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Amber M. Paulino Joins Appel Yost LLP

Appel Yost LLP author avatar Appel Yost LLP

We are proud to announce that Amber M. Paulino has joined Appel Yost LLP as an Associate. Amber M. Paulino will be serving clients in the Municipal Law and Civil & Commercial Litigation practice groups. She earned her B.A., magna cum laude, in History with a minor in Political Science from the University of South … Continued

House Bill 2124 (HB 2124)

Appel Yost LLP author avatar Appel Yost LLP

Pennsylvania is considering a significant shift in how real estate can pass at death. House Bill 2124 (HB 2124) would adopt the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act, allowing property owners to execute and record a deed that transfers property automatically upon death to a named beneficiary. This bill appears to have broad bipartisan … Continued

When Emails and Text Messages Become Public Records Under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law

Appel Yost LLP author avatar Appel Yost LLP

Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law defines “record” broadly, and the Office of Open Records explains that records can include emails, text messages, metadata, and information stored electronically. For municipalities and public officials, that means the substance of a communication often matters more than the format in which it was sent. That does not mean every text message … Continued

The Impact of Drug Abuse on Custody

Victor Myers Victor Myers

Family court in many ways can be more emotionally charged than other practices of law. As the attorney, we will frequently feel a sense of responsibility for the children involved even though we are representing one of the parents or grandparents. One major issue that always needs to be taken seriously is when there is … Continued

Updates in Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Law

Appel Yost LLP author avatar Appel Yost LLP

Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law continues to evolve, with two recent developments that both landlords and tenants should be aware of. First, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently adopted a procedural rule that gives local courts greater flexibility to implement landlord-tenant mediation programs. Previously, courts often needed statewide approval or participation in formal pilot programs before offering mediation … Continued

Understanding the 1031 Exchange

Appel Yost LLP author avatar Appel Yost LLP

Thinking about selling an investment property but concerned about a tax hit? An exchange under Section 1031 of Internal Revenue Code allows investors to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the sale proceeds into another “like-kind” property. Here are the basics: A 1031 exchange can be a powerful tool to build wealth and reposition real … Continued

The Truth About Living Trusts and “Avoiding Probate”

Appel Yost LLP author avatar Appel Yost LLP

While living trusts can be valuable estate planning tools, they are also widely misunderstood. Knowing what a living trust can – and can’t – do will help you make better choices for your estate plan. What a Living Trust Actually DoesA revocable living trust is a document that allows you to transfer ownership of certain … Continued

Appel Yost LLP is Pleased to Announce the Addition of Victor G. Myers to the Firm

Appel Yost LLP author avatar Appel Yost LLP

Victor G. Myers joins as an Associate and concentrates his practice in in family law, municipal law, civil litigation, and estate planning. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Franklin & Marshall College before following in his uncle’s footsteps and attending Ohio Northern University’s Claude W. Pettit College of Law, graduating in 2014. During law … Continued

PA Updates to Tax Treatment of Grantor Trusts

Appel Yost LLP author avatar Appel Yost LLP

Effective January 1, 2025, Pennsylvania has made a significant change in how it taxes grantor trusts — a move that brings long-awaited clarity and consistency for estate planners, trustees, and taxpayers alike. For years, Pennsylvania treated irrevocable grantor trusts differently than the IRS. Federally, grantor trusts are disregarded entities, meaning the income is reported and … Continued

Landlord-Tenant Laws in Pennsylvania: What Every Landlord Should Know.

Appel Yost LLP author avatar Appel Yost LLP

Navigating the evolving landscape of Pennsylvania’s landlord-tenant laws can be challenging, especially with recent expansions to programs and new proposed legislation. Whether you’re a seasoned property owner or managing your first rental property, staying informed is essential to protect your investment and maintain positive landlord-tenant relationships. Below are a few updates to Landlord-Tenant laws in … Continued