Courtney M. Wentzel

Guardianship

Courtney handles a range of guardianship proceedings, representing petitioners, professional guardianship agencies, healthcare providers, and individuals serving as guardians. Her work in this area includes:

• 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 guardians.
• 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, and 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 the 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 interpreting trust and estate planning documents, complying with directives and applicable laws, preparing detailed accountings, and litigating.

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 Pro Bono Project at The Vista School, providing legal services to 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.