Franca Tavella
Franca Tavella is Of Counsel in Kleinbard’s Business and Finance Department and a member of the Firm’s Trust and Estates Group. Franca primarily focuses her practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and taxation. She is experienced in drafting wills, trusts, special needs trusts, powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, living wills, and prenuptial agreements. In addition, Franca regularly assists clients with the formation of charitable and non-profit organizations, including qualification of tax-exempt status.
Franca also has a special focus on limited and plenary guardianships of the person and estate of incapacitated individuals. Whether a guardianship is sought on behalf of a child with special needs or an elderly or otherwise disabled family member, she handles all aspects of guardianship proceedings. Once appointed, Franca advises the guardian in his or her fiduciary role and assists in the preparation and filing of all requisite reports to ensure timely compliance through Pennsylvania’s Guardianship Tracking System.
Franca previously clerked for the Honorable Matthew D. Carrafiello, then serving Administrative Judge of the Philadelphia Orphans’ Court. Prior to attending law school, Franca was employed in the wealth management division of a prominent bank where she worked closely with relationship managers, wealth strategists, and investment advisors in the administration of trust and investment management accounts for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. It was this role that inspired Franca to pursue a legal career in trusts and estates.
Representative Matters
- Established a Type III 509(a)(3) supporting organization on behalf of a charter school in Philadelphia which supports fundraising efforts and fosters the overall mission of the school. The transaction involved securing tax-exempt status from the IRS, as well as various real estate and financing components.
- Provided state and local tax planning services to national online retailer to ensure proper compliance in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair.
Professional Associations
Philadelphia Bar Association
- Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Probate and Trust Law Section
- Executive Committee, Probate and Trust Law Section
- Co-Chair, Rules & Practice Committee, Probate and Trust Law Section
- Orphans’ Court Litigation & Dispute Resolution Committee, Probate and Trust Law Section
- Elder Law and Guardianship Committee, Probate and Trust Law Section
Philadelphia Estate Planning Council
Recognition & Accomplishments
- “Lawyers on The Fast Track,” The Legal Intelligencer (2023)
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America (2021-2027)
- Graduate, Mid-Atlantic Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (2022)
Community Activities
Volunteer, Chester Ridley Crum Watersheds Association
Philadelphia VIP