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Careers Estate Planning Attorney Full Time | Hybrid | Mid Level Fiffik Law Group, a tech-forward statewide law firm, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Estate Planning Attorney to join our team and help grow the firm’s established Estate Planning and Elder Law practice. In this role, you will handle a variety of legal matters, with a focus on estate planning, elder law and estate administration. The position offers the opportunity to work with a steady stream of referrals for estate planning and elder law, build long-term client relationships, and expand the practice through referred business. You will gain legal experience, contribute to case strategy, and collaborate under the guidance of experienced attorneys while developing your own professional expertise. This is a hybrid position, offering the flexibility to work from home while also attending in-office client meetings in Hanover, PA. LEARN MORE & APPLY LegalShield Attorney Full Time | Remote | Mid Level Ready to take your legal career in a different direction? Tired of the courtroom? Looking for a renewed sense of purpose combined with personal flexibility and fully-remote work? Interested in being part of an innovative team that disrupts the traditional system by making access to legal guidance and services readily available and affordable to everyone? Then consider joining the LegalShield team at Fiffik Law Group, PC, a tech-forward statewide law firm. What we offer you: Fully-remote work and no courtroom appearances. Company-provided computer, phone, office supplies and access to LexisNexis. Comprehensive benefits, including medical, vision, dental, short-term disability and life insurance, wellness benefit, generous 401(k) contribution, paid holidays and vacation and opportunities to earn bonus pay. Reimbursed annual PA bar dues and CLE offered. LEARN MORE & APPLY

Nursing Home Neglect The nursing home abuse lawyers at Fiffik Law Group strive to keep the elder community as safe as possible. Our firm takes pride in assisting any families whose parents or grandparents have been neglected in nursing homes. How to Spot Nursing Home Neglect Neglect can come in many forms. Here are a few troubling examples of how nursing homes can neglect those they should be caring for: Neglect of Basic Needs Though it may seem unthinkable that a nursing home would neglect the most basic needs of their patients, it happens all the time. It is sadly common for those in a nursing home to suffer from malnutrition and dehydration. Look for signs that your loved one doesn’t have basic needs (such as water and food). These signs could include weight loss, confusion, or sunken eyes. Neglect of Personal Hygiene For the elderly, daily hygiene without help can be challenging. Nursing home neglect victims may not be getting help with basic hygiene needs, like fresh clothes or help with teeth brushing. If you noticed your loved one in a nursing home doesn’t seem to be up to his or her usual standards for cleanliness, it may signal that the staff isn’t helping them with bathing, grooming, or basic hygiene. Emotional Neglect The signs of neglect are often the signs of aging (weight loss, confusion, or trouble with balance), so identifying neglect is difficult. Perhaps the most challenging of all neglects to spot, however, is emotional neglect. There are no physical signs that your loved one is being emotionally neglected, but to someone who is lonely, it can be as bad as any other form of abuse. When staff aren’t kind or friendly to those in the nursing home or they ignore their patients completely, it is a form of neglect. Medical Neglect Most people place their loved one in a nursing home in order for them to receive proper care – both daily care and medical care. Unfortunately, some nursing homes neglect the medical needs of the elderly. Some signs of medical neglect include bed sores. Bed sores are basically wounds from pressure – the pressure of sitting or lying in one position too long. Other signs of medical neglect include untreated cuts and failure to provide necessary medications. Common Injuries in Nursing Home Neglect Cases Nursing home neglect can lead to significant physical, emotional, and sexual injuries to residents, as well as wrongful death. Many common injuries are powerful evidence of nursing home neglect. Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers Overmedication and overdose Malnourishment and dehydration Infections Dosage and medication errors Injuries from sexual abuse Broken bones and fractures Hip fractures Improper wound aftercare Sepsis and cellulitis Seizures Coma Cardiac arrest Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD The Importance of Communication and Regular Visits Sadly, nursing home staff are less likely to abuse those whose loved ones visit regularly. The elderly are often unable to say outright that the nursing home is neglecting their basic needs. Patients may fear that the neglect may turn to abuse if they speak out. Afraid and unable to clearly explain what is happening, the abused person may think that they have no options. Protect your loved one from nursing home neglect by having regular interactions with them. Though they may not be able to explain neglect, when a loved one communicates regularly, he or she may be abler to see irregularities that aren’t simply signs of age. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, be diligent about the abuse or neglect that may be happening to those who only have staff members to rely on. Two Main Types of Claims Against a Nursing Home for Neglect Personal Injury Lawsuit Negligence, abuse, or neglect led to the nursing home resident’s injuries. Wrongful Death lawsuit The nursing home’s actions cause the elderly person’s death. Your loved one will need to file the lawsuit themselves unless they sign a power of attorney that allows you or another trusted individual to file the lawsuit on your loved one’s behalf. Your loved one will need to be of sound mind when he or she signs this document, so if your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s, this may pose an additional issue. If you cannot obtain a power of attorney document, you can obtain guardianship for your loved one. You will need to obtain this status through a court order. You will need to pay additional fees and attend more court appointments prior to obtaining guardianship. Monetary Damages Available for Nusing Home Neglect Victims You can recover multiple forms of damages in nursing home neglect lawsuits. Medical expenses, including medication, surgeries, hospitalization, and therapy Funeral and burial expenses Pain and suffering Mental anguish Loss of quality of life Disability Punitive damages for especially negligent cases

Cost of Nursing Home Care The world's population is aging at a faster rate than ever before and people are living longer year after year. So, now more than ever, it's extremely important to ensure our elderly population receives the medical or living care they require. However, that care can be expensive, and often not all expenses will be covered by medical government programs. If you or a loved one are considering lone-term care, it will prove very helpful to speak with someone who can help you understand your financial situation in the matter. Read more below to see how we can help you. Planning for Long Term Care The world’s population is aging at a faster rate than ever before and people are living longer. Every day until 2030, over 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 65, and 7 out of 10 of them will require long-term care in their lifetime. Here are some statistics (all are "on average") you should consider: Someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services and supports in their remaining years Women need care longer (3.7 years) than men (2.2 years) One-third of today's 65 year-olds may never need long-term care support, but 20 percent will need it for longer than 5 years According to the Genworth Financial Cost of Care 2020 Survey , the average monthly cost of a one-bedroom unit in a Pennsylvania personal care residence or assisted living residence is $4,550. For a private room in a skilled nursing facility, the median monthly cost is $11,268. If you are looking for care for yourself or a loved one, you must understand how you are going to pay for it. Many people believe – wrongly – that Medicare, Social Security or Medicaid will pay for their long-term care needs. Medicare will pay for long-term care only if you require “skilled” services, meaning a short stay in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, or the costs associated with home health care. Even then, they’ll only cover these costs for a maximum of 100 days. Since the majority of long-term care is non-skilled assistance (helping with eating, moving around, bathing, etc.), it may be safe to assume that Medicare will not cover your long-term care needs. And if you do meet their requirements, once that 100-day window closes, you’re on your own for 100% of the costs incurred. What is Medicaid for Nursing Homes? Medicaid is a federal program for people with low income and few assets. It is a significant source of long-term care coverage for aged persons living in nursing homes in the United States. Medicaid is administered by each individual state in accordance with guidelines created by the federal government. Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program covers children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, as well as other adults who are eligible for federally assisted income maintenance payments. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) extended Medicaid eligibility to non-elderly adults with incomes at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty limit (FPL) —during 2022, that is $36,990 for a family of four.  States that choose to participate in this expansion receive enhanced federal matching payments. Pennsylvania opted to expand its Medicaid coverage during 2015. Medicaid is paid by both the state and federal governments. The federal government matches a state’s Medicaid spending at a rate that varies based on a formula that determines each state’s financial stability. This match allows states to expand other programs and respond to changes they face, whether it be population shifts, economic change, crisis and disaster, or public health emergencies. Medicaid accounts for almost 10% of federal spending and is often the second largest item in state budgets after education. The federal funds receive by the state are the highest line item on the individual state’s budget. While 78% of Medicaid funds are spent on the care of elderly and people with disabilities, this group only comprises about 30% of the beneficiaries of the Medicaid programs. Medicaid is a signficant payer for long-term care services in institutions including nursing homes. Note that in order to received Medicaid funds for its residents, a nursing home must be licensed for Medicaid. Not all nursing homes are so licensed. If you are considering a nursing home for a loved one who may be eligible for Medicaid benefits, you should check to see if the nursing home is licensed for Medicaid. Regardless of how the money is spent, Medicaid is a lower cost than private insurance due to the set payment rates to providers. Due to Medicaid accounting for around 20% of health care spending, the program is able to enter into agreements with the providers for a cost much lower than private insurance pays. As of February 2021, approximately 3.1 million people were enrolled in Medicaid in Pennsylvania. Medicaid covers 1 in 6 adults, 1 in 3 children, and 2 in 3 nursing home residents in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program has spent upwards of 30 BILLION dollars on health care services and, following the country’s model, the majority of these expenses are in long-term or managed care. Apply for state medical assistance learn more about your financing ability

Carol Rosen Associate Attorney Carol has been an Associate with Fiffik Law Group, PC since 1998. Ms. Rosen consults primarily in the areas of Criminal Law, Driver Licensing and Motor Vehicle Violations, Taxation, Consumer Law, Family, and Domestic Relations, Personal Injury, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, and General Civil Practice. Carol received her undergraduate degree from Oberlin College (A.B., 1977), and her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1982). She was admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1982. Carol was an appellate law clerk to the Honorable Bernard L. McGinley, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, from 1988-1989, and an Assistant District Attorney for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, from 1984-1988. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1982; U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, 1982 J.D. (cum laude), University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 1982B.A., Oberlin College, 1977 AREAS OF PRACTICE Criminal Law , Driver Licensing and Motor Vehicle Violations, Taxation, Consumer Law, Family and Domestic Relations , Personal Injury

Filing divorce in Pennsylvania? Our experienced family law attorneys have successfully guided thousands of clients through the divorce process. Divorce & Equitable Distribution People grow apart, communication breaks down, affairs happen, financial stress mounts, and disagreements escalate to non-stop fighting - and then the search for competent and professional legal counsel begins. How do you make your decision? Read more below to help you make your decision. These are a few situations and emotions our clients commonly deal with. Do any of them sound familiar? “I'm tired of the drama, living on autopilot and just trying to keep it together every day. I'm ready for a fresh start and a new chapter. I know it’s time.” “We had a lifestyle that included a nice home, newer cars, a vacation house, and club memberships. How are we going to divide everything and be okay? It's overwhelming trying to ensure I'm taken care of financially during this transition.” “I’ve had it with the emotional abuse. I’ve put up with it a long time, but I finally hit my limit.” “I've worked hard for what I have, and I don't want to lose it all. I need an attorney to ensure my needs are taken care of and that I'm not taken advantage of. "I love my husband, but I can’t deal with his drinking any longer. It’s torn our family apart and taken too much of a toll on me financially and physically. I need to start a new life.” At Fiffik Law Group, we understand the hurt and pain our clients experience in the midst of these tough situations, so we believe our dedication to top-level customer service makes the transition just a little easier. We want to make sure you are able to begin your new life financially secure and as quickly as possible. If you aren't ready to talk yet, please download our Divorce Guidebook. It will help you identify the things you should consider before proceeding with a divorce. Or if you would simply like to learn a little more about divorce in Pennsylvania, please click through the many articles on our website. If you’re ready to talk about divorce, the experienced divorce lawyers at Fiffik Law Group offer the knowledge and expertise that you deserve. You can trust us to represent your interests and protect your rights. For over 40 years, our law firm has successfully handled thousands of divorce cases including child custody, child support, spousal support, alimony, domestic violence, and more. Our divorce lawyers have represented clients throughout Pennsylvania. Fiffik Law Group divorce lawyers are seasoned professionals who can answer your questions, inform and guide you through the process, help you formulate goals, set realistic expectations, provide you with options, formulate a case strategy, negotiate from a position of strength, and ultimately be prepared to litigate if reasonable agreements cannot be reached. During the last three decades, our divorce attorneys have represented hundreds of clients in divorce actions, including cases involving: Spousal Support Alimony Exclusive Possession of Marital Residence Protection from Abuse No-Fault Divorce Property Distribution Complex Financial Issues including: Closely Held Businesses Tax Issues Stock Options Profit-Sharing Plans Real Estate Investment and Partnerships Executive Compensation Plans Pension Evaluations Qualified Domestic Relations Orders Visitation Rights Child Custody Child Support Adoption

As your Pittsburgh elder law attorney, we can help you with Medicaid planning, estate planning, wills and trusts, and many other legal matters involving older or disabled persons. Elder Law and Guardianship Our compassionate, caring and experienced attorneys help seniors and their family members navigate the difficult and complex journey of planning for their future. Our services protect you with the preparation of wills, powers of attorney, and medical documents. Our elder law attorney team focuses on assisting seniors and others with special needs – and their respective families – with asset protection and care planning. We also focus on many of the other complicated legal issues faced by seniors and those with disabilities. Nursing Home Decisions Learn More Cost of Nursing Home Care Learn More Nursing Home Neglect Learn More Caregivers Learn More Experience and Confidence Over the years, our Elder Law & Guardianship attorneys have successfully helped our clients navigate the world of eldercare and the planning required to be comfortable with late-life living situations. Planning for this stage of life is the most commonly overlooked and procrastinated aspect of estate planning, or life-planning in general, that we see. People often think they have all the time in the world to plan for these situations, but they sneak up on you quicker than you'd think. These are some aspects of eldercare we think you should consider: Caregivers: More than ever before, caregiving is becoming a significant part of everyday life for millions of families throughout the United States. As our population ages, more families are providing care for older adults at home, and an increasing number of people will require such care in the future. Nursing Home Decisions: Often, an aging parent or family member with a disability requires an intensive level of care and around-the-clock supervision, something that a caregiver is realistically unable to provide singlehandedly. That's when it might be time to start considering nursing homes or other alternative living situations that can help provide care. Medical Planning: Do you know what type of health care you would want if you became too sick to tell the doctor yourself? It's something most people don't want to think about but becomes a necessary planning step in your late-life estate plan once you reach that stage in your life. It's important to plan ahead for those situations because you definitely don't want to stumble into a medical situation underprepared. Medical Assistance Planning: As you research senior living options, you’ll discover not only are there different types of communities , but there are different types of financial and admission agreements as well. Understanding the complexities of financial planning for this stage of life will help you make an informed decision and create a smarter plan for the future. Late-Life Estate Planning: Failing to leave a plan for an estate means leaving loved ones unprepared for the decisions they will have to make, as well as the possibility of state and local laws creating obstacles in intended inheritance. Find out below how our elder law & guardianship attorneys can help you or your loved one navigate through this stage in life and make some very important decisions. Protecting Your Home from Nursing Home Costs Long-term care is expensive. As of 2022, the average cost of nursing homecare in Pennsylvania is over $12,000 per month. Health insurance and Medicare generally don’t cover long-term care. As a result, many become concerned over how they’ll pay for nursing care in the event they need it. Will they be forced to spend all their life savings and even sell their home to pay for care? Medical assistance is available to pay for nursing care. More than seven in ten nursing home residents in Pennsylvania utilize Medicaid assistance to cover the cost of care. Unlike other forms of Medicaid assistance, recipients of Medicaid for long-term care in nursing homes must pay back the amount they receive. The State can even recover from the assets of the recipient’s estate after death. This is especially concerning for individuals hoping to leave their home to their loved ones. Although owning a home (if it’s the applicant’s primary residence) generally won’t affect eligibility to receive Medicaid, the State can recover its costs by placing a lien on the home. A common strategy to avoid a lien is to transfer title to the home to the applicant’s children before applying for assistance. While this strategy may sound simple, it comes with significant risks. The timing and means of the transfer require careful planning. If you want to protect your home from nursing home liens, we recommend using a Life Estate Deed or House Trust. Download our free guide to learn more about how to protect your home and retain many of your home ownership rights for as long as you desire.

We are Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys that make a difference in our clients' lives. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys can help explain your rights and provide counsel if you've been charged with DUI, drug charges, assault, and theft. Criminal Defense Whether you are under arrest or under investigation, do not say anything to the police until you have had the chance to talk to a criminal defense lawyer. Even if you have already spoken to the police, there are still things an experienced defense attorney can do to minimize the risk you face. At Fiffik Law Group, our criminal law attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused in the state and federal courts of Pennsylvania. Providing our clients with strong and confident counsel, we will make sure you understand the charges you face and make sure you build the best possible defense. Experience & Confidence Over the years, our attorneys have successfully handled a wide range of misdemeanors and felonies in state and federal courts. If you have been charged with any of the following, we are committed to helping you get the best attainable outcome: DUI: It can happen to anyone, and when it happens to you, it is time to learn more about what you can do to stay out of jail and maintain your license. We will be prepared to handle every aspect of your drunk driving case. Youth (Not Juvenile) Criminal Charges: When you send your child off to college, the last thing you want is to hear they’ve been charged with a crime. A criminal record can disqualify your child from receiving federal student aid, ruin their chances of gainful employment after graduation, or even get them expelled from their dream college. Assault: We have experience in representing people charged with misdemeanor Simple Assault and felony charges of Aggravated Assault. Underage Drinking: We defend juveniles charged with underage consumption of alcohol and underage DUI. Drug Offenses: From simple possession to felony drug trafficking offenses, our firm handles drug charges involving a wide range of narcotics, including marijuana, cocaine, and prescription pills. Felonies: More serious charges can bring more serious consequences. If you have been charged with a felony offense, we will do everything we can to lower the charges you face or fight for an outright acquittal. Sex Offenses: If you are convicted of a sex crime, your life will never be the same. That is why it is of the utmost importance that you do everything you can to fight the charges and clear your name. Theft: Whether it's shoplifting, theft, burglary, burglary, or motor vehicle theft, our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight these charges. Expungement: Many clients rely on us to help them clear their criminal records through expungement DUI It can happen to anyone, and when it happens to you, it is time to learn more about what you can do to stay out of jail and maintain your license. We will be prepared to handle every aspect of your drunk driving case. Learn More ASSAULT We have experience in representing people charged with misdemeanor Simple Assault and felony charges of Aggravated Assault. Learn More DRUG CHARGES From simple possession to felony drug trafficking offenses, our firm handles drug charges involving a wide range of narcotics, including marijuana, cocaine, and prescription pills. Learn More THEFT Whether it's shoplifting, theft, burglary, or motor vehicle theft, our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight these charges. Learn More Does the Loser Pay Attorney's Fees in a Pennsylvania Lawsuit? Fiffik Law Group, PC Mar 18 5 min read Bringing a Gun to a Protest in Pennsylvania Fiffik Law Group, PC Feb 4 4 min read What Happens When You Ignore a Court Order in PA? Fiffik Law Group, PC Mar 19, 2025 4 min read Rideshare Sexual Assault Fiffik Law Group, PC Oct 16, 2024 3 min read The Consequences of Making Online Threats in Pennsylvania Fiffik Law Group, PC Sep 17, 2024 4 min read

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.

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Are you facing a custody dispute? Fiffik Law Group, PC child custody attorneys can help protect the best interests of you and your child. We have the experience and dedication that get results. Child Custody and Support Issues surrounding children — custody and support in particular — can be some of the most contentious elements in a divorce, but it serves your children best if you can work things out. We’ll help you understand things like how child support is calculated and how judges make decisions about parenting time. We'll also help you prepare for your hearing, conduct yourself during the hearing, and work together with the other parent to achieve the best possible arrangement for you and your children. Child Custody Experience We have effectively represented hundreds of clients in actions involving both contested and amicable child custody cases. Our child custody attorneys understand these cases are often highly emotional and can be profoundly consequential to our clients and their children. Our attorneys ensure that each client understands the strengths and weaknesses of their particular case so they can make the best parental custody decision for themselves and their families. During the last three decades, our custody attorneys have represented hundreds of clients in cases involving: Visitation Custody Shared Custody Supervised Visitation Relocation to Different County or State Allegations of Child Abuse and Neglect Paternity Special Needs Children Grandparent Visitation Non-Parent Visitation If you are thinking about filing a divorce, parenting plan modification, non-parental custody action, paternity case, or other family law action involving child custody, we invite you to contact our firm for a consultation appointment with a custody attorney. To get you started with the process, you can download and send in our child custody questionnaire below. CHILD CUSTODY QUESTIONNAIRE To learn more about how to file for custody, what to do to prepare for court hearings, how the court makes custody decisions, and more, download our Pennsylvania Child Custody Guide. CHILD CUSTODY GUIDE Experience & Ex. Calculating Child Support in Pennsylvania Child support in Pennsylvania is calculated by a mathematical formula set forth in the law, although the court may deviate from the formula based on special circumstances. There are four main factors that affect the amount of child support payable in Pennsylvania: The physical custody schedule of the child(ren) The number of children covered by the support order The monthly after-tax income of each party Certain additional expenses the parties may incur for the care of the child(ren) To calculate child support, first, determine the combined monthly net income of both parents and use that figure to determine each parent's percent contribution to the combined monthly income. Take that percentage, use the Pennsylvania Basic Child Support Obligation Guidelines to find the applicable Basic Child Support Obligation based on the number of children subject to the order. Then, multiply the Basic Child Support Obligation by the obligor's percentage of the combined monthly income to determine the preliminary monthly basic child support obligation. For example, if the father (obligor) has a monthly net income of $5,000 and the mother (obligee) has a monthly net income of $3,000, the combined monthly net income of both parents is $8,000 ($5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000). The percentage of each parent’s contribution to the combined monthly income would then be 58% for the father ($5,000 / $8,000 = 58%) and 42% for the mother ($3,000 / $8,000 = 42%). In our example, we will assume that this couple has two children, which means that the Basic Child Support Obligation would be $1,795. To determine how much the obligor parent is required to pay in child support to the obligee parent, multiply the Basic Child Support Obligation ($1,795) by the obligor’s percentage of the combined income. In our example, the father is the obligor, so the Basic Child Support Obligation is multiplied by the father’s percentage of the combined income ($1,795 x .58 = $1,041.10). You can use this tool from the Pennsylvania Child Support Program to help estimate child support.