Due to COVID-19, most court functions in the state have been suspended. In addition, our office is working remotely. For assistance, please email esr@mmzlaw.com with your contact information and the legal matter you need help with and someone will be in touch. If you are seeking help regarding a Will, Financial, or Health Care Power of Attorney, every effort will be made to respond as quickly as possible.

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5 Tips for Implementing an Effective Work from Home Policy

While working from home, or telecommuting, has become increasingly popular in many workplaces, COVID-19 has now made it a necessity for many organizations. As we continue to adapt to the new normal both during and after the pandemic, it’s clear that allowing employees to work from home will become a more common practice. However, as … Read more

Estate Planning FAQ: What are Tenants in Common?

Two people signing paperwork to become tenants in common on home purchase

When it comes to estate planning, there are many legal terms involved that can cause confusion. If you are attempting to take a DIY approach without help from an experienced probates and estates attorney, you’re likely going to have a lot of questions.

The term “tenants in common,” as well as the term “joint tenancy”—both of which refer to ways real estate property ownership may be structured—are two that often raise questions for those outside the legal world. That’s why we’re dedicating today’s blog post to explaining this terminology in a little more detail. Both ownership structures have benefits and drawbacks, and they affect how property is transferred to heirs.

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Personal Injury Cases: Everything You Need to Know About Your PI Case

Unfortunately, accidents occur all the time, and often result in injury. Because of an accident, you might have to deal with large medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and other expenses. When your accident was caused by another party, you may be entitled to recourse and compensation through the law. That’s why personal … Read more

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Depending on its severity, an event like a car accident or slip and fall can have a significant impact on your life. If you’ve never experienced something like this before, it can be difficult to know how to proceed.  In cases where you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, the answer … Read more

What is the Process for Dealing with a Hit and Run Case?

Wrecked car along the side of the road following a hit and run.

Did you know that Pennsylvania stiffened penalties for hit and run drivers in September of 2012? For victims and their loved ones that may be seeking justice, this is great news. Of course, locating the guilty party in a hit and run traffic collision is not always an easy feat.

Additionally, just because a hit and run driver is facing criminal charges—as we’ve talked about in the past related to drunk drivers injuring innocent victims—it does not mean you will automatically receive compensation for your lost wages, out-of-pocket medical expenses, or pain and suffering. You will need to consult with a skilled personal injury attorney to determine your options for pursuing civil action against the hit and run driver.

The to-do actions in today’s post represent the typical process for hit and run cases. However, you should know that these do not represent a step-by-step ordered list. Every car accident case is unique, and if you have been injured in a traffic collision, getting medical treatment as soon as possible is your top priority. Seeking assistance from authorities like law enforcement, insurance companies, and personal injury lawyers is also key to your recovery from a hit and run car accident.

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What are the Advantages of Hiring a Guardianship Attorney?

Guardianship concept graphic

If you are thinking about seeking guardianship for a loved one in Pennsylvania, it is often an emotionally fraught situation. Sadly, minor children may need legal guardians because their biological parents have passed away suddenly or they are unable to care for them. Accidents and illnesses often lead previously capable adults—who never thought to put a power of attorney (POA) designation in place previously—needing someone else to handle their affairs.

Are you looking to become a guardian for a minor child who needs someone to assume duties of a natural parent, or do you have an adult family member who is no longer capable of managing their own affairs and who did not create a power of attorney? You will likely need professional, caring guidance to help you sort through the details and help you face your hearing in Orphans’ Court.

There is no reason you should attempt to handle guardianship concerns—under any circumstances—without guidance from an experienced guardianship attorney. Today’s blog post highlights three of the biggest reasons why.

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What You Should Know About Premises Liability in Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury claim forms with a stethoscope

Our recent blog post answering the most frequently asked questions about slip and fall cases introduced the legal concept of premises liability. It’s true that if you have experienced a slip and fall injury, premises liability will likely come into play in your personal injury case. 

But, what other types of incidents beyond slip and fall injuries could potentially constitute a premises liability claim? And, who can be held responsible for a victim’s personal injury or wrongful death in those premises liability claims?

Today’s post addresses these questions and demonstrates again the crucial point of ensuring that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney for guidance when you have been injured on someone else’s property.

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Don’t Forget the Tax Man During Pennsylvania Estate Administration

Signing of 1040 form

As the executor or administrator of a decedent’s estate, your fiduciary relationship to the estate places a lot of responsibility squarely on your shoulders. An executor must make critical decisions for the estate and the beneficiaries in keeping with the law. Filing paperwork in a timely fashion and fulfilling financial and legal obligations are the name of the game when it comes to estate administration, and this includes timely tax filings and payments.

Don’t forget the tax man. Between death taxes on asset values and fiduciary income taxes on the estate’s income, your head might be spinning. There are filing deadlines and tax payments that must be made, and failure to meet these deadlines can be costly, opening up the executor or administrator to penalties and interest.

Today’s post gives you some insight into making sure you are considering all the tax work as you are following the probate process and administering the estate. We want you to realize that you do not have to go it alone.

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Answers to 6 Common Slip and Fall FAQs

man after falling on steps

A little while ago, we shared a blog post covering the basics of what most people should know about personal injury law. In that article, we introduced so-called “slip and fall” cases, which are more officially known in the legal world as premises liability cases.

It’s true that slip and fall cases don’t necessarily involve anyone actually slipping and falling, which is why personal injury lawyers prefer the technical name. However, no matter the term you prefer, if you have been injured by a dangerous property condition—trip hazards, a slippery substance on a floor, malfunctioning elevators and escalators, even inadequate lighting or security that leads to a criminal attack—you may be able to recover compensation from the property owner or another responsible party.

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How to Prevail in a Custody Battle (Plus What Not to Do)

Concept image with paper doll family approaching child custody topic

While accomplishing your goal of winning primary custody of your children or grandchildren in a custody battle can be extremely challenging, there are many “to-dos” that can help your chances. Similarly, there are several big “don’ts” you must abide by, as well.

Today’s post shares a few of the best things you can do to help yourself in a contentious custody case, whether that case is part of divorce proceedings or another family issue. Number one on that list? Work with a caring, compassionate, and experienced attorney who is well-versed in family law, from custody issues to guardianship of minor children.

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