Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C.

Did you know:

There are significant ramifications to adding someone to a deed.

A deed is the document that is a legal record of who owns the property and who has interest in the property. When adding a child, significant other, parent, sibling, etc. it may seem like a simple way to avoid estate administration or make sure that the person you are adding has a protected interest in the property, but it is important to discuss with an attorney first.

Once someone is a co-owner of property, even if no money exchanged hands, they are a valid owner of the property and have the same rights to the property that you do. Co-owners have the right to occupy, in most cases they can transfer/mortgage their interest in the real estate without your consent, and debts can attach to a co-tenant’s interest in the property. Also, the only way to remove someone once added – unless they consent and agree to transfer their interest back – would be through litigation.

Stay tuned for more helpful homeowner tips throughout June!

Learn more about our Real Estate practice: https://www.kmgslaw.com/practice-areas/real-estate

to our very first Bring Your Kid to Work Day! 🖍️📚

We had a blast welcoming the next generation into the office - the kids enjoyed crafts, learned about careers at a law firm, and had a whole lot of fun.

Here's to making memories at Knox Law!

Did you know:

Title insurance protects both owners and lenders from potential financial losses associated with potential outstanding liens, encumbrances, fraud, or other defects on title.

Instead of a buyer needing to pursue recovery from a seller, individually, they will have the protection and coverage from a licensed title insurance company assisting them in correcting the issue if something was missed.

Stay tuned for more helpful homeowner tips all month long! 🏘️

View our Real Estate Practice: https://www.kmgslaw.com/practice-areas/real-estate

Tom Hoffman recently participated in a webinar for Alliance Bernstein on the Family Private Enterprise Model for Business Succession Planning.

Also participating were Jim Bly, Managing Director, National Practice Leader of EY Family Enterprise Business Services; Deacon Turner, Senior National Managing Director, Family Office Services at Bernstein; and Dale Vernon, Principal at Bernstein.

The group discussed the Family Private Enterprise Model as a unique opportunity and option for some family-owned businesses with no clear successor.

Watch the replay here:
https://alliancebernstein.zoom.us/rec/share/yFbSirCEmo8LMQF1bROg8-eikXq1y8HhMiWgxX_dVDEhm00M2Clz_JEf6hIVndqe.OYXAVrlJ_W0TLDdX

Use passcode 54962949

June is National Homeownership Month! 🏡

Whether you're a first-time buyer or planning for the future, we're here to help protect what matters most.

✅ Tip #1: Life Estates can help you avoid the estate administration process in Pennsylvania.

A Life Estate is a reservation of the Grantor’s right to use, inhabit, and maintain real estate even after said real estate has been conveyed.

In certain circumstances, it can be beneficial to transfer the real estate during the Grantor’s life and reserve a Life Estate so that the Grantor can continue to reside on the real estate even after the conveyance. Upon the Grantor’s death, the real estate will pass by operation of law to the Grantee and the Grantee may use the real estate even without a formal estate administration process.

Every situation is different and there are many factors to discuss whether a Life Estate is the appropriate choice for an owner of real estate. It’s best to speak with counsel and discuss the full spectrum of benefits and risks associated with Life Estates.

Stay tuned all month long as Attorney Jackie Brangard shares valuable legal tips for homeowners—starting with today’s insight on Life Estates.

Today, Attorney Kenzie Ryback is speaking at the JOY Senior Center on the important topic of Estate and Trust Planning.

She’ll be offering guidance to help seniors better understand how to protect their assets, plan for the future, and ensure peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.

Tune into the latest episode of the WP$E Money Talks Podcast! 🎙️

In honor of Elder Law Month, Knox Law Attorney Jerry Wegley shares valuable insights on how Elder Law can help protect your assets when a loved one requires long-term care.

📻 Listen now:
https://wpse.psu.edu/podcasts/knox-mclaughlin-gornall-sennett-pc/website-wednesday-march-2025-4/

We’re proud to announce that 13 Knox Law attorneys have been named to the 2025 Super Lawyers® list! 🎉

Please join us in congratulating:

Bryan Baumann, Mark Claypool, Neal Devlin, Guy Fustine, Frances McCormick, Tom Tupitza, Tim Wachter, Mark Wassell, Jacqueline Brangard, Alex Cox, Bill Helbling, Matt Lasher, and Phil Seaver-Hall.

This recognition reflects their outstanding dedication, professionalism, and excellence in the practice of law. 👏

View the article here:
https://www.kmgslaw.com/news/13-knox-law-attorneys-selected-for-2025-pa-super-lawyers-and-rising-stars

As we age—or help our loved ones navigate life’s transitions—having the right legal guidance can make all the difference. That’s where an Elder Law Attorney comes in.

Swipe through to discover why hiring an elder law attorney is one of the smartest decisions you can make when planning for the future.

Thank you for joining us throughout Elder Law Month! We hope you found our tips, resources, and insights from our experienced elder law professionals helpful. Stay connected for more valuable content coming soon.

👉 View Full Article: https://www.kmgslaw.com/articles/top-10-reasons-to-hire-an-elder-law-attorney

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Please note that our offices will be closed on Monday, May 26th in observance of the holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. ❤️🤍💙