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Digital Estate Planning Some may think that there is no reason for Digital Estate Planning, but social media and technology is growing more and more every day. If you are working on getting your physical assets in order, why not make sure your digital assets are safe as well? Why You Should Care About Digital Estate Planning What will happen to your social media accounts (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) page when you're gone? How about the personal emails you've sent and received? Online photo albums? The files on your laptop? Your PayPal or Venmo accounts? How would your Executor know where you have accounts or how to access them to manage your Estate? Nowadays, our 'real' and digital experiences are so intertwined that it's important to plan for what happens to your online "paper trail." Making an inventory of and creating your digital estate plan (think of it as a will for your digital assets) will relieve your family members and loved ones from the added stress that arises after a death. When your family can rely on a written plan that outlines the passwords for your digital assets as well as how those assets should be managed, they won’t have to worry about navigating a more extensive probate court process. DOWNLOAD OUR DIGITAL ASSET GUIDE Email Submit Thank you! DOWNLOAD OUR DIGITAL ASSET INVENTORY Email Submit Thank you! What Are Digital Assets? A digital asset can be a wide variety of electronic records and files that are stored online, on mobile devices, or on personal computers. Simply put, almost anything you keep a digital record of is considered a digital asset and something that should be noted in your digital Estate Plan. A digital asset can include any of the following: Email accounts Social media accounts Online bank, credit card, brokerage, retirement plan, credit, loan, insurance and other accounts you access to manage your money and pay your bills Online retailer accounts Online subscription-based accounts Ecommerce or marketplace accounts (i.e. Amazon, eBay, iTunes, etc.) Photos and video sharing sites like YouTube or photos saved on the cloud Cell phone apps Online dating or gaming accounts Online accounts for utilities Loyalty program benefits (i.e. frequent flyer miles, credit card perks, etc.) Any other personal information you store on your computer, cell phone, or tablet Consider Appointing a Digital Executor If you have a Will, you’ve named an executor to follow the instructions in your Will about how you want your assets to be managed and distributed after you pass away. A digital executor is someone who can carry out your digital asset plan after you pass away. Your digital executor not only needs to be trustworthy, but also tech-savvy enough to be able to follow through with your instructions, so choose wisely. Think About Instructions for Your Digital Assets Your Will probably lays out the distribution of your financial assets, but what do you want to happen to your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram profiles? Consider leaving a letter of instruction or a “to-do” list to let your digital executor know, among other things, what they should do with your accounts. Include information such as: Should your digital executor deactivate your Facebook and other social media accounts when you die, or do you want them to set it up as a memorial page? Should your executor to send digital photos you’ve saved in the cloud or sharing site to family members? Do you want to give someone control of any unused iTunes credits you have? Do you want any personal videos uploaded to YouTube for friends and family to see (or taken off of YouTube so they don’t see them)? Do you want your personal emails deleted or retained and given to someone? Fiffik Law Group has partnered with Final Security, a digital estate and legacy planning company, to connect our clients to their services at a special rate. A Life Plan From Final Security Connects You To: Info Vault Final Security's Info Vault is a place where you can store your digital information for your designated beneficiary: Store your usernames and passwords to any service (files and notes can be saved with each entry.) Store your photos: save a single, memorable photo or a collection to pass on. Store your documents, such as a will, or a collection of information your beneficiaries will need. Create an efficient, organized and central place for your beneficiary to find all your important information after your passing. Social & Cloud Clean Social & Cloud Clean is Final Security's service that allows you to know that your online accounts and subscriptions do not live on the web forever. Not only does this service protect your legacy and information, it also protects family and friends. Bad actors are looking to capitalize on the window of time where your death may not be publicly known or officially recognized. In this window of time, your family and friends could fall victim to a scam that looks like it is coming from your account. Device Cleaning With Final Security's Device Cleaning service, you can have peace of mind knowing that your registered devices will be remotely wiped upon the confirmation of your passing. Our service will ensure that the sensitive and private information will be erased, only transferring what you've selected to be seen by your designated beneficiary. We will protect not only your legacy, but provide protection to loved ones by making sure your private information does not get into the wrong hands. My Final Goodbye My Final Goodbye, a service that allows you to create a video message or a text-only email that will be sent after you're gone. Tell that special story, give that final life lesson or simply say your final "I love you.” This will be a message that your loved ones will cherish forever. How to Sign Up Fiffik Law Group, a certified Final Security Digital Estate Planning Agency, offers a 10% discount on Final Security's Life Plan, bringing the one-time payment to $359. To sign-up and receive your discount: Create an account Select Life Plan Enter the promotional/agent code for Fiffik Law Group agent-fiffik-pgh SIGN UP FOR FINAL SECURITY The Hidden Danger in Your Digital Estate: How Idle Accounts Become a Target for Fraud When a loved one passes away, there is an enormous amount to manage — funeral arrangements, notifying family and friends, handling financial accounts, and beginning the probate process. What most families don't realize, at least not until it's too late, is that a separate crisis may be quietly unfolding online. Deceased individuals' digital accounts — email, social media, online banking portals, subscription services, and more — often sit idle for weeks or months before anyon We Do NOT Care...If You're Ready to Talk About Estate Planning: Estate Planning for the 'IDGAF' Woman Ladies, let's be real. How many times have you brought up an important topic for discussion with your mate only to be told, “I’m not... When Should You Update Your Power of Attorney? In the realm of estate planning, a Durable Geneal Power of Attorney (DGPOA) for your finances is one of the most powerful tools at your...

Our experienced Business Law attorneys have helped thousands of clients in all areas of the business journey, whether it be at startup or the succession of a successful business. Business Law Business Subscription Legal Plans Our subscription plans are designed for entrepreneurs from start-up to millions in annual revenue who are ready to add strategic, guided legal support focused on brand and business development. LEARN MORE Business Formation & Start Up Learn More Buying & Selling Business Learn More Business Disputes & Litigation Learn More Succession Planning & Dissolution Learn More Legal Lowdown Business Webinar Series Join Attorney Michael Fiffik's monthly Legal Lowdown webinar series where he covers a new business topic each month. SIGN UP In case you missed any, watch the recording of his previous webinars on our YouTube channel. Play Video Play Video 56:01 Top Asset Protection Strategies for Small Business Owners in 2025 Play Video Play Video 56:39 Startup Essentials: Tools and Tactics for New Business Owners Play Video Play Video 38:04 Myths About Independent Contractors That Can Hurt Your Business Business Legal Health Checks To be an entrepreneur means to be someone who takes on challenges. It also means you are a problem solver. Knowing what is ahead is half the battle. How you deal with them has a great deal to do with how successful your business can be. Having access to legal advice is a very effective way for you to avoid pitfalls and deal with the challenges when they do come along. Despite this fact, many small business owners do not have an attorney on their team. Why is that? The simple reason is that many entrepreneurs do not think of their business problems and challenges in legal terms. Some problems make the need for legal services obvious – like being sued. If you think the only time you need an attorney is when you’re being sued, we’re suggesting that you’re not thinking broadly enough about where you can find help to make your small business more successful. We’ve created a series of business “health checks”. Our hope is that they will help you better identify aspects of your business where easy access to legal advice can help you be a better entrepreneur and keep your business on the path to success. How It Works Business Legal Health Checks are designed to: What steps you have taken to protect your business from a legal point of view; What you need to do to ensure your business operates under best practices; How our attorneys can help you avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can derail your business A Legal Health Check is important to identify and minimize the risks to your business. It will help you focus on the issues that are most important to your particular business. A Legal Health Check can cover a range of different areas for different types of businesses but the most important areas include business structures, finances, real estate, risk management, contracts, employees, and succession planning. There are a variety of health checks under each of these areas. They are each about 10-12 questions that will take you only a few minutes to complete. Pick the ones that apply most to you. In ten minutes, you’ll be well on your way to learning more about your business. INTRODUCTORY BUSINESS LEGAL HEALTH CHECK BUSINESS CONTRACT HEALTH CHECK REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS PREMISES EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS & WAGES What Every Commercial Tenant Must Know About Renovation Provisions Fiffik Law Group, PC 6 days ago 8 min read The Paper Trail That Saves Your Business Fiffik Law Group, PC 6 days ago 8 min read The Hidden Liability in Your Vendor Agreements: How to Identify, Limit, or Avoid Personal Guarantees Fiffik Law Group, PC May 7 8 min read Is Your Customer Contract a Legal Time Bomb? Fiffik Law Group, PC May 6 6 min read The Government Owes Your Business Money: How Small Businesses Can Claim Their IEEPA Tariff Refund Fiffik Law Group, PC Apr 21 8 min read

Trusts Making sure your future is secured is one of the most essential things to do once you get older. Let our services help you through this process of ensuring your assets are handled. Get Your Estate Plan Started Today Fill out our online questionnaire. Once it's submitted, one of our estate planning attorneys will contact you for next steps. GET STARTED Trusts Planning for the distribution of assets at death is a great way to take care of your family. While there are many ways to do this, you should explore every option and consider the type of estate planning that’s appropriate for your situation. What is a trust? A trust is a type of legal entity that holds property for the benefit of people that you care about and is governed by a set of rules and managed by a trustee. Sometimes known as ‘will substitutes,’ revocable and irrevocable trusts are tools that you can use to help ensure your wishes are carried out, protect disabled beneficiaries, help children spend/budget properly, protect assets from creditors, and promote family harmony. Trusts can be created and funded during your lifetime. Some trusts, called “testamentary trusts”, are part of your Will and only come “alive” after you die under certain circumstances. Trusts are only for wealthy people, right? Wrong. They are not just for people with lots of assets; trusts can be used by anyone. In fact, most people who have young children and who have a Will probably have a testamentary trust in their Will. What’s included in a trust document? Generally, a trust document includes the name of the person who created it [known as the grantor or settlor], the names of the beneficiaries, the name of the trustee, rules for holding and investing the trust assets and directions on how to distribute the assets held in the trust to the beneficiaries. What are Revocable Trusts? Revocable trusts are created during your lifetime and can be revoked (i.e. cancelled) or amended at any time until the grantor either passes away or becomes incapacitated. These are sometimes called “living trusts”. The grantor is typically the trustee and has complete control of any assets held in the trust. During the life of the trust, income earned, taxed and distributed to the grantor. Upon the grantor’s death, it becomes irrevocable, and its assets are managed and distributed as the trust document directs. The trust can continue holding, managing and distributing assets for many years after the grantor’s death. What are Irrevocable Trusts? Irrevocable trusts are permanent. The grantor can’t make changes or updates to the trust. Once transferred, grantors effectively give up ownership rights to the assets. The trustee is in control of the assets and must administer the trust according to the trust document. Irrevocable trusts are often used to gain advantages for tax purposes. What are the key considerations for each type of trust? Advantages of a revocable trust include its flexibility (i.e., revocable, changeable, etc.), and the fact that its assets remain under the control of the grantor/trustee. Revocable trusts are private, meaning their details won’t become publicly known after the death of the settlor. Disadvantages include the initial cost of having an attorney draft the trust, as well as the time and cost of reregistering your property in the name of the trust. Revocable trusts should be reviewed and amended as circumstances change. Advantages to creating irrevocable trusts include protecting assets from creditors and spendthrift beneficiaries. They can be used to help preserve eligibility for government programs for special needs beneficiaries. They also can be an effective estate planning tool to minimize estate tax liability, especially in large estates. A disadvantage is implied in the name itself, in that it is irrevocable. Additionally, once transferred, you will effectively lose control over the assets placed in the trust. Trusts & Estate Planning Educational Video Series All Videos Play Video Play Video 03:07 Does A Trust Protect My Assets? | Trusts 101 In this installment of our educational video series on trusts and estate planning, Fiffik Law Group estate planning attorney Kevin Frankel, Esquire explains revocable and irrevocable trusts, and whether or not they protect your assets. If you’d like to dig into more specifics, we host a monthly free live webinar: Trusts 101 – Is a Trust Right for You? Register today for one of those sessions: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/fiffik-law-group-pc-29332501207?gclid=CjwKCAiAwc-dBhA7EiwAxPRylEwivvsVqqpCA6ZjfauzY1t3-loEy0IQJQVtX-oYxP3VGPS5zGKMKhoCzoQQAvD_BwE ~~~ Watch the other videos in this series: What is a Trust?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8fqT2pJMW0 Why You Need a Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wROuX3F5IXQ 4 Things Trusts Can Do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLef4YH1EvE 12 Common Pitfalls to DIY Estate Planning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOz-nYmclRI ~~~ Schedule an estate planning appointment with Kevin Frankel: https://calendly.com/fepel/ep-virtual-fiffiklaw ~~~ For more information on trusts and estate planning, visit https://www.fiffiklaw.com/trusts-estate-planning. Play Video Play Video 05:50 12 Common Pitfalls to Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning | Trusts 101 In this installment of our educational video series on trusts and estate planning, Fiffik Law Group estate planning attorney Kevin Frankel, Esquire covers 12 common pitfalls to do-it-yourself estate planning. If you’d like to dig into more specifics, we host a monthly free live webinar: Trusts 101 – Is a Trust Right for You? Register today for one of those sessions: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/fiffik-law-group-pc-29332501207?gclid=CjwKCAiAwc-dBhA7EiwAxPRylEwivvsVqqpCA6ZjfauzY1t3-loEy0IQJQVtX-oYxP3VGPS5zGKMKhoCzoQQAvD_BwE ~~~ Watch the other videos in this series: What is a Trust?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8fqT2pJMW0 Why You Need a Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wROuX3F5IXQ 4 Things Trusts Can Do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLef4YH1EvE Does a Trust Protect My Assets?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL75yceQJZU ~~~ Schedule an estate planning appointment with Kevin Frankel: https://calendly.com/fepel/ep-virtual-fiffiklaw ~~~ For more information on trusts and estate planning, visit https://www.fiffiklaw.com/trusts-estate-planning. Play Video Play Video 06:18 4 Things Trusts Can Do | Trusts 101 In this installment of our educational video series on trusts and estate planning, Fiffik Law Group estate planning attorney Kevin Frankel, Esquire covers four things trusts can do. If you’d like to dig into more specifics, we host a monthly free live webinar: Trusts 101 – Is a Trust Right for You? Register today for one of those sessions: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/fiffik-law-group-pc-29332501207?gclid=CjwKCAiAwc-dBhA7EiwAxPRylEwivvsVqqpCA6ZjfauzY1t3-loEy0IQJQVtX-oYxP3VGPS5zGKMKhoCzoQQAvD_BwE ~~~ Watch the other videos in this series: What is a Trust?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8fqT2pJMW0 Why You Need a Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wROuX3F5IXQ 12 Common Pitfalls to DIY Estate Planning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOz-nYmclRI Does a Trust Protect My Assets?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL75yceQJZU ~~~ Schedule an estate planning appointment with Kevin Frankel: https://calendly.com/fepel/ep-virtual-fiffiklaw ~~~ For more information on trusts and estate planning, visit https://www.fiffiklaw.com/trusts-estate-planning. Play Video Play Video 04:10 Why You Need A Trust | Trusts 101 In this installment of our educational video series on trusts and estate planning, Fiffik Law Group estate planning attorney Kevin Frankel, Esquire explains why you need a trust. If you’d like to dig into more specifics, we host a monthly free live webinar: Trusts 101 – Is a Trust Right for You? Register today for one of those sessions: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/fiffik-law-group-pc-29332501207?gclid=CjwKCAiAwc-dBhA7EiwAxPRylEwivvsVqqpCA6ZjfauzY1t3-loEy0IQJQVtX-oYxP3VGPS5zGKMKhoCzoQQAvD_BwE ~~~ Watch the other videos in this series: What is a Trust?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8fqT2pJMW0 4 Things Trusts Can Do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLef4YH1EvE 12 Common Pitfalls to DIY Estate Planning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOz-nYmclRI Does a Trust Protect My Assets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL75yceQJZU ~~~ Schedule an estate planning appointment with Kevin Frankel: https://calendly.com/fepel/ep-virtual-fiffiklaw ~~~ For more information on trusts and estate planning, visit https://www.fiffiklaw.com/trusts-estate-planning. Play Video Play Video 02:31 What Is A Trust? | Trusts 101 In this installment of our educational video series on trusts and estate planning, Fiffik Law Group estate planning attorney Kevin Frankel, Esquire explains what a trust is. If you’d like to dig into more specifics, we host a monthly free live webinar: Trusts 101 – Is a Trust Right for You? Register today for one of those sessions: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/fiffik-law-group-pc-29332501207?gclid=CjwKCAiAwc-dBhA7EiwAxPRylEwivvsVqqpCA6ZjfauzY1t3-loEy0IQJQVtX-oYxP3VGPS5zGKMKhoCzoQQAvD_BwE ~~~ Watch the other videos in this series: Why You Need a Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wROuX3F5IXQ 4 Things Trusts Can Do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLef4YH1EvE 12 Common Pitfalls to DIY Estate Planning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOz-nYmclRI Does a Trust Protect My Assets?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL75yceQJZU ~~~ Schedule an estate planning appointment with Kevin Frankel: https://calendly.com/fepel/ep-virtual-fiffiklaw ~~~ For more information on trusts and estate planning, visit https://www.fiffiklaw.com/trusts-estate-planning.

Laura Devine Associate Attorney Laura was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania in 1993 after graduating from Duquesne University School of Law. She joined Fiffik Law Group in 2017 after accumulating years of experience in the legal field. Laura provides legal counsel for her clients in matters involving Family Law, Civil Litigation, Landlord-Tenant Law, and Personal Injury. Laura Devine graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh. She began her career as a general civil practice associate and subsequently opened her own private practice, representing clients in various matters. She has served as an arbitrator, private divorce mediator, and is licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Western District Pennsylvania, 1993 J.D. Duquesne University Law School, 1992 AREAS OF PRACTICE Family Law, Civil Litigation, Landlord-Tenant Law, Personal Injury

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. 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The bankruptcy attorneys at Fiffik Law Group, PC have helped thousands of clients take back their lives. Lowering mortgage payments or tackling your toughest debts, our experienced bankruptcy attorneys can help you. Bankruptcy Bankruptcy can be a complex process, and the average person probably isn’t equipped to go through it alone. Working with a bankruptcy attorney can help ensure your bankruptcy goes as smoothly as possible and complies with all the applicable rules and regulations governing bankruptcy proceedings. Most people filing bankruptcy will want to file under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Either type of case may be filed individually or by a married couple filing jointly. Chapter 7: is known as “straight” bankruptcy or “liquidation”. It requires an individual to give up property that is not otherwise ”exempt” under the law, so the property can be sold to pay creditors. Generally, those who file Chapter 7 keep all their property except property that is very valuable or that is subject to a lien they cannot avoid or afford to pay. Chapter 13: is a type of “reorganization” used by individuals to pay all or a portion of their debts over a period of 3-5 years using their current income. Our attorneys have successfully handled many Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies across Pennsylvania. Our attorneys are ready to evaluate your situation and help you decide whether bankruptcy is the right decision for you. Is Bankruptcy Right for You? Getting a clear picture of your financial situation is the first step toward finding the right path forward. Our Bankruptcy Evaluation Questionnaire is designed to help us better understand your current circumstances, including your income, assets, debts, and any immediate concerns you may have. BANKRUPTCY EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE Your responses will allow our team to evaluate your situation and determine what options may be available to you. Once you have completed the Bankruptcy Evaluation, a member of our team will review your information and reach out to discuss potential next steps and answer any questions you may have. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Chapter 7 is often called a “straight bankruptcy.” You ask the court to discharge your debts in exchange for giving up your property except for “exempt” property which the law allows you to keep. In most cases, all your property will be exempt and not be affected by your bankruptcy case. You can protect the equity in your home, some cash in checking or savings accounts, a motor vehicle, retirement accounts, jewelry, and many household belongings. Property that is not exempt is sold, with the money distributed to your creditors. If you want to keep property that you cannot exempt, like a home with significant equity or a car and you are behind on the mortgage or car loan payments, a Chapter 7 case may not be the right choice for you. That is because Chapter 7 bankruptcy does not eliminate the right of mortgage holders or car loan creditors to take your property to cover your debt. Additionally, if your income is above a certain level defined by law, you may be required to file a Chapter 13 case. Married couples can file together but are not required to do so. If filing as a couple you double your ability to protect your assets. About sixty percent (60%) of all bankruptcy cases that are filed are Chapter 7 cases. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is like a reorganization of your financial life. In a Chapter 13 case, you file a “plan” showing how you will pay off some portion of your past-due and current debts over three to five years. The most important thing about a chapter 13 case is that it allows you to keep valuable property – especially your home and car – if you can make the payments set forth in your plan. In most cases, these payments will be at least as much as your regular monthly payments on your mortgage or car loan, with some extra payment to get caught up on the amount you have fallen behind. You should consider filing a chapter 13 plan if you: 1) own your home and are in danger of losing it because you’ve fallen behind on mortgage payments; 2) are behind on car payments, but can catch up if given some time; or 3) have valuable property that does not qualify for an exemption under bankruptcy law, but you can afford to pay creditors from your income over time. Chapter13 Bankruptcy Bankruptcy Vs. Debt Repayment: Which Improves Your Credit Score Faster in Pennsylvania? Fiffik Law Group, PC Apr 27 5 min read Is Bankruptcy Cheaper Than Debt Repayment? Fiffik Law Group, PC Apr 8 3 min read Help! A Debt Collector Has Frozen My Bank Account in Pennsylvania (What to Do Now) Fiffik Law Group, PC Mar 17 4 min read Can Bankruptcy Help with Student Loans in Pennsylvania? It's Complicated, But Here's What You Need to Know Fiffik Law Group, PC Jun 23, 2025 3 min read Defaulted Student Loans Looming? Pennsylvania Borrowers, Here's Your Game Plan Fiffik Law Group, PC Apr 23, 2025 4 min read

Business partner disputes are among the most frequently filed business dispute lawsuits. Our experienced business law attorneys can help your small business needs. We're in the business of helping your small business achieve success. Business Disputes and Litigation As businesses mature, they face increasingly complex issues, requiring more sophisticated consultation and strategic planning. Some issues you might be facing include: What type of contracts should I have with my customers, clients and vendors? How do I deal with human resource issues, including wage claims and terminating employees? Should I have employment agreements to protect my client lists and other trade secret information? What tax-saving devices should I be using? How should I negotiate a new lease for my business or new equipment? Attorney Experience Our business lawyers help established businesses expand, deal with their growth, and put them in the best place for future growth and success. Our clients operate a wide range of businesses, including: Trucking companies Commercial crane operations Residential and commercial contractors, plumbers, HVAC and other trades Health clubs Consumer and commercial retailers Commercial fire and security systems sales Restaurants and bars Pediatric therapists Chiropractic clinics Flight school Accounting practices Early intervention child care coordination Visiting nurse providers Security companies Our lawyers have provided a wide array of services to our established business clients, including: Client and vendor contracts Promissory notes, loan and collateral agreements Guarantee agreements Escrow agreements Employment contracts, non-compete agreements and other employee agreements Consulting and agency agreements Management agreements Preferred stock and subscription agreements Non-disclosure agreements License agreements Commercial leases Representative Cases Investors in commercial real estate development with HUD financing and historic tax credits Limited partnership negotiating a commercial foreclosure workout, resulting in positive cash flow Resolutions for shareholder disputes in various industries, including real estate, healthcare, and restaurants B2B provider acquiring intellectual property, including trademarks and service agreements Business owner navigating a wage and hour audit, reducing wage, interest, and penalty assessments

Check out our upcoming free online webinars and in-person events! Events Multiple Dates LegalShield Membership Benefits Explained Tue, May 19 Zoom Webinar Whether you’re new to LegalShield or have been a longtime member, join us to learn more about the powerful benefits of your plan! Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, May 20 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Jun 03 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Multiple Dates LegalShield Membership Benefits Explained Tue, Jun 16 Zoom Webinar Whether you’re new to LegalShield or have been a longtime member, join us to learn more about the powerful benefits of your plan! Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Jun 17 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Jun 24 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Jul 01 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Jul 08 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Multiple Dates LegalShield Membership Benefits Explained Tue, Jul 14 Zoom Webinar Whether you’re new to LegalShield or have been a longtime member, join us to learn more about the powerful benefits of your plan! Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Jul 15 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Jul 22 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Jul 29 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Make-A-Will-Month: Estate Planning Essentials Tue, Aug 04 Zoom Webinar It’s Make-A-Will Month - your sign to finally check this off your to-do list. Join us for a free estate planning webinar and learn how to protect your loved ones with the right legal tools. Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Aug 05 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Multiple Dates LegalShield Membership Benefits Explained Tue, Aug 11 Zoom Webinar Whether you’re new to LegalShield or have been a longtime member, join us to learn more about the powerful benefits of your plan! Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Aug 12 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Aug 26 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Multiple Dates Wills & Trusts - Which is Right for You? | WEBINAR Wed, Sep 02 Zoom Webinar In this live session, you’ll learn the basics about trusts and how they are used in estate planning. Share Register Here Load More

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

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The Start-Up phase of a business journey is vital to the future success of the business. Our experienced business law attorneys assist clients with matters involving planning, key financial decisions, and legal processes. Business Start Up Have you dreamed of being your own boss for many years, but don't know where to start? Do you want to know more about owning a business and find yourself asking questions like: How do I turn my idea into a successful business? What are the different types of business organization structures? What kind of forms and licenses do I need to get started? Where can I find financing and loans? What is a business plan and how do I prepare one? Business Subscription Legal Plans Our subscription plans are designed for entrepreneurs from start-up to millions in annual revenue who are ready to add strategic, guided legal support focused on brand and business development. LEARN MORE LLC Frequently Asked Questions The Basics LLC Formation Process Benefits of an LLC LLCs and Taxes Your LLC Has Been Formed What is an LLC? A limited liability company is a business structure that provides limited protection for its members against most debts or liabilities of the company. What is a member? A member is an owner of the LLC. How do I Pick a Name for my LLC? There are a variety of factors to consider when selecting a name. The Corporations Bureau will not approve your name if it is exactly the same or confusingly similar to an existing registered business. You’ll also want to avoid selecting a name that another business outside of Pennsylvania uses or that is subject to an existing registered Trademark. We suggest conducting a name search with the Corporations Bureau first. You should also do an online search for other businesses with a very similar name. You should also have a url (i.e. website address) for your business in mind. You should search the various website registration providers to see whether your name is available for registration. Some names are so long, they are not easily used for a website address or email address. What’s the Difference Between a Corporation and LLC? Both types of entities have the significant legal advantage of helping to protect assets from creditors and providing an extra layer of protection against legal liability. In general, the creation and management of an LLC is much easier and more flexible than that of a corporation. A corporation is also more expensive to form because you are required to advertise its formation, which typically costs several hundred dollars. There is no advertising requirement for LLCs.

Assault charges are serious matters that shouldn't be taken lightly. They require a serious line of defense. Talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney, specializing in assault charges, and begin planning for your future. Assault Assault cases often involve parties with a personal history, complex fact scenarios, and conflicting witness statements. For defendants, penalties can be severe, so it is important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys represent many different types of people at different stages in their lives, including college students, professionals, and others who are confronting the legal system for the first time with cases involving simple assault, bar fights, domestic assault, and more. We understand that getting charged with assault can be frustrating, intimidating, and overwhelming. You may wonder what penalties you may face, how much it will cost, whether you will lose your license and how a criminal conviction could impact your future. Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault The decision on whether to file charges or not is often left to the discretion of the police officers investigating the assault. There are times that police officers will seek guidance from the district attorney's office and file assault charges based upon the recommendations of the district attorney. In many instances, unless a case is clearly self-defense, the police often file Simple Assault or Aggravated Assault charges against some or all of the participants in the fight. At the scene, officers make initial credibility determinations as to which people or witnesses that the officers believe are being truthful. Officers may not believe that a person actually acted in self-defense, and thereby file charges. In other situations, if the officers are simply not sure whether or not self-defense was lawfully applied, many officers and district attorneys adopt an opinion that a jury or judge should hear all the pertinent evidence and then decide whether or not self-defense was appropriate under the circumstances. If you are charged with Simple Assault or Aggravated Assault, you should contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Self Defense Self-defense, also called "justification" in Pennsylvania, is an affirmative defense, meaning that the person charged with Simple Assault or Aggravated Assault must present some evidence, from whatever source, to justify consideration of the self-defense issue at trial. Technically, the person charged with assault does not need to actually prove that he acted in self-defense, but the person must present some evidence that supports the defense in order to allow a judge or jury to consider the defense at trial. This means that the criminal defense attorney may present evidence, such as testimony from either the defense or another witness, to support the self-defense claim, or the criminal defense attorney may be able to raise the self-defense issue by cross-examining prosecution witnesses. Again, it does not matter what source the evidence supporting self-defense comes from, as long as some evidence is presented. The decision as to whether or not sufficient evidence was presented of self-defense to allow a judge or jury to consider the issue is determined by the judge at trial. If the person presents some evidence to show self-defense, then the district attorney must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person did not act in self-defense. If the district attorney disproves that the person charged with Simple Assault or Aggravated Assault acted in self-defense, then the judge or jury will convict the person. However, if the district attorney fails to present sufficient evidence to disprove the self-defense claim, then the person charged with assault must be found not guilty. Domestic Abuse Domestic Abuse Those facing allegations of domestic violence could be facing charges of assault, aggravated assault, and battery. If the crime is against a family member or partner, then the charges may carry extra weight in some cases. WHAT CONSTITUTES DOMESTIC ABUSE? While your charges may not specifically read "domestic violence", Pennsylvania defines domestic abuse as certain crimes against household members, family members, former partners, parents, children, siblings, etc. The following actions may constitute domestic violence and lead to criminal charges: causing or attempting to cause bodily injury rape sexual assault simple assault or aggravated assault false imprisonment child abuse A police officer may make an arrest if there is sufficient cause to believe that you committed involuntary manslaughter, simple assault, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, terroristic threats, or stalking against a family member as defined above. So even if the officer did not have a warrant, the arrest may still be valid. That said, your defense lawyer will examine the circumstances of the arrest when handling the case. CONSEQUENCES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES The criminal penalties you're facing will depend on the specific charges levied against you. A conviction for involuntary manslaughter may carry more severe penalties than a conviction for simple assault, for example. In any domestic violence case though, the victim of the alleged domestic violence may file a petition for protection. This may order you to abstain from: further acts of abuse returning to the victim's household entering the victim's residence, workplace, or school It may also contain orders for temporary custody and payment of support to the alleged victim. Even if you believe yourself completely innocent, do not violate the terms of any court orders granted following the alleged abuse. This could further complicate the case and lead to additional penalties. BUILDING A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEFENSE Your lawyer will examine the case details to help you determine possible defenses to whichever charges you are facing. Some possible defenses include self-defense, such as if the alleged victim attacked you, causing you to use force to defend yourself. Provocation might be a valid defense in certain cases as well. In some cases, the violence was merely a mistake. If there's evidence that you did not intend to physically assault the alleged victim, it might be a valid defense. An example might be if you mistakenly struck the individual when turning around, not knowing they were present behind you. Other possible defenses include insanity and proving that the alleged incident for which you are charged never took place. Discuss each possibility with your attorney, who can help you create a strategy for approaching the charges levied against you.