When someone passes away, their estate typically goes through one of two processes: probate or trust administration. These options appeal to different people for different reasons—and misinformation is common—so we receive many questions, especially on probate. Join Jeff as he explains the process of probate administration in Pennsylvania. It’s important to understand whether you’re an executor, a beneficiary, or someone planning for their family’s future.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(03:15) Probate is the legal process for distributing assets that are not jointly owned or attached to a beneficiary.

(04:33) Powers of attorney become invalid at the time of death.

(05:54) In Pennsylvania (PA), probate and trust administration are very similar. For probate, an executor is sworn in.

(06:37) To be sworn in, the personal representative provides their law firm (or the Register of Wills) with the death certificate and the original will.

(07:56) The executor is liable for ensuring that probate is handled correctly, so many people use a law firm.

(09:09) The law firm provides notices to heirs and creditors and determines date-of-death values for all assets.

(10:17) Making a tax prepayment within three months after death results in a 5% discount on the inheritance taxes owed. The inheritance tax return must be filed within nine months of death, but an extension, with interest, is possible.

(12:27) A partial distribution can be made. Final distributions require the signing of receipts and releases.

(14:46) A fiduciary return must be filed if there were gains in an estate account.

(18:15) Most institutions will not allow testamentary trusts under a will.

(18:45) You are not required to hire an attorney for probate, but an attorney can shoulder the work and risk for you.

(23:09) An executor is entitled to an executor’s commission.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

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WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

For a few days in May, Jeff Bellomo’s life painted a picture of everything that matters to him—his people, law firm, beliefs, and passions. As he reflects on those days, Jeff shares his overwhelming gratitude for his community and the people most dear to him. Tune in to hear about the whirlwind of activity and why Jeff describes this as his “favorite weekend of the year.”

Red Wagon Club Picnic photos: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Daz1HiqQi/

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(02:56) On Sunday, May 4, I ran the York YMCA Half Marathon. I’m not a natural runner and I experienced some bad cramping, but I cut my personal best by 20 minutes. Several of my colleagues ran, too. It was a good day for our group.

(07:20) In November, I will run the Philadelphia Marathon. As I train for 26 miles, I will carry the sense of community and support that I experienced before, during, and after the York run.

(11:55) I went to our daughter’s band concert at her high school. DeAnna had a couple of solos. I love watching her play.

(12:37) We hustled to DeAnna’s graduation from the Future Leaders of York. The memories and learning experiences will stay with her forever.

(14:16) We bring all our remote staff in for the Bellomo team picnic. I always look forward to this event.

(15:00) On Monday, we had our all-day team retreat. It gave everyone a chance to reconnect, share ideas, discuss how to better serve our clients, and engage in great team-building exercises.

(17:12) The annual Red Wagon Club Picnic featured an incredible buffet and everyone enjoyed the DJ and the photo booth. When so many of our clients come together, it’s a humbling reminder of their trust in us.

(20:51) Later this year, Red Wagon Club members will come together again to learn about the changes we're seeing in the country and the legal world.

(24:08) Congratulations to Whitney Bellomo for being named one of 12 finalists for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

You’ve probably heard the saying, “A man who represents himself in court has a fool for a client.” While most of us wouldn’t go to court alone, the rise of do-it-yourself legal tool kits makes it tempting to go without professional guidance when creating an estate plan. But it’s important to understand that off-the-shelf home remedies can expose your assets to unnecessary risk and jeopardize your family’s financial future. From emotional blind spots to technical errors, even the smartest people can make costly mistakes without proper legal help. So, before you get carried away with DIY enthusiasm, tune in to learn the hidden costs and common pitfalls of do-it-yourself legal tools.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(02:56) When non-professionals use off-the-shelf tools to create a trust, will, power of attorney (PoA), or estate plan, strategic missteps and technical mistakes often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

(05:18) Estate planning and elder law are highly complex even for attorneys who specialize in these areas.

(07:35) Often, basic DIY legal kits don't keep pace with state-specific laws and are not able to address “what if” scenarios such as changes in marital status, unexpected death or disability, protection of government benefits, etc.

(09:21) The use of beneficiaries to avoid probate does not provide protection of assets or safeguard against mishandling of funds and property.

(11:07) Jointly owned assets can have significant tax implications.

(12:33) Long-term care eligibility and asset protection are complicated and require thoughtful, expert strategies.

(16:43) Powers of attorney should be very specific. Most DIY kits do not contain the appropriate language.

(23:23) Can you use a DIY kit and have everything turn out well? Yes, but there are many situations that a DIY kit cannot provide for—and those are the protections that a professionally created plan can anticipate.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

Join Jeff as he chats with Jen Clemens, co-lead of the Clemens & Myers Real Estate Team. Serving York and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania and Maryland, Jen and her team are passionate about helping people through some of life’s biggest transitions.

Whether you're buying your first home, selling a longtime family property, or investing in real estate, Jen understands both the financial and emotional stakes involved. With bilingual agents, a trusted referral network, and personalized support for every step of the journey, the Clemens & Myers Team offers expert guidance and care as clients move into their next chapter.

Call Jen Clemens at (717) 779-7791 or visit https://clemensmyersteam.ironvalleyrealestate.com/

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(02:22) Jen is experienced in guiding people through important purchases and big life transitions.

(07:42) The team can refer reputable third-party experts to sellers and help them evaluate whether the cost of professional help will result in the desired return on investment.

(15:13) You can find Jen and her team on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

(17:14) Jen’s team is licensed in Pennsylvania and Maryland, and Jen is working on getting licensed in Delaware.

(19:40) Technically, it’s a seller’s market right now. Jen says, “Marry the house and date the rate.”

(21:34) Good realtors ensure that homes are not over- or underpriced. They are trained to know the market. Experience and skills in negotiation are quite valuable.

(24:25) Realtors are paid commission at settlement and brokers always get a fee for the backend work of ensuring that the legal documents are processed correctly.

(25:43) Good realtors will be willing to discuss commissions and fees and other process details so that the seller and buyer clearly understand what’s involved.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

Navigating the transition from a longtime home into a new place and the next stage of life is one of the biggest challenges older folks and their families face. Join Jeff and his guest, Andrew Bartlett, owner of the real estate firm Bartlett & Associates, to discuss ways to ease the transition. In addition to traditional real estate services, Andrew’s team can provide organizing, downsizing, cleaning, painting, moving, and other assistance to prepare the home for sale and make the move. The team further differentiates itself by offering Next Step Home Solutions, programs designed to provide fast, flexible financial help for those who need access to funds before their home sells.

Contact Andrew Bartlett at (717) 203-5528 or visit these websites:
Next Step Home Solutions - https://nextstep.care/
Bartlett & Associates - https://www.lancorealestate.com/

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(03:19) Andrew entered real estate because he wanted to provide services that were better than what he experienced as a first-time home buyer.

(07:02) Bartlett & Associates offers two financial programs—a cash program and a bridge loan program—for when a customer needs funds right away.

(09:43) Often, conventional lender options are available only when people are moving from one house to another, not from one house to a retirement community or care home.

(13:32) Jeff added Life Care Planning services at Bellomo & Associates because so many people expressed a need for help with home safety assessments, community services, the long-term care system, etc.

(15:35) Professionals with a reliable and knowledgeable referral network can greatly benefit their customers.

(17:41) Andrew’s company is a sponsor of Bellomo’s Multi-Professional Boot Camps. By participating, Andrew came to realize the benefit of smart estate planning to protect one’s home and assets.

(24:31) Andrew's nonprofit—HCB Foundation—assists families with an urgent need for help paying rent, buying groceries, etc.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

When people think about estate planning, a will is often the first thing that comes to mind. But relying solely on a will might leave significant gaps in your financial plan, potentially putting your loved ones and your hard-earned assets at risk. Join Jeff as he breaks down the critical features of a will and why a will alone might not be enough to protect your assets and your family’s future.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(03:20) While a will directs the distribution of assets in your name alone, it does not control assets with joint owners or designated beneficiaries, like insurance policies or jointly held bank accounts.

(07:46) Most financial institutions won’t allow a testamentary trust (a trust established within a will) to be named as a beneficiary. This limits your ability to protect those assets after your death.

(09:26) Assets passed outright through a will can be exposed to risks like Medicaid repayment, creditor claims, financial mismanagement, and future spouses via death or divorce.

(11:11) Probate can be costly, with legal fees often ranging from 4-6% of the estate. While you can handle probate without a lawyer, the executor still bears significant personal liability to ensure everything is handled correctly.

(18:12) Relying on beneficiary designations to avoid probate can leave assets unprotected, potentially exposing them to creditors, lawsuits, and financial missteps.

(21:45) Unlike a will, a properly structured trust can help you avoid probate, reduce fees, and provide ongoing asset protection for your heirs.

(24:12) The absence of a will triggers the intestate succession process. State law will determine who receives the estate, or what is left of it. Most often, this is the closest living relative.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

At Bellomo & Associates, our commitment to education extends beyond our clients. We learned long ago that professionals locally and across Pennsylvania can also benefit from practical education in estate planning and elder law.

Our free professional boot camps differentiate us from most other law firms. As Jeff describes the essential topics we cover—from basic concepts to advanced strategies—you'll see how the health care and financial planning professionals who attend can better support their clients.

Participants earn continuing education credits (CEUs) while learning and, afterward, enjoy a fun networking reception that’s great for strengthening community partnerships.

MULTI-PROFESSIONAL BOOT CAMP
17 Sep 2025 | York, PA | Learn free of charge | Earn 6 CEUs
Enroll at https://bellomoassociates.com/boot-camp/

ESTATE PLANNING AND ELDER LAW WORKSHOPS
Learn more at https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(05:09) Nearly 80 social workers enrolled in our first boot camp because of the need to better understand the legal issues their clients were facing.

(06:49) The success and popularity of the boot camps made it clear that a multi-professional boot camp was needed. Nurses, nurse practitioners, administrators, CPAs, CFPs, insurance agents, and others can earn six (6) CEUs.

(09:00) Participants learn the basics of estate planning and more advanced concepts such as taxation, asset protection, probate v. non-probate, beneficiaries, and much more. Afterward, attendees enjoy a fun networking event, which can be especially worthwhile given the range of professions in attendance.

(10:36) Our take-home binder is a valuable guide that attendees keep among their most frequently used professional resources.

(15:25) We are grateful for our sponsors who enable us to provide our boot camp free of charge. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

At Bellomo & Associates, taking care of people—both colleagues and clients—is at the heart of everything we do. Our relationships give meaning to our work, making this conversation bittersweet. Jeff sits down with Jessica Delp, who has formed countless relationships as our community outreach coordinator over the past three years. As Jess moves on to her next professional adventure, Jeff reflects on the connections she has built, her impact, and how she has carried our mission forward. Thank you for everything, Jess. In a workplace built around shared values and genuine care, it’s never easy to say goodbye.

To learn more about Olivia’s House, call (717) 699-1133 or visit:

Website - https://www.oliviashouse.org/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OliviasHouse

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(03:20) Jess joined the firm in 2022 as community outreach coordinator.

(05:56) Although she was happy in her non-profit job, Jess accepted Jeff’s job offer because she liked the firm’s mission—to help families.

(09:00) Jess has loved coordinating fun and educational events and helping clients see the value of the firm’s work.

(10:57) Initially, her role was not clearly defined, but Jess shaped it into a successful position.

(13:43) Olivia’s House is a grief and loss center for children. Jess’s husband, K.C., and Jeff's wife, Whitney, have become good friends through their work with the organization.

(14:26) Jess worked at Olivia’s House while in grad school. The organization depends heavily on well-trained volunteers.

(15:55) Whitney’s ongoing involvement in Olivia’s House is based on her desire to give back.

(19:02) Olivia’s House is always looking for volunteers and donations. The programs are free, so funding is needed to continue to provide support.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/