Our Services

What areas of law does your firm handle?
Woerle Law provides legal services in estate planning, elder care, business law, and real estate law in Berks County and beyond. We help individuals, families, and business owners plan for the future, protect what matters most, and navigate important life transitions with confidence.

How do I know if I need an attorney?
If you’re making an important legal, financial, or family decision, such as creating a will, starting a business, or purchasing property, consulting an attorney ensures your rights and interests are protected from the start. It is often easier—and a lot less expensive—to talk to a lawyer before taking action.

Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. We offer complimentary consultations to help you understand your options before making any commitments. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and see how we can help.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer?
Bring any relevant documents related to your matter, such as wills, deeds, contracts, or financial statements. We’ll review your information and discuss your goals to develop a clear plan of action.

How are legal fees determined, and what payment options are available?
Our fees vary depending on the nature and complexity of your case. We’re transparent about costs and will provide a clear, written explanation of the scope and cost of the work before any work begins. Payment options and flat-fee services are available for many matters.

How do you communicate with clients ?
We believe in clear, consistent communication and generally contact you by phone, text or email, depending on your preference and the nature of the communication. Our team keeps you updated at every stage and is always available to answer questions or address concerns promptly.

What makes your firm different from other law firms?
At Woerle Law, we value relationships as much as results. We take the time to understand your unique goals and challenges, offering personalized guidance and long-term support, not just one-time solutions. We treat every client like we would like to be treated, and many of our clients have become close friends. Since we work from our home, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere that clients love, easy parking in our driveway, and free puppy therapy—all for an affordable price.

What type of business entity is right for me?

The right structure—LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship—depends on your goals, liability concerns, and tax situation. We can guide you in selecting and forming the entity that best suits your needs.

Do I need a lawyer to start a business?

While not required, having an attorney helps ensure your business is formed correctly, compliant with laws, and protected from potential risks. Proper legal foundations can save time and money later.

How can I protect my business from liability?

Strong contracts, proper entity formation, and compliance with state and federal laws are key. We can also review insurance coverage and other safeguards to protect your assets.

What should be included in a business succession plan?

A solid plan outlines who will take over your business, how ownership will be transferred, and how taxes and finances will be handled. It ensures your business continues smoothly if you retire, become incapacitated, or pass away.

How can an elder law attorney help with long-term care planning?
We help you understand your care options, protect your assets, and plan for future needs. This may include Medicaid planning, long-term care insurance, and setting up legal structures for decision-making.

What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over 65 or with certain disabilities. Medicaid is a needs-based program that can help cover long-term care costs for those who qualify financially.

How can I protect my assets from nursing home costs?
With proper planning, including trusts and Medicaid strategies, it’s possible to protect your assets while still maintaining eligibility for care benefits. These often involve setting up either a revocable or non-revocable trust. There are pros and cons to each that you need to be fully aware of. before making a decision (see the FAC-section on trusts below). Early planning provides the most flexibility and protection, especially since Pennsylvania has a look-back period which could nullify your efforts, and that look-back period can and has changed over the years.

When should I consider setting up a guardianship or conservatorship?
If a loved one can no longer make safe or sound decisions about their health or finances, a guardianship or conservatorship may be appropriate. We can help you navigate this process with care and respect.

Do I need an attorney to buy or sell property?
While not always necessary or required, having an attorney ensures the transaction is handled properly. We review contracts, titles, and closing documents to protect your interests and prevent costly mistakes.

What happens during a title transfer?
A title transfer legally changes ownership of property. We handle the documentation and ensure all liens, encumbrances, and taxes are properly addressed before finalizing the transfer.

Can you help resolve property disputes or boundary issues?
Yes. We represent clients in resolving disputes involving boundaries, easements, title defects, or property rights through negotiation or legal action when necessary.

What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A will outlines how your assets are distributed after death, while a trust can manage your assets both during your lifetime and afterward. Trusts can help your loved ones avoid probate and may offer tax advantages. See more under Trusts below.

Do I really need an estate plan if I don’t have a large estate?
Yes. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s about making sure your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and important financial and health decisions are made according to your preferences. Without a will, your estate will pass according to state law, and the outcome may not align with your wishes. A Durable Financial Power of Attorney allows your agent to handle your financial needs and a Health Care Power of Attorney allows your health care agent to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to. Combined, these documents serve to protect you and your wishes both before and after you pass.

How often should I update my will or estate plan?
Review your estate plan every three to five years, or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets or health.

What is a power of attorney, and why is it important?
A power of attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make financial or healthcare decisions if you become unable to do so yourself. It’s a vital part of a complete estate plan.

How can an estate plan help my family avoid probate?
Certain tools, such as living trusts and properly titled assets, can allow your estate to pass directly to beneficiaries without the delay and expense of probate court.

I already have a living will. Do I really need to get a Health Care Power of Attorney?
We recommend you replace your living will with Pennsylvania’s Health Care Power of Attorney. It provides broader coverage for your health care through end-of-life events and allows you to choose an agent to act on your behalf. Doctors and hospitals are familiar with this document, which could save valuable time if your living will gets sent to the hospital’s legal department for review. Having this document can also remove the burden from family members when it comes to difficult end-of-life decisions.

How many copies of my health care power of attorney will I get?
We always complete four copies of this document. We give you three copies and keep one in your file as a back up. We recommend that you always ask if they can scan it and return it to you.

Can I have more than one health care agent?
You may appoint one health care agent and up to two alternates.

Do my agents have to follow my wishes?
You have the option to make your wishes guidance only or require your agent to follow your wishes exactly. Most people choose to remove the burden of choice from their loved ones and choose to require that their wishes be followed.

What do I do with my health care power of attorney once I have completed and signed it?
We recommend you give a copy to your primary physician and any other doctors who are not in the same network as your primary physician.

I already have a Durable Financial Power of Attorney. When should I consider updating it?
We recommend you replace your DFPOA whenever you need to change your agent or alternate agent. You should also update it if it was created prior to 2017, when Pennsylvania last updated the law.

What should I do with my DFPOA when I get it?
Because this document gives your agent the ability to do everything you could do with your finances, some clients prefer to keep their documents in a fire safe until their agent needs to use it. However, this often means there could be a delay in your agent’s ability to act on your behalf. Since your agent should be someone you trust implicitly, many clients, especially those who have named their spouse or adult child as their agent, prefer to provide a copy to their bank and any other financial institutions they deal with. This option ensures that the agent can act quickly if need be.

How many copies of my DFPOA will I get?
We always complete four copies of this document., three for you and one to keep in your file as a back up. We recommend that you always ask any financial institution to scan it and return it to you, though some will require an original copy.

What is the difference between an executor and an executrix, and what do they do?
These are gender-specific words used to describe the person you appoint to make sure your wishes are carried out in your will. They usually work with an attorney to navigate the probate process. An executor is used for men and an executrix is used for women.

Can I appoint more than one executor or executrix?
Although legally you may appoint more than one executor or executrix, it is problematic because most banks will not allow you to open an estate checking account if there is more than one person appointed to this role. We recommend appointing only one.

How often should I change my will?
We recommend changing your will after life-altering events, such as marriages, divorces, births, adoptions, or deaths.

How many copies of my will will I get?
We only create one signed and notarized copy of your will. This will go into a special will envelope. We will provide what is called a conformed copy of your will and will also keep a conformed copy in your file. If you need to make changes to your will, always use the conformed copy and keep the original safe until you have signed a new one.

What happens if someone dies without a will?
If you die without a will in Pennsylvania, the Court will appoint an administrator to handle your estate. Administrators generally work with an attorney to navigate the probate process. This is usually your closest relative. Administrators generally work with an attorney to navigate the probate process. Your assets are distributed to your next of kin according to intestate succession laws and follow a specific order:

• If married, but have no children: to your spouse

• If married and have children: one-third to your spouse and the two-thirds split evenly between your children

•  If not married, but have children: split evenly between the children

• If not married and have no children: first to your parents, then to your siblings, and finally to more distant relatives.

• If no living relatives can be found, the estate “escheats,” meaning it goes to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

What is a living trust?
A living trust helps you manage your assets during your lifetime and provides a plan for how they will be distributed after your passing. It can help avoid probate, maintain privacy, and provide flexibility in caring for your beneficiaries. We will work with you to design a trust that supports your unique goals and protects your loved ones’ future.

What is a testamentary trust?
A testamentary trust is created through your will and takes effect after your passing. It allows you to outline specific instructions for how your assets should be managed and distributed, such as providing long-term financial support for minor children or loved ones with special needs. We will help you design a trust that reflects your intentions and ensures your estate is managed with care and responsibility.

What is the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust?
A revocable trust (often called a living trust) allows you to keep full control of your assets while you are alive. You can change the terms, add or remove assets, or even dissolve the trust at any time. Because the trust remains under your control, the assets in it are still considered part of your taxable estate and can be used in calculating your assets should you need to go into a nursing home.

An irrevocable trust, on the other hand, generally cannot be changed once it is created. When you transfer assets into an irrevocable trust, you give up ownership and control of those assets. In return, those assets are usually removed from your taxable estate, which can help reduce estate taxes and protect wealth for future generations. Irrevocable trusts can also be used for specific purposes, such as protecting assets from creditors, providing for a family member with special needs, or making charitable gifts. However, since you have given up control of these assets, they will be unavailable to you outside the terms of the trust.