What we do
Will & Trust Attorney Serving Kutztown & Berks County
Berkleigh Law, PLLC helps families across Berks County, PA build estate plans that protect what they've worked for and provide for the people they love.
Estate planning for every Berks County family
Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy or the elderly. It's for anyone who has people they care about, assets they want to protect, or wishes they want honored. As your local will attorney and trust attorney in Kutztown, PA, Berkleigh Law, PLLC makes the process clear, personal, and manageable — one conversation at a time.
Wills & Testaments
A will is the foundation of any estate plan. As your will attorney in Kutztown, PA, Charles E. Dutko, Esq. ensures your will directs how your assets are distributed, names guardians for minor children, and designates an executor to carry out your wishes.
Without a will, Pennsylvania law — not you — decides who receives your assets and who raises your children.
What's included
- Simple and complex wills tailored to your family's needs
- Nomination of guardians for minor children
- Designation of an executor to administer your estate
- Pour-over wills to coordinate with a living trust
- Regular review and updates as your life changes
Trusts
As your trust attorney in Berks County, we help you transfer assets to your beneficiaries while maintaining control over how and when those assets are distributed — often avoiding the time and expense of probate.
A properly funded trust can save your family months of court proceedings and thousands in legal fees.
What's included
- Revocable living trusts for probate avoidance
- Irrevocable trusts for asset protection and tax planning
- Special needs trusts to protect a loved one's benefits
- Testamentary trusts created through your will
- Trustee guidance and trust administration support
Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney authorizes a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may need to go to court to gain that authority.
A durable power of attorney is one of the most important documents you can have — and one of the most overlooked.
What's included
- Durable financial power of attorney
- Limited powers of attorney for specific transactions
- Guidance on choosing the right agent
- Coordination with your overall estate plan
- Review and update of existing documents
Student Powers of Attorney
When a child turns 18 and heads off to college, parents lose automatic legal access to their medical and academic records — even in an emergency. A student power of attorney and FERPA/HIPAA release restore that access, giving families peace of mind without restricting the student's independence.
Once your child turns 18, you have no legal right to their medical or school records — even if you're paying the tuition. A student POA package closes that gap before move-in day.
What's included
- Healthcare power of attorney so parents can make medical decisions in an emergency
- HIPAA authorization allowing parents to receive medical information
- FERPA release so parents can access academic and financial aid records
- Financial power of attorney for tuition payments, banking, and other transactions
- Simple, affordable documents every college-bound student should have
Healthcare Directives
Healthcare directives ensure your medical wishes are known and respected if you are ever unable to communicate them yourself. They also relieve your loved ones of an impossible burden.
These documents are a gift to your family — they remove the guesswork and the guilt from the hardest decisions.
What's included
- Living wills stating your end-of-life care preferences
- Healthcare power of attorney (healthcare proxy)
- POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) guidance
- Coordination with your physician and family
- Plain-language documents your family can understand
Estate Administration
When a loved one passes, the executor or administrator of their estate faces a complex set of legal and financial responsibilities. We provide steady guidance through every step of the process.
You don't have to navigate probate alone. We handle the legal complexity so you can focus on your family.
What's included
- Probate filing and court representation in Berks County
- Inventory and valuation of estate assets
- Creditor notification and debt resolution
- Distribution of assets to beneficiaries
- Final tax returns and estate tax filings
Business Succession
For business owners, a succession plan is as essential as a will. We help you protect what you've built, minimize disruption, and ensure a smooth transition — whether to family, partners, or a buyer.
Without a succession plan, the future of your business — and your family's financial security — is left to chance.
What's included
- Buy-sell agreements between business partners
- Family business succession and gifting strategies
- Key-person planning and business continuity
- Coordination with your accountant and financial advisor
- Integration with your personal estate plan
Not sure where to start?
Most clients come to us without knowing exactly what they need. That's what the first conversation is for. We'll listen, ask the right questions, and help you understand your options.
Schedule a Free Consultation