Learning about something new can be challenging. Learning something new that could not only affect your own life, but the lives of those you love can be downright scary. That’s why we came together as friends and neighbors over a spread of snacks, beer, and wine to learn about estate planning with Jeff Bellomo. As it turns out, estate planning really isn’t all that scary as long as you have the right strategy in place for your family’s needs.

“What is estate planning,” Jeff posed to the group as we grabbed our seats. “Everyone has a different definition based on their situational priorities, but it comes down to control – I want to control my property while I’m alive and well, and make a plan for myself and my loved ones in the case of disability or death.”

Specifically, in the spirit of the back-to-school season, Jeff addressed questions like: What planning document does your child need when they turn 18? Is it worth having your child on your deed to avoid inheritance tax? Should my child’s appointed guardian and trustee be different people? What roles should tax, long-term care and estate planning play in my decision-making?

Our Stroll gathering was one of the 10 educational workshops that Bellomo & Associates provides for free throughout York and Lancaster counties each month on various topics within estate planning. ForJeff and his team, the goal is to provide as much education as possible so people feel in control of their estate needs whether or not they use Bellomo & Associates for their planning.

“My Mom got sick the day before I took the bar exam, and no lawyer would meet with me without a $300 consultation fee,” Jeff shared, adding that it would cost another $15,000 to get his questions answered. “I promised my Mom I would never be like that when I became a lawyer. So, I try to educate as many people as possible, with no agenda in mind, so what happened to my family won’t happen to any other family.”

Bellomo & Associates, which has grown to a team of 34 with two additional attorneys working alongside Jeff, also strives to give back to the surrounding communities by supporting local organizations like Alzheimer’s Association, Olivia’s House, Leg Up Farm, and Center for Independent Living Opportunities.

For our Stroll event, Bellomo & Associates donated a special Family Night Out raffle basket that

attendees who brought school supplies or monetary donations toward the Logos Academy Backpack Initiative could enter.

“It’s not about getting hired on the spot for us, it’s about giving back to the community and knowing the education is out there,” said Jeff of his firm’s goals. “I’m in this for the long haul and will be here when you need me.”