which session? [[Nov 3]] · 10:30 AM [[Nov 3]] · 6:00 PM Bringing a guest? Just me Me + a guest (2 seats) Reserve my seat WHAT YOU'LL LEARN An hour that can save your family years of stress You’ll leave understanding the difference between a will and a trust — and which one (or both) fits your family and goals. How to avoid the costs and delays of probate Leave an estate protected from a beneficiary’s divorce, creditors, and addictions Keep your estate in your bloodline Solve the challenges of second marriages and blended families Provide for a child with special needs without jeopardizing their benefits How to get started with a personalized plan Save my seat ABOUT THE FIRM A Pennsylvania firm families have trusted for decades Fiffik Law Group has counseled Pennsylvania families and businesses on estate, elder-law, and related matters for more than 30 years. Michael E. Fiffik, Esq. Managing Partner · Fiffik Law Group, PC Michael leads Fiffik Law Group as its Managing Partner, having built it into a full-service Pennsylvania firm serving families and businesses statewide. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1992 (J.D., University of Pittsburgh), he brings more than three decades of experience guiding clients through estate, business, and real-estate matters. Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, 2011–2024 AV Preeminent (Martindale-Hubbell) Avvo 9.5 PA & Allegheny County Bar Fiffik Law Group’s attorneys have been featured in The New York Times, CNN, CNBC , Kiplinger, and U.S. News. Your workshop presenter : Ben Shotten, the firm’s estate planning attorney, focuses on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate avoidance, and elder law — and regularly leads these educational workshops in plain English. DATE & LOCATION Two convenient times — pick what works When Thursday, October 22 Session 1 - 10:30 a.m. Session 2 - 6:00 p.m. Complimentary · registration required · seating limited to 30 Where Franconia Heritage Banquet & Conference Center 508 Harleysville Pike Unit A, Telford, PA 18969, USA Save my seat WHO SHOULD ATTEND This workshop is for you if… You don’t yet have a plan — or aren’t sure your old one still works You have a blended family or second marriage to plan around You want to protect a loved one with special needs You want to spare your family probate and keep decisions private You’re helping a parent get their affairs in order You simply want plain-English answers from an attorney COMMON QUESTIONS Good to know before you come Is it really complimentary? Yes — the workshop is free to attend, with no cost and no obligation. Registration is required only because seating is limited to 30. Can I bring my spouse or a guest? Absolutely. Please register both of you (choose “Me + a guest”) so we save two seats and don’t oversell the room. What’s the difference between the two times? The same workshop is offered twice that day — 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Choose whichever fits your schedule. Will this be a sales pitch? No. It’s an educational session. You’ll learn how wills and trusts work and how to get started if you choose to — there’s no pressure. Do I need to bring anything? Just yourself and any questions. If you’d like, jot down what you hope your plan accomplishes for your family. Seating is limited to 30 — reserve your seat Join attorney Ben Shotten in Telford on Thursday, October 22. Complimentary, with no obligation. Reserve my Seat (412) 792-0078 Fiffik Law Group, PC 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-200, Radnor, PA 19087 · [[(800) 555-0100]] · Serving Bucks & Montgomery counties Attorney Advertising. This page is an advertisement for legal services by Fiffik Law Group, PC, responsible attorney Michael E. Fiffik, Esq. (Managing Partner), licensed in Pennsylvania. Presenting attorney: Ben Shotten. The information here is general and educational, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created by attending this workshop or submitting this form. The workshop is complimentary and carries no obligation. [[Insert Pennsylvania bar’s exact required disclaimer/identification wording.]] © 2026 Fiffik Law Group, PC. All rights reserved.

  • Practice Areas | FIFFIK LAW GROUP, P.C.

    Our Pennsylvania lawyers proudly serve clients in a broad range of practice areas. Schedule a consultation today to speak with one of our experienced attorneys on matters involving estate planning, business litigation, criminal defense, and personal injury cases. Practice Areas BANKRUPTCY ELDER LAW & GUARDIANSHIP REAL ESTATE WORKERS COMPENSATION BUSINESS & CORPORATE LAW FAMILY LAW TRUSTS & ESTATE PLANNING CRIMINAL DEFENSE PERSONAL INJURY PROBATE & TRUST ADMINISTRATION

  • Meet Our Attorneys | Fiffik Law Group, PC

    Meet the attorneys at Fiffik Law Group, PC Our Attorneys Managing Partner Michael E. Fiffik Michael E. Fiffik Partner Matthew A. Bole Matthew A. Bole Supervising Attorney Karyn L. Coy Karyn L. Coy Associate Attorney Richard J. Bedford Richard J. Bedford Associate Attorney James Bradley James Bradley Associate Attorney Maria Buren Maria Buren Associate Attorney Laura Devine Laura Devine Associate Attorney Kevin Keyho Kevin Keyho Associate Attorney Marsha K. Maietta Marsha K. Maietta Associate Attorney Minh Nguyen Minh Nguyen Associate Attorney Nikki Opfer Nikki Opfer Associate Attorney Carol L. Rosen Carol L. Rosen Associate Attorney Ben Shotten Ben Shotten MEET OUR STAFF JOIN OUR TEAM

  • Power of Attorney | Fiffik Law Group, PC

    Power of Attorney A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows someone, known as the principal, to identify and authorize legal, medical, and financial matters on their behalf should they be unable to do so themselves. Our Law Firm can help provide you with a Power Of Attorney so that you are covered if something bad were to happen. When You May Need a Power of Attorney Most commonly, the power of attorney (POA) comes into play when someone becomes incapacitated due to a mental or physical disability. A person may be suffering from dementia or in a coma following an accident, making it impossible for them to take care of important financial matters or make medical decisions for themselves. In Pennsylvania, if someone becomes unable to manage their affairs and they do not have a power of attorney in place, a court may appoint a guardian to handle those affairs for them – and it may not be the person they would have chosen themselves, so a power of attorney allows them to place their faith in someone they trust. Contact our team of estate planning attorneys to get your power of attorney started today. How To Choose the Right Power of Attorney Trust is a key factor when choosing an agent for your power of attorney. Whether the agent selected is a friend, relative, organization, or attorney, you need someone who will look out for your best interests, respect your wishes, and won't abuse the powers granted to him or her. It is important for an agent to keep accurate records of all transactions done on your behalf and to provide you with periodic updates to keep you informed. If you are unable to review updates yourself, direct your agent to give an account to a third party. As for legal liability, an agent is held responsible only for intentional misconduct, not for unknowingly doing something wrong. This protection is included in power of attorney documents to encourage people to accept agent responsibilities.

  • Landing Page | Fiffik Law Group, PC

    800 555-0100 Register The Workshop Our Attorneys Date & Location Who Should Attend FAQ COMPLIMENTARY ESTATE-PLANNING WORKSHOP Will or Trust: Which One Is Right for You? A plain-English workshop in [[Langhorne]] on [[Tuesday, November 3]] — learn how wills and trusts work, how to avoid probate, and how to protect your family. ✓ Complimentary — no obligation ✓ Seating limited to 30 ✓ Two session times Presented by estate planning attorney Ben Shotten . Bring your spouse or a family member — just let us know so we save both seats. Reserve your seat Complimentary · Registration required Full Name* Email* Phone ZIP Code Which session? [[Nov 3]] · 10:30 AM [[Nov 3]] · 6:00 PM Bringing a guest? Just me Me + a guest (2 seats) Reserve my seat WHAT YOU'LL LEARN An hour that can save your family years of stress You’ll leave understanding the difference between a will and a trust — and which one (or both) fits your family and goals. How to avoid the costs and delays of probate Leave an estate protected from a beneficiary’s divorce, creditors, and addictions Keep your estate in your bloodline Solve the challenges of second marriages and blended families Provide for a child with special needs without jeopardizing their benefits How to get started with a personalized plan Save my seat ABOUT THE FIRM A Pennsylvania firm families have trusted for decades Fiffik Law Group has counseled Pennsylvania families and businesses on estate, elder-law, and related matters for more than 30 years. Michael E. Fiffik, Esq. Managing Partner · Fiffik Law Group, PC Michael leads Fiffik Law Group as its Managing Partner, having built it into a full-service Pennsylvania firm serving families and businesses statewide. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1992 (J.D., University of Pittsburgh), he brings more than three decades of experience guiding clients through estate, business, and real-estate matters. Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, 2011–2024 AV Preeminent (Martindale-Hubbell) Avvo 9.5 PA & Allegheny County Bar Fiffik Law Group’s attorneys have been featured in The New York Times, CNN, CNBC , Kiplinger, and U.S. News. Your workshop presenter : Ben Shotten, the firm’s estate planning attorney, focuses on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate avoidance, and elder law — and regularly leads these educational workshops in plain English. DATE & LOCATION Two convenient times — pick what works When [[Tuesday, November 3, 2026]] Session 1 — 10:30 AM Session 2 — 6:00 PM Complimentary · registration required · seating limited to 30 Where [[Sheraton Bucks County Langhorne]] [[400 Oxford Valley Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047]] [[Sheraton Bucks County Langhorne]] [[400 Oxford Valley Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047]] Save my seat WHO SHOULD ATTEND This workshop is for you if… You don’t yet have a plan — or aren’t sure your old one still works You have a blended family or second marriage to plan around You want to protect a loved one with special needs You want to spare your family probate and keep decisions private You’re helping a parent get their affairs in order You simply want plain-English answers from an attorney COMMON QUESTIONS Good to know before you come Is it really complimentary? Yes — the workshop is free to attend, with no cost and no obligation. Registration is required only because seating is limited to 30. Can I bring my spouse or a guest? Absolutely. Please register both of you (choose “Me + a guest”) so we save two seats and don’t oversell the room. What’s the difference between the two times? The same workshop is offered twice that day — 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Choose whichever fits your schedule. Will this be a sales pitch? No. It’s an educational session. You’ll learn how wills and trusts work and how to get started if you choose to — there’s no pressure. Do I need to bring anything? Just yourself and any questions. If you’d like, jot down what you hope your plan accomplishes for your family. Seating is limited to 30 — reserve your seat Join attorney Ben Shotten in [[Langhorne]] on [[November 3]]. Complimentary, with no obligation. Reserve my Seat Call 800-555-0100 Fiffik Law Group, PC 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-200, Radnor, PA 19087 · [[(800) 555-0100]] · Serving Bucks & Montgomery counties Attorney Advertising. This page is an advertisement for legal services by Fiffik Law Group, PC, responsible attorney Michael E. Fiffik, Esq. (Managing Partner), licensed in Pennsylvania. Presenting attorney: Ben Shotten. The information here is general and educational, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created by attending this workshop or submitting this form. The workshop is complimentary and carries no obligation. [[Insert Pennsylvania bar’s exact required disclaimer/identification wording.]] © 2026 Fiffik Law Group, PC. All rights reserved.

  • Matthew A. Bole | Fiffik Law Group, PC

    Partner Matthew A. Bole Matt has practiced law since 2011 and primarily focuses in the areas of personal injury, estate administration, orphans court litigation, and civil litigation. Matt represents clients throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His practice focuses primarily in the areas of personal injury, civil litigation, and estate planning. Matt has also served as a Hearing Committee Member for the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for the past four years. From 2015-2024, Matthew was chosen, from among thousands of attorneys, as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer – Rising Star, which placed him in the top 2.5 percent of attorneys in Pennsylvania who are 40 or younger. Matt began working for Fiffik Law Group, PC as a law clerk while he was still attending Duquesne University School of Law. During Law school, Matt was a writer and senior staff member for the Duquesne Law Review and an active member in the Criminal Law Society. Matthew is currently a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association and the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers’ Division. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 2011 The Western District of Pennsylvania, 2011 J.D. Duquesne University, Magna Cum Laude, 2011 B.S. Penn State University, High Distinction, 2007 AREAS OF PRACTICE Personal Injury, Estate Administration, Orphans Court Litigation, Civil Litigation

  • Real Estate | Fiffik Law Group, PC

    Our experienced Pennsylvania real estate attorneys represent individuals and businesses in a variety of real estate advice and litigation including real estate closings, boundary and land disputes, and other real estate issues. Real Estate Real Estate Experience Whether you are buying or selling real estate, have landlord and tenant concerns, or have a boundary dispute, having a lawyer in your corner is critical to the success of any real estate law issue. We handle over 2,500 real estate matters annually. With more than 25 years of experience handling real estate closings and litigation, our experienced real estate lawyers know what it takes to ensure that your rights are protected. From our headquarters in Pittsburgh and our network of affiliated offices throughout Pennsylvania, we assist Pennsylvania clients with all real estate concerns. Clover Lane Settlement Services is a real estate title agency providing clients with the smoothest closing experience possible. Michael Fiffik, Esquire and Susan Green teamed up to create Clover Lane Settlement Services because after years of working as an approved attorney for various title companies, Michael found that having his own title agency would help eliminate pain points throughout a transaction. With almost 40 years of combined experience in the real estate settlement and property management businesses, Michael and Susan are well adept at achieving clean, seamless transactions, whether they be for $10,000 lots, $20 million corporate deals, or anything else in between. LEARN MORE Residential Real Estate The process of buying property can be complicated. A recent report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau describes real estate closings as confusing, stressful, time-pressured, and filled with delays. A settlement agent or title company will be involved in the closing. You have the right to choose who will provide those services. Choosing the right settlement agent is critical to avoiding these common complaints. Take control of the process by allowing one of our experienced real estate attorneys to serve as the settlement agent. How We Can Help Draft and review sales agreements Conduct title searches Assist for sale by owner (FSBO) sellers Prepare deeds Add names to and make changes to deeds Review settlement statements and closing disclosures Serve as a settlement agent or title company for real estate closings Issue title insurance policies Negotiate title and boundary disputes Advise on condo and homeowner association rights and fees Defend foreclosure notices and lawsuits Advise on right of way matters Fences, overhanging tree, and other boundary matters Respond to zoning and municipal citations Prosecute and defend real estate lawsuits Buying a home is exciting, but it can be an extremely complicated process. Click below for a free toolkit from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It's a booklet that can help you make better choices along your path to owning a home. DOWNLOAD HOME TOOLKIT Throughout your home purchase, third parties—such as your real estate attorney and your mortgage lender—have performed services. Closing costs include the fees these professionals (as well as others) charge for these services to finalize the real estate transaction and your home loan. Click below to get an estimate of closing costs on your home purchase. CLOSING COST CALCULATOR Residential Commercial Commercial Real Estate Commercial property makes for quite a significant investment market. Our experience goes beyond residential properties; we help our clients navigate the tricky world of renting, owning, and leasing commercial properties. At Fiffik Law Group, we will help you through the process with ease. Our real estate attorneys have a lot of experience when it comes to buying/selling commercial property. Commercial property is used for non-residential activities such as hotels, office space, retail shops, industrial buildings, public facilities, etc. Similar to residential property, the owner can operate a business from the commercial property they own or lease some or all of the space to tenants. This makes commercial property quite a significant investment market. Our expertise goes beyond residential properties; we help our clients navigate through the tricky world of renting, owning, and leasing commercial properties. Our team of real estate attorneys has been approved by: The First American Title Guaranty Company Fidelity National Title Company Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company Chicago Title Insurance Company Conestoga Title Insurance Company. Co-Signing Your College Student's Apartment Lease: What Every Parent Must Know Before They Sign Fiffik Law Group, PC May 18 8 min read Adding Your Child's Name to Your Home Deed in Pennsylvania: The Hidden Capital Gains Tax Trap Fiffik Law Group, PC May 14 7 min read What Every Commercial Tenant Must Know About Renovation Provisions Fiffik Law Group, PC May 12 8 min read Who Pays for the Damage to Your Mailbox From Snowplowing? Fiffik Law Group, PC Dec 16, 2025 4 min read What Pennsylvania Homeowners Should Understand About Property Surveys Fiffik Law Group, PC Nov 18, 2025 4 min read

  • Assessment Appeal Questionnaire | Fiffik Law Group, PC

    Allegheny County Property Tax Assessment Appeal Questionnaire Address* Allegheny County* Yes No These property tax assessment appeals only apply to Allegheny County. Name(s) of Property Owners* Email* Phone* Date of Purchase Month Day Year List any significant repairs or additions to the house. What is your opinion/estimate of the fair market value of you house? Have you or your lender had your property appraised in the past 5 years? Yes No Have there been any recent appeals? Yes, in the last year. Yes, in the last 2 years. Yes, in the last 3+ years. No Unsure Submit

  • Prenuptial Agreements | Fiffik Law Group, PC

    Pennsylvania Prenuptial Agreement Attorney. Our experienced family law attorneys can walk you through prenuptial, postnuptial, and marriage settlement agreements. Prenuptial Agreements A prenuptial agreement, or a prenup, is a written contract where a couple states their rights and responsibilities regarding premarital and marital assets and debts, and what would happen should their marriage end in divorce or death. A prenup can be a wise investment, not only because it outlines a couple’s finances, but because it can help avoid a costly and contentious divorce if the marriage doesn’t work out. Reasons to Get a Prenup There are multiple justifiable circumstances that may require a prenup, including: One or both of the parties has already been married One or both parties have children from a previous marriage/relationship There is a disparity in wealth between the two parties One party has significantly more debt One or both parties own a business One or both parties has an inheritance Read some more detail below about the specifics of prenuptial agreements. Who Needs a Prenup? Contrary to popular opinion, prenups are not just for the rich. While prenups are often used to protect the assets of a wealthy fiancé, couples of more modest means are increasingly turning to them for their own purposes. Here are some reasons that some people want a prenup: Pass separate property to children from prior marriages. A marrying couple with children from prior marriages may use a prenup to spell out what will happen to their property when they die, so that they can pass on separate property to their children and still provide for each other, if necessary. Without a prenup, a surviving spouse might have the right to claim a large portion of the other spouse's property, leaving much less for the kids. Clarify financial rights. Couples with or without children, wealthy or not, may simply want to clarify their financial rights and responsibilities during marriage. Avoid arguments in case of divorce. Or they may want to avoid potential arguments if they ever divorce, by specifying in advance how their property will be divided, and whether or not either spouse will receive alimony. Get protection from debts. Prenups can also be used to protect spouses from each other's debts, and they may address a multitude of other issues as well. If You Don't Make a Prenup If you don't make a prenuptial agreement, your state's laws determine who owns the property that you acquire during your marriage, as well as what happens to that property at divorce or death. Property acquired during your marriage is known as either marital or community property, depending on your state. State law may even have a say in what happens to some of the property you owned before you were married. Making a Valid Prenup As prenuptial agreements become more common, the law is becoming friendlier toward them. Traditionally, courts scrutinized prenups with a suspicious eye, because they almost always involved a waiver of legal and financial benefits by a less wealthy spouse and they were thought to encourage breakups. As divorce and remarriage have become more prevalent, and with more equality between the sexes, courts and legislatures are increasingly willing to uphold premarital agreements. Today, every state permits them, although a prenup that is judged unfair or otherwise fails to meet state requirements will still be set aside. However, because courts still look carefully at prenups, it is important that you negotiate and write up your agreement in a way that is clear, understandable, and legally sound. If you draft your own agreement, which we recommend, you'll want to have separate lawyers review it and at least briefly advise you about it -- otherwise, a court is much more likely to question its validity.

  • Buying & Selling a Business | Fiffik Law Group, PC

    For some business owners, buying a business is much more practical than starting a business venture from the start-up phase. On the other hand, if you're thinking about selling your business, there are many complicated processes that you might need an experienced business law attorney for. Buying & Selling Business If you are considering buying or selling a business, our attorneys will be able to assist you through the whole process. Buying or selling a business can be scary... maybe even a new experience. Our attorneys at Fiffik Law Group, PC will allow you to start this exciting chapter with ease by helping you buy/sell your business. The buying and selling process can be complex and involves many questions. How do you value the business? How do you market it? How do you negotiate with a potential buyer or seller? What are the tax consequences? What steps do you take to close the deal? These are just a few of the issues that must be addressed. All too frequently a business owner or buyer travels partway down the acquisition road without involving professionals with the result, at worst, of creating major problems and, at best, depriving themselves of the substantial benefits of preliminary professional analysis and planning. Our business lawyers have facilitated the purchases and sale of many businesses. Our attorneys can help you with all of the issues that arise during the process, including: Organization of the professional team Decisions to buy or sell Preliminary planning on how to structure the acquisition Obtaining financing for a purchase Preliminary discussions with transaction partners Preparing and executing letters of intent Negotiating, drafting and executing purchase agreements Conducting a due diligence review of the relevant company information Document preparation Closing Post-closing clean up Representative Cases Facilitated the marketing and sale of Johnstown area local pharmacy to national retailer pharmacy chain Assisted physician buyout of center-city Philadelphia medical practice with multiple locations Negotiated the formation of a joint venture and represented the group in the acquisition of a historic downtown Pittsburgh office building Completed sale of longtime Pittsburgh restaurant included with co-branding arrangement between parties who both continue to operate under the same valuable brand Counseled clients through the sale of a crane business and associated real estate that included various post-closing executory contracts Advised clients in several transactions involving the purchase or sale of national franchises including Subway, Sportsclips, Snap-On, Quaker Steak & Lube, Snap-Fitness, 9Round, Contours Express, Curves, Pizza Outlet, and UPS Stores Negotiated buy-out of partners in commercial trucking and warehouse business - assisted the same client in eventual sale of the business Facilitated the sale of three funeral homes following a litigation settlement, including assets and real estate

bottom of page