Frankel Estate Planning & Elder Law, LLC

05/15/2026

Contractor fraud and abandoned home construction projects are becoming far too common. KDKA Investigates recently spoke with Mike Fiffik about what homeowners can do if a contractor takes payment and disappears before the work is completed.

One of the biggest takeaways? Whenever possible, pay by credit card. If the contractor never performs the work, you may be able to dispute the charge and pursue a chargeback through your credit card company.

If you already paid by check, cash, or another method, Mike explains three important steps consumers should take:
✔️ File a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office
✔️ Contact local police and report the theft
✔️ File a complaint with your local magistrate if the amount is under $12,000

Unfortunately, even if you obtain a judgment, collecting money from a fraudulent contractor can still be difficult. That is why it is so important to document everything and act quickly.

Watch Mike’s interview beginning around the 1:55 mark in this KDKA Investigates report: https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/bethel-park-contractor-no-show-job/

04/21/2026

The world's largest rubber duck paid a visit to our Pittsburgh office today! It was the perfect spring day for a lunchtime cookout...with a view!😎🛀

04/15/2026

03/03/2026

As Pennsylvania probate and trust administration attorneys, we often work with families who are navigating the complexities of the probate process. Whether you are an executor trying to navigate the process alone or a beneficiary concerned that an estate is being mismanaged, here are 10 common mistakes made during Pennsylvania probate⤵️

1️⃣Stalling or "Doing Nothing"
2️⃣Missing Key Pennsylvania Deadlines
3️⃣Over or Under Paying Inheritance Taxes
4️⃣Ignoring or Avoiding Beneficiaries
5️⃣Failing to Protect the Estate from "Ghosting"
6️⃣Engaging in Self-Dealing
7️⃣Improperly "Marshalling" Assets
8️⃣Misinterpreting "Legalese" in the Will
9️⃣Navigating Conflicts of Interest
1️⃣0️⃣The "DIY" Trap: Not Hiring an Attorney

Learn more: https://www.fiffiklaw.com/post/10-common-mistakes-made-by-executors-of-estates

02/26/2026

12/15/2025

Happy Hanukkah from all of us at Fiffik Law Group! For our partner Kevin Frankel, Hanukkah has always meant celebrating with family around the table. In his house, the menu is nonnegotiable: number one, latkes, and number two, brisket. Jelly donuts were never part of the tradition.

We hope everyone is enjoying a delicious and festive holiday season!🕎

11/19/2025

11/13/2025

Planning for the future of a loved one with special needs involves balancing financial stability with eligibility for essential government benefits. Join Attorney Kevin Frankel for a webinar where he will explain the rules and strategies that help families protect assets, preserve benefits, and plan for long-term care needs.

He'll cover:
✅SSI Criteria and Financial Restrictions
✅Medicaid Criteria and Financial Restrictions
✅What is a Special Needs Trust (SNT) and How to Create One
✅What is an ABLE Account and Their Role in Benefit Planning
✅Case Studies: Managing Inheritances for Those with Special Needs or Receiving Government Benefits
✅Estate Planning Tips for Special Needs Individuals and Caregivers

Who Should Attend:
Parents and caregivers of individuals with disabilities, estate planning professionals, and anyone seeking to better understand SSI, Medicaid, and special needs planning.

Sign Up👇

🔗November 19th: https://www.fiffiklaw.com/event-details/protecting-assets-securing-care-strategies-for-ssi-medicaid-and-special-needs-trusts-2025-11-19-12-00

🔗December 17th: https://www.fiffiklaw.com/event-details/protecting-assets-securing-care-strategies-for-ssi-medicaid-and-special-needs-trusts-2025-12-17-12-00

10/31/2025

In recent months, headlines have made a striking announcement: in the U.S. for the first time ever, more babies were born to women aged 40 and older than to teenage mothers. While delaying parenthood may be the new norm, delaying estate planning shouldn’t be. Many people wait to create a plan until they have children, assuming that’s when it becomes necessary, but estate planning isn’t just about preparing for kids.

Here’s why getting started early matters, no matter your age or life stage👉 https://www.fiffiklaw.com/post/estate-planning-can-t-wait-until-you-have-children