CHARLES FOERSTER- PARTNER

Charles E. Foerster – Partner
Phone (412) 471-4128
Fax (412) 471-4145
Email: ceflaw21@icloud.com

PERSONAL HISTORY

Charles Foerster was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned an undergraduate Honors Degree in Economics from Pennsylvania State University in 1978 and obtained his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1981. Mr. Foerster joined the firm in 1982 and has since focused his legal practice on the areas of Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration (including Probate if required), Business and Retirement Planning, Elder Law, and related fields. He worked closely with the firm's founder, Clifford A. Weisel, for 20 years until Mr. Weisel's passing in 2002.

In 2004, Mr. Foerster opened a companion office in Cambria, San Luis Obispo County, California. With the support of a dedicated staff and improved communication technologies, he continues to serve clients in both Pennsylvania and California. He is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA) and the California State Bar Association.

nterestingly, the town of Cambria, CA, which was known as Santa Rosa until the late 19th century, was named by an attorney and surveyor named Peter Forrester (no relation) from Cambria County, PA. He chose the name because the trees and landscape in the area reminded him of his home in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Foerster became familiar with Cambria in the 1990s, as his sister lived in nearby San Luis Obispo, CA at that time.

* Folklore has it that the town of Cambria, CA, which was known as Santa Rosa until the late 19th Century, was given its name by an attorney/surveyor named Peter Forrester (no relation) from Cambria County, PA, as the trees and landscape there reminded him of his Western PA home. Mr. Foerster became familiar with Cambria in the 1990′s, as his sister then lived in nearby San Luis Obispo, CA.

SPECIALITIES

Mr. Foerster has particular expertise in the areas of Estate Planning and Estate and Trust Administration in Pennsylvania and California.

Estate Planning is the process of planning for the smooth and orderly transfer of wealth from an owner to specific beneficiaries (typically from one generation to another). Proper estate planning is based on implementing the client’s strategy for transfer of their assets while advising them of the most effective ways to do this. Proper consideration must be given to family dynamics as well as preservation and accumulation of assets and the needs and desires of beneficiaries. Mr. Foerster draws from decades of experience in this process.

Estate and Trust Administration is the process of accomplishing the actual transfer of assets at the death of their owner to specific beneficiaries. Estate Administration is the process of accomplishing this through a public, court-regulated process, often referred to as “probate.” Trust administration is the process of accomplishing the transfer through the use of Trusts. When properly used, Trusts can bypass the probate process and protect assets from taxes, dissipation, and the claims of competing parties. Mr. Foerster’s decades of legal practice in California and Pennsylvania make him especially qualified to conduct estate administration in both Pennsylvania (where most estates use the probate process) and California (where trusts dominate).

PHILOSOPHY

Mr. Foerster recognizes that each client's family situation and goals are unique. He is committed to providing careful attention to meet their specific needs.

Based on his experience, Mr. Foerster believes that effective lifetime planning facilitates a smooth and cost-efficient administration process. This planning helps minimize taxes on wealth transfers to future generations. Moreover, it is essential to draft documents using clear and concise language while including provisions specifically tailored to each client's circumstances. This approach not only helps achieve the desired goals but also reduces the risk of costly litigation.

THE NUTS AND BOLTS

Estate planning documents typically include a Last Will and Testament and may also consist of a Revocable Trust, as well as one or more types of Irrevocable Trusts. These can include Life Insurance Trusts (with or without provisions for minors), Special Needs Trusts (designed to protect beneficiaries entitled to public benefits), Grantor Trusts, and various Charitable Trusts that allow for lifetime enjoyment of assets while potentially providing tax benefits.

Properly structured lifetime gifting can be an essential and effective strategy in estate planning. In appropriate situations, establishing a Family Limited Partnership or a similar entity can facilitate lifetime gifting and help generate tax savings.

Business Succession Planning is a crucial component of estate planning for individuals and families who rely on the smooth transfer of closely held business interests to future generations. In such cases, Buy-Sell Agreements with appropriate life insurance provisions are vital.

Additionally, Retirement Planning and Elder Law matters are also important considerations during the estate planning process.

SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

Mr. Foerster is a former chair and current member of the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA) Probate & Trust Law Section. He is also a member of the San Luis Obispo County, California Trust & Estates Section. He played a key role in developing the ACBA's public service brochure titled "The Truth About Probate and Living Trusts in Pennsylvania." He is a graduate of the Potential Rotary Leadership Seminars (PRLS) and an active member of the Rotary Club of Cambria.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

  • Estate Planning
  • Probate, Trust, and Estate Administration

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Pennsylvania, 1982
  • Arizona, 1985
  • California, 2004
  • U.S. Federal Courts, 1982

EDUCATION

  • University of Pittsburgh School of Law
    J.D. 1981
  • Pennsylvania State University,
    University Park, Pennsylvania
    B.A.1978
    Honors in Economics: Summa Cum Laude

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

  • Member of the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA)
  • San Luis Obispo County, CA Bar Association
  • California State Bar Association
  • Cambria CA Rotary