The start of the new year is a great time to review your legal needs and make sure everything is organized the way you want it to be. We sometimes forget to change beneficiaries after divorce, etc. Make addressing legal matters one of your New Year’s resolutions.
Since 1993, the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello has been providing legal representation to residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She is our resident expert in legal matters who can bring peace of mind and security for both you and your loved ones.
Deborah earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1988 from Capital University School of Law in Columbus, Ohio, and began her career serving as a law clerk for the Pa. Superior Court President Judge, Vincent Cirillo. This job taught her how to do legal research as well as prepare bench memos, draft orders
and opinions.
The following year, Deborah served as law clerk to Judge Rita Prescott, the first woman Judge on the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. “She was a great teacher and had me work on every aspect of a case, from pre-trial to post trial. This is where I began to learn the ins and outs of actually practicing law in civil and criminal cases,” Deborah recalled. “Judge Prescott was instrumental in my decision to establish my own law firm in Media in 1993.”
In 1998 Deborah seized the opportunity to serve her community as a magistrate. She was appointed unanimously by both Democrat and Republican elected officials in Harrisburg to finish her father’s term upon retirement. Then in 1999 she was elected as Magistrate covering Folcroft, Tinicum and
Philadelphia International Airport.
During the eight years serving in that role, the volume and variety of cases added to Deborah’s legal experience, and understanding the uniqueness of every case and the legal process. “We handled 7,000–10,000 cases each year, and I am proud to say all with consistency, compassion and equal application of the law,” said Deborah.
In 2005, Deborah returned exclusively to her solo law practice in Media where she has a vast network of associated attorneys and experts in a wide range of complex practice areas. The staff includes legal assistant Rosemary, in family law matters, and Mona, in injury cases. Deborah and her staff also handle a limited amount of pro bono cases for people who can’t afford an attorney. They’re actively engaged in the Media community
and beyond. Each year they participate in Media’s Hannukah Village as well as other fundraising events for Christian and Jewish communities in Delaware County.
The Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello provides counsel for cases involving personal injury, work accidents, divorce, custody, support, real estate, wills, estates and social security disability. For anyone who wants to get their legal affairs in order, the new year is a perfect time to do so and there are several areas that may need to be addressed.
Check your life insurance policies to make sure the beneficiary designation is up to date and who you want it to be. Do the same thing for “Payable On Death” and bank accounts. Have you checked who your beneficiary is or are on your 401k and/or pension? It might be your ex-spouse. Do you have a will? Each person needs to do their own will. A will is one of the most important legal documents you may ever create. It outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of assets and other critical matters after your death. Over time, life circumstances change—such as the birth of a child, a marriage, divorce, or the acquisition of new property.
These changes may require updates to your will. Deborah’s advice: “Make sure your will is clear and up to date with your current wishes, reviewed by an attorney to ensure that it complies with state laws, properly executed with two witnesses and all signatures notarized.” A Power of Attorney (POA) is also important to have to make sure you have someone you trust to take care of your affairs if you become incapacitated. This person can manage your finances, make healthcare decisions, and pay your bills. Deborah explained that there are different types of Power of Attorney documents: Durable Power of Attorney and Healthcare Power of Attorney. “It’s essential to choose someone trustworthy who understands your values and would act in your best interest during difficult times.”
It’s important to understand that Beneficiary designations on a bank account, insurance policy, 401k, IRA or pension override what’s written in your will, so periodically check that they align with your current intentions,” said Deborah. “Many people forget to update beneficiary designations after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of children. A quick review could prevent complications and ensure your assets go
to the right people.”
Another important task for the new year? “Review your automobile insurance and homeowners insurance policies,” Deborah said. Even if you have auto insurance, do you have enough coverage in the event of an accident? “Without sufficient coverage your personal assets can be at stake.” The same goes for homeowners insurance. “Review your homeowner’s insurance policy, and make sure there is enough coverage to rebuild your house and supply household contents such as appliances, furniture etc. in the event of a disaster,” she added.
Another quick tip from Deborah is to add a ring camera to your home. “This year we’ve been aware of an uptick of burglaries through out Delaware County and squatters in rural areas,” she said. “A ring camera can provide an extra layer of security and give you peace of mind.”
If one of your new year’s resolutions is to get your legal affairs in order, don’t hesitate to contact Deborah M. Truscello who can guide you through the process. Her personal experiences combined with her expertise as both a trial attorney and a judge are why her clients and colleagues describe her as qualified, thorough, consistent and compassionate.
Publisher’s Note: The Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello is located at 206 West State Street Suite 100, Media. For more information, call
610-892-4940 or visit TruscelloLaw.com.