Courtney M. Wentzel

Profile

Courtney M. Wentzel is a litigator whose practice is primarily devoted to fiduciary matters in Orphans’ Courts throughout Pennsylvania, including guardianships, powers of attorney, will contests, elder law, trusts and sophisticated fiduciary litigation. She provides an effective, collaborative approach to the practice of law, leveraging her depth of experience to achieve practical outcomes that work for you, your business, or your family. Courtney zealously advocates for her clients during every step of the litigation and believes in always presenting as friendly and professional.

While Courtney fearlessly presents in a courtroom, she appreciates that client goals and objectives may sometimes be better reached outside of one. She represents corporate fiduciaries, banks and professional guardianship agencies in complex trusts, estates and guardianship matters, regularly advising her clients in the management of fiduciary risk, document interpretation and the application of legal standards, statutes and various regulations in the fiduciary setting.

Courtney also has extensive experience representing and advising individuals who find themselves involved in litigation regarding decision-making options for a loved one, challenges to estate planning documents, or asset transfers before or after death. She helps individuals understand and navigate their fiduciary roles and represents them in accounting for estate assets or responding to challenges of their actions taken in a fiduciary capacity.

A portion of Courtney’s practice is devoted to representing commercial landlords in landlord-tenant disputes and automotive dealers against consumer claims. She also handles general civil defense matters, including tort liability and contract defense.

Guardianship
Courtney navigates the complexities of guardianship proceedings with a keen understanding of the emotional and practical challenges involved. Whether advocating for the appointment of guardians or advising on matters related to guardianship duties and powers, she ensures her clients’ best interests are protected. Her clients include petitioners, agencies and individuals that represent guardians. Her services include:

• Representing clients seeking guardianship or the modification of guardianship orders and guiding them through the legal process.
• Defending clients who are undergoing challenges to their guardianship role or actions taken as guardian.
• Advising clients on their guardianship powers and duties under existing and developing laws throughout the Commonwealth and interpreting court orders.
• Assisting with preparing and filing required guardianship reports.
• Representing professional guardianship agencies, corporate fiduciaries, banks, and individuals seeking court approval for additional actions in advance of their guardianship powers.
• Identifying less restrictive alternatives to guardianships where appropriate and making recommendations to clients.

Trusts, Estates & Orphans’ Court Litigation
With a focus on resolving disputes related to trusts, estates, guardianships and powers of attorney, Courtney represents both corporate and individual fiduciaries, including banks and trust companies. These matters include claims regarding distribution of estate funds and property as well as the settlement of accounts filed by executors or trustees.

Courtney has extensive experience in bringing and defending Will contests or disputes arising over beneficiary designations or the modification of other estate planning documents. She also assists her fiduciary clients with the interpretation of trust and estate planning documents, compliance with directives and applicable laws, preparation of detailed accountings, and litigation.

Landlord-Tenant
Courtney represents property management companies and commercial property owners in landlord/tenant matters including breach of lease, rent escrow, tenant holding over, and recovery of rental arrears and reimbursement for damages. Her counsel includes empowering her clients to make decisions that work for their businesses and resolving complicated matters before they turn into litigation.

Pro Bono
As a member of McNees’ Pro Bono Committee, Courtney oversees The Vista School Pro Bono Project providing legal services for parents of disabled adult children to obtain guardianships. The Vista School, located in Hershey, Pa., is dedicated to providing the tools and resources needed for every person with autism to reach their full potential and to live as independently as possible.