Skip to main content

John B. Whalen Jr.

also known as John B. Whalen, Jr., J.D., LL.M.
  Save
Avvo Rating10
View more
See more Upper Darby Probate lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About John

John B. Whalen, Jr., JD., LL.M., Attorney and Counselor at Law. Mr. Whalen is AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent 5.0 and Avvo Rated 10.0 Superb (obtaining over 95 client reviews and peer endorsements). He is the recipient of the Legum Magister Post-Doctorate Degree (LL.M.) in Taxation (from the Villanova University School of Law), a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Wills, Trusts, and Estates, from the Widener University School of Law), and a recipient of the ABA-BNA Law Award for Academic Excellence (from the Widener University School of Law). He has also been named as an Awesome Attorney in the field of Estate Planning Law (by the Suburban Life Magazine of the Philadelphia suburbs) for the years 2010 through 2018, and was Editor-in-Chief of the Delaware Law Forum at Widener School of Law.

Mr. Whalen is a frequent speaker and writer on the areas of Probate, Wills, Trusts, Estates, and has spoken for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, spoken at the Widener University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and spoken at the Delaware County Estate Planning Council.  He has also had his legal articles published by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, the Pennsylvania Law Weekly, the Philadelphia Business Journal, and the Martindale.Com website.  He has had his law blogs published on the Lawyers.Com website.

He is a member of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the United States Federal Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He is past president of the Delaware County Estate Planning Council, a past Internship Instructor of Conestoga High School, and Villanova University School of Law. He is a past member of the Chester County Estate Planning Council, a past President of the Chesterbrook Picket Post Condominium Association.

Mr. Whalen concentrates his legal practice solely in the areas of: Estate Law, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Executor Representation, Probate, Ancillary Probate, Last Wills, Decedents Estates, Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives, Trust Law, Living Wills, Fiduciary Law, Inheritance, Inheritance Tax, Trusts and Estates, Trust Administration, Cemetery Law, Tax Law, Estates, Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples.

Mr. Whalen provides legal services seven (7) days per week, including all evenings, weekends, and holidays. Please Visit and Subscribe to our Blog and visit my website at WhalenPaProbateLawyers.

Mr. Whalen serves, and has served, both individuals and attorneys in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Metropolitan Area (and throughout the country), including Chester County Pa, Delaware County Pa, Lancaster County Pa, Montgomery County Pa, and Philadelphia County Pa.  He has served clients in Ambler Pa, in Ardmore Pa, in Aston Pa, in Berwyn Pa, in Blue Bell Pa, in Bridgeport Pa, in Broomall Pa, in Bryn Mawr Pa, in Chadds Ford Pa, in Chesterbrook Pa, in Chester Heights Pa, in Chester Springs Pa, in Coatesville Pa, in Collegeville Pa, in Conshohocken Pa, in Devon Pa, in Downingtown Pa, in Drexel Hill Pa, in Eagleville Pa, in Easttown Pa, in Elkins Park Pa, in Exton Pa, in Frazer Pa, in Great Valley Pa, in Haverford Pa, in Havertown Pa, in Jeffersonville Pa, in Kennett Square Pa, in King of Prussia Pa, in Lansdale Pa, in Limerick Pa, in Linfield Pa, in Linwood Pa, in Lower Merion Pa, in Malvern Pa, in Media Pa, in Narberth Pa, in Newtown Square Pa, in Norristown Pa, in Oaks Pa, in Overbrook Pa, in Paoli Pa, in Parkesburg Pa, in Phoenixville Pa, in Plymouth Meeting Pa, in Pottstown Pa, in Radnor Pa, in Ridley Park Pa, in Rosemont Pa, in St. Davids Pa, in Springfield Pa, in Strafford Pa, in Swarthmore Pa, in Thorndale Pa, in Tredyffrin Pa, in Trooper Pa, in Upper Merion Pa, in Valley Forge Pa, in Villanova Pa, in Wayne Pa, in West Chester Pa, in Westtown Pa, in Whitemarsh Pa, in Willistown Pa, in Wynnewood Pa, and in Yeadon Pa.

Practice areas

  1. Probate: 92%

    • Premier Pa Probate Wills Estates Lawyers • All 7 Days • Home Visits •

    32 years

  2. Estate planning: 2%

    • Premier Pa Probate Wills Estates Lawyers • All 7 Days • Home Visits •

  3. Power of attorney: 2%

    • Premier Pa Probate Wills Estates Lawyers • All 7 Days • Home Visits •

  4. Real estate: 2%

    • Premier Pa Probate Wills Estates Lawyers • All 7 Days • Home Visits •

  5. Wills and living wills: 2%

    • Premier Pa Probate Wills Estates Lawyers • All 7 Days • Home Visits •

    32 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

Contact

John B. Whalen, Jr.

118 Westdale Road
Upper Darby, PA, 19082

    John B Whalen Jr

    118 Westdale Road
    Upper Darby, PA, 19082

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    PAActive199010/01/2022
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers956
    Legal guides12
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate Granted
    2019 Best Lawyer Daily Times2019 Best Lawyer Daily Times2019
    2019 Martindale AV Preeminent2019 Martindale AV Preeminent2019
    2019 Lawyers AV Preeminent2019 Lawyers AV Preeminent2019
    2018 Top One Percent2018 Top One Percent2018
    2018 Martindale AV Preeminent2018 Martindale AV Preeminent2018
    2018 Martindale AV Judicial2018 Martindale AV Judicial2018
    2018 Client Champion2018 Client Champion2018
    2018 Best Lawyer Daily Times2018 Best Lawyer Daily Times2018
    2018 Avvo Superb2018 Avvo Superb2018
    2017 Client's ChoiceAvvo2017
    2017 Top 1% Most Honored ProfessionalsAmerican Registry2017
    2017 AV Preeminent JudicialMartindale-Hubbell2017
    2017 AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2017
    2016 AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2016
    2016 AV Preeminent Rated 10 YearsMartindale-Hubbell2016
    2016 Awesome AttorneysSuburban Life Magazine2016
    2016 Lawyers of DistinctionLawyers of Distinction2016
    2016 AV Preeminent JudicialMartindale-Hubbell2016
    2016 Client DistinctionAvvo2016
    2015 AV Preeminent JudicialMartindale-Hubbell2015
    2015 Client DistinctionAvvo2015
    2015 Avvo SuperbAvvo2015
    2015 AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2015
    2015 25 YearsMartindale-Hubbell2015
    2015 Awesome AttorneySuburban Life Magazine2015
    2014 AV Preeminent JudicialMartindale-Hubbell2014
    2014 AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2014
    2014 Avvo SuperbAvvo2014
    2014 Awesome AttorneySuburban Life Magazine2014
    2014 Top 1% Most Honored ProfessionalsAmerican Registry2014
    2014 Client DistinctionMartindale-Hubbell2014
    2013 AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2013
    2013 AV Preeminent JudicialMartindale-Hubbell2013
    2013 Avvo SuperbAvvo2013
    2013 Client DistinctionMartindale-Hubbell2013
    2012 Awesome AttorneyPa Suburban Life Magazine2012
    2012 AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2012
    2012 AV Preeminent JudicialMartindale-Hubbell2012
    2012 Top LawyersMain Line Today Magazine2012
    2012 Avvo SuperbAvvo2012
    2011 Awesome AttorneyPa Suburan Life Magazine2011
    2011 AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2011
    2011 Top 1% Most Honored ProfessionalsAmerican Registry2011
    2010 AV Peer Review RatingMartindale-Hubbell2010
    2010 Bar Register Preeminent Law FirmsMartindale-Hubbell2010
    2010 Awesome Attorney ListPa Suburban Life Magazine2010
    2010 Bar Register Preeminent Law FirmsMartindale-Hubbell2010
    2009 Bar Register Preeminent LawyersMartindale-Hubbell2009
    2009 AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2009
    2009 Bar Register Preeminent LawyersMartindale-Hubbell2009
    2008 AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2008
    2007 AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2007
    2006 AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2006
    1990 Academice ExcellenceABA-BNA1990
    1989-1990 Editor-In-ChiefDelaware Law Forum1990
    1990 Outstanding Contributions - Editor-In-ChiefDelaware Law Forum1990
    1989 Outstanding ContributionsDelaware Law Forum1989
    1989 American Jurisprudence AwardLawyer’s Coorperative1989
    1988 Outstanding ContributionsDelaware Law Forum1988
    work experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Probate Wills Estates AttorneyJohn B. Whalen, Jr. J.D., LL.M.2006 - Present
    Probate Wills Estates AttorneyLamb McErlane PC2004 - 2006
    Probate Wills Estates AttorneyLastowka Messick PC1998 - 2004
    Probate Wills Estates AttorneyForceno Hannon & Arangio PC1992 - 1998
    associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember2010 - Present
    National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember2004 - Present
    Chester County Estate Planning CouncilBoard of Directors2006 - 2007
    Delaware County Estate Planning CouncilPast President2006 - 2007
    Delaware County Estate Planning CouncilPresident2005 - 2006
    Delaware County Estate Planning Council1st Vice President2004 - 2005
    Chester County Bar AssociationMember2004 - 2007
    Delaware County Estate Planning Council2nd Vice President2003 - 2004
    Delaware County Bar AssociationMember1999 - 2007
    American Bar AssociationMember1990 - 2008
    Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember1990 - 2008
    publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Martindale-Hubbell publicationWhen Does A Living Will Go Into Effect?2009
    Lawyers.ComPa Living Wills and Surrogates2009
    Lawyers.ComPa Powers of Attorney and Agents2009
    Lawyers.ComPa Last Wills and Executors2009
    Lawyers.ComPa Estates and Income Tax Returns2009
    Lawyers.ComPa Last Wills and Taxes2009
    Lawyers.ComPa Executors and Duties2009
    Lawyers.ComPa Estate Planning and Pointers2009
    Lawyers.ComPa Estate Law and Aspects2009
    Lawyers.ComPa Estate Planning and Fiduciaries2009
    Lawyers.ComPatriot Act and C.I.P. Rules2009
    Martindale-Hubbell publicationMaintaining Power of Attorney in a HIPAA World2008
    Martindale-Hubbell publicationMisinformation, Misunderstandings, and Mistakes2008
    Martindale-Hubbell publicationPA Abolishes Common Law Marriage2008
    Martindale-Hubbell publicationPayments to Family and Funeral Directors2008
    Martindale-Hubbell publicationThe USA PATRIOT Act Privacy Rules2008
    Lawyers.ComPa Last Wills and Asset Titles2008
    Lawyers.ComPa Powers of Attorney and Requirements2008
    Lawyers.ComPa Living Trusts and Caution2008
    Lawyers.ComPa Living Wills and Doctors2008
    Lawyers.ComFiduciaries and Traits2008
    Lawyers.ComCommon Law Marriage and Ablished2008
    Lawyers.ComEstate Tax and Inheritance Tax2008
    Lawyers.ComPa Probate and Alternatives2008
    Lawyers.ComPa Living Wills and Importance2008
    Lawyers.ComPa Probate and Avoidance2008
    Lawyers.ComPa Powers of Attorney and HIPAA2008
    Lawyers.ComPa Estate Planning and Mistakes2008
    The Pennsylvania Law WeeklyMisinformation, Misunderstandings, and Mistakes2006
    Pennsylvania Law WeeklyMaintaining Power of Attorney in a HIPAA World2005
    Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI)Small Estate Petitions2005
    Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI)Small Estates: Settlement with (or without) Small Estate Petitions2004
    education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Villanova University School of LawLL.M - Master of Laws1994
    Widener University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1990
    Temple UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1986
    Montgomery County CollegeA.A.S.1983
    speaking engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Widener University, Exton CampusThe House That Jack Built2007
    2nd Annual Women Business Owner SeminarEstate Planning for Women Business Owners2006
    6th Annual Estate and Elder Law SymposiumSettlement of Small Estates2005
    Delaware County Estate Planning CouncilThe USA PATRIOT Act Privacy Rules2004
    Delaware County Estate Planning CouncilPayments to Family and Funeral Directors2004
    Delaware County Bar AssociationThe Declaration of Independence from Letters2004
    11th Annual Estate Law InstituteSettlement of Small Estates2004
    Delaware County Estate Planning CouncilPA Abolishes Common Law Marriage2003
    Delaware County Estate Planning CouncilSmith Charitable Trusts (# 1 & #2)2003
    legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    In re Estate of (Name Omitted For Confidentiality), Dec’dWon … Domicile Established In County B

    Reviews

    5.0 stars5.0 (76)
    5 Star
    		99%
    4 Star
    		1%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review John B. Whalen Jr.

    Knowledgeable and professional

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Highly Recommended. One of the best Probate lawyers!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Less
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    John Whalen integrity and beyond

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great Experience

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Mr. Whalen is the man!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Superior Representation

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Less
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    helpful / truthfulstar only review

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Less
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    I would recommend John Whalen

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Less
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Estate planning

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Family Matter

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (27)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer James P. Frederick

    James Frederick, Probate Attorney on Oct 29, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Whalen and I practice in the same areas of law, so I have had the privilege of reading numerous of his responses to Avvo questions. His answers are always correct on the law, thorough, practical and helpful. I have learned a great deal about Pennsylvania probate law from his answers, and I am happy to endorse Attorney Whalen and his services. The Avvo community is very fortunate that he is willing to volunteer his time and experience. James Frederick

    Lawyer Joseph M. Masiuk

    Joseph Masiuk, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 14, 2012
    Relationship: Other

    I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. Even though we practice in different locations in the Delaware Valley, I have followed his advice on Avvo for some time now. His advice has been incisive, practical, and to the point in this difficult field of estate practice.

    Lawyer Sean Cleary

    Sean Cleary, Power of attorney Attorney on Dec 20, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community.

    Lawyer Hovanes Margarian

    Hovanes Margarian, Unknown Attorney on Nov 5, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Lenore J. Myers

    Lenore Myers, Estate planning Attorney on Jun 8, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    John is expert in his field. He is highly regarded by the bench and bar alike. I would recommend him to any of my client's seeking legal guidance in the area of Wills and Estate Planning

    No photo

    Benjamin Peppard, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 10, 2013
    Relationship: Friend

    I endorse Mr. Whalen as one of the best around; and a great guy!

    Lawyer Michael P. Gerace

    Michael Gerace, Wills and living wills Attorney on Sep 8, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Awesome attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

    Lawyer Josef Arthur Hirschmann III

    Josef Hirschmann, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 11, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Whalen spends a significant amount of time answering questions in the Avvo forum. His answers show a clear understanding and knowledge of the law. I would recommend him.

    Lawyer M. Todd Miller

    M. Miller, Estate planning Attorney on Jun 13, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Steven J. Fromm

    Steven Fromm, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 6, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have read many of John's answers here at Avvo. He is very careful in his analysis, making sure he understands the facts and his opinions are well considered. These are the characteristics of a fine lawyer. I strongly endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Joshua T. Mathews

    Joshua Mathews, Unknown Attorney on Dec 28, 2012
    Relationship: Other

    Having reviewed this attorney's written materials and experience, I would certainly recommend him.

    Lawyer Yvette E. Taylor-Hachoose

    Yvette Taylor-Hachoose, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 3, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I highly endores this lawyer. As a fellow attorney practicing in the legal areas that John services, I can appreciate his level of expertise and dedication to his clients. He is very knowledgeable in estate planning, probate, trusts and wills. His clients benefit from an experienced professional who is committed to consistently providing the highest level legal guidance.

    Lawyer Joseph Franklin Pippen Jr.

    Joseph Pippen, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 3, 2012
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Whalen practices in the same area that I do-Estate planning. His answers on AVVO are detailed and very helpful to persons in need of legal direction. I would recommend anyone needing estate planning in to consult with him.

    Lawyer Brian Edward Sipe

    Brian Sipe, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 29, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I have come across many of Mr. Whalen's answers to questions here on Avvo and I have them to be accurate readings of the law every time. He is an asset to the Avvo community.

    Lawyer Christian K. Lassen II

    Christian Lassen, Unknown Attorney on Sep 21, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Philip Smith Burnham II

    Philip Burnham, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 26, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. John is very knowledgeable and an outstanding lawyer.

    Lawyer Michael Curtis Greenberg

    Michael Greenberg, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 25, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Whalen continues to provide excellent responses to questions posed by members of the Avvo legal community. I had the pleasure of attending law school with Mr. Whalen. He is bright, articulate and possesses a keen knowledge of the law.

    Lawyer Steven M Zelinger

    Steven Zelinger, Probate Attorney on Jul 18, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    No photo

    Scott Towers, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 18, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have known John to be a very intelligent, diligent, honest and articulate lawyer who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in his practice area. He has a great deal of common sense and the ability to discuss complex issues in simple terms. I endorse him with enthusiasm.

    Lawyer Arik Tzvi Ben-Ari

    Arik Ben-Ari, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 17, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Show endorsements

    Cost

    RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs20 minutes
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card