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About John
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 35 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
John B. Whalen, Jr.
8 Longwood Drive, Wayne, PA, 19087
John B Whalen Jr
8 Longwood Drive, Wayne, PA, 19087
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John B. Whalen Jr.'s Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 76 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Kathleen | March 1, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Knowledgeable and professional
John took care of my elderly father's Will, and that was extremely happy with the choice we made. John came to my father's house to take care of all the paperwork, which made it so much easier for us. He is trustworthy, knowledgeable and professional. I would highly recommend him.
Posted by Emy | February 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommended. One of the best Probate lawyers!
My mother passed away in 2019 and I needed a lawyer to handle probate. I didn’t have any referrals so I went to AVVO and chose John B Whalen Jr. Thankfully AVVO didn’t let me down! John was professional, personable, efficient and knowledgeable. He responded to all of my questions quickly and art...
Posted by Louis | February 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
John Whalen integrity and beyond
John Whalen Jr handled our estate needs with integrity and expertise. We are highly satisfied and would definitely recommend his services.
Posted by Phil | February 27, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Great Experience
John was a great help to me as he helped me and my Uncle through all the details of his will. I felt he listened and understood the issues that we were concerned about and explained things to us in a very straightforward and easy to understand manner.
Posted by anonymous | February 27, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Mr. Whalen is the man!
Mr. Whalen is professional, intellectually superior, and reassuring. He is seasoned at estate law and provides piece of mind. I highly recommend his services!
John B. Whalen Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"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"
"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."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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"
"I endorse Mr. Whalen as one of the best around; and a great guy!"
"Awesome attorney. Highly respected in the legal 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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"Having reviewed this attorney's written materials and experience, I would certainly recommend him."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. John is very knowledgeable and an outstanding lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2019
2019 Best Lawyer Daily Times, 2019 Best Lawyer Daily Times
2019
2019 Martindale AV Preeminent, 2019 Martindale AV Preeminent
2019
2019 Lawyers AV Preeminent, 2019 Lawyers AV Preeminent
2018
2018 Top One Percent, 2018 Top One Percent
2018
2018 Martindale AV Preeminent, 2018 Martindale AV Preeminent
2018
2018 Martindale AV Judicial, 2018 Martindale AV Judicial
2018
2018 Client Champion, 2018 Client Champion
2018
2018 Best Lawyer Daily Times, 2018 Best Lawyer Daily Times
2018
2018 Avvo Superb, 2018 Avvo Superb
2017
2017 Client's Choice, Avvo
2017
2017 Top 1% Most Honored Professionals, American Registry
2017
2017 AV Preeminent Judicial, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
2017 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
2016 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
2016 AV Preeminent Rated 10 Years, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
2016 Awesome Attorneys, Suburban Life Magazine
2016
2016 Lawyers of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction
2016
2016 AV Preeminent Judicial, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
2016 Client Distinction, Avvo
2015
2015 AV Preeminent Judicial, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
2015 Client Distinction, Avvo
2015
2015 Avvo Superb, Avvo
2015
2015 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
2015 25 Years, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
2015 Awesome Attorney, Suburban Life Magazine
2014
2014 AV Preeminent Judicial, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
2014 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
2014 Avvo Superb, Avvo
2014
2014 Awesome Attorney, Suburban Life Magazine
2014
2014 Top 1% Most Honored Professionals, American Registry
2014
2014 Client Distinction, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
2013 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
2013 AV Preeminent Judicial, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
2013 Avvo Superb, Avvo
2013
2013 Client Distinction, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
2012 Awesome Attorney, Pa Suburban Life Magazine
2012
2012 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
2012 AV Preeminent Judicial, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
2012 Top Lawyers, Main Line Today Magazine
2012
2012 Avvo Superb, Avvo
2011
2011 Awesome Attorney, Pa Suburan Life Magazine
2011
2011 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
2011 Top 1% Most Honored Professionals, American Registry
2010
2010 AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
2010 Bar Register Preeminent Law Firms, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
2010 Awesome Attorney List, Pa Suburban Life Magazine
2010
2010 Bar Register Preeminent Law Firms, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
2009 Bar Register Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
2009 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
2009 Bar Register Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
2008 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
2007 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
2006 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1990
1990 Academice Excellence, ABA-BNA
1990
1989-1990 Editor-In-Chief, Delaware Law Forum
1990
1990 Outstanding Contributions - Editor-In-Chief, Delaware Law Forum
1989
1989 Outstanding Contributions, Delaware Law Forum
1989
1989 American Jurisprudence Award, Lawyer’s Coorperative
1988
1988 Outstanding Contributions, Delaware Law Forum
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Probate Wills Estates Attorney, John B. Whalen, Jr. J.D., LL.M.
2004 - 2006
Probate Wills Estates Attorney, Lamb McErlane PC
1998 - 2004
Probate Wills Estates Attorney, Lastowka Messick PC
1992 - 1998
Probate Wills Estates Attorney, Forceno Hannon & Arangio PC
Associations
2010 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
2004 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember
2006 - 2007
Chester County Estate Planning CouncilBoard of Directors
2006 - 2007
Delaware County Estate Planning CouncilPast President
2005 - 2006
Delaware County Estate Planning CouncilPresident
2004 - 2005
Delaware County Estate Planning Council1st Vice President
2004 - 2007
Chester County Bar AssociationMember
2003 - 2004
Delaware County Estate Planning Council2nd Vice President
1999 - 2007
Delaware County Bar AssociationMember
1990 - 2008
American Bar AssociationMember
1990 - 2008
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
In re Estate of (Name Omitted For Confidentiality), Dec’d
Won … Domicile Established In County B
Education
1994
Villanova University School of Law
LL.M - Master of Laws
1990
Widener University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
Temple University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1983
Montgomery County College
A.A.S.
Speaking Engagements
2007
Widener University, Exton Campus
The House That Jack Built
2006
2nd Annual Women Business Owner Seminar
Estate Planning for Women Business Owners
2005
6th Annual Estate and Elder Law Symposium
Settlement of Small Estates
2004
Delaware County Estate Planning Council
The USA PATRIOT Act Privacy Rules
2004
Delaware County Estate Planning Council
Payments to Family and Funeral Directors
2004
Delaware County Bar Association
The Declaration of Independence from Letters
2004
11th Annual Estate Law Institute
Settlement of Small Estates
2003
Delaware County Estate Planning Council
PA Abolishes Common Law Marriage
2003
Delaware County Estate Planning Council
Smith Charitable Trusts (# 1 & #2)
Publications
2009
Lawyers.Com
Pa Living Wills and Surrogates
2009
Martindale-Hubbell publication
When Does A Living Will Go Into Effect?
2009
Lawyers.Com
Patriot Act and C.I.P. Rules
2009
Lawyers.Com
Pa Estate Planning and Fiduciaries
2009
Lawyers.Com
Pa Estate Law and Aspects
2009
Lawyers.Com
Pa Estate Planning and Pointers
2009
Lawyers.Com
Pa Executors and Duties
2009
Lawyers.Com
Pa Last Wills and Taxes
2009
Lawyers.Com
Pa Estates and Income Tax Returns
2009
Lawyers.Com
Pa Last Wills and Executors
2009
Lawyers.Com
Pa Powers of Attorney and Agents
2008
Lawyers.Com
Pa Living Wills and Importance
2008
Martindale-Hubbell publication
The USA PATRIOT Act Privacy Rules
2008
Martindale-Hubbell publication
Payments to Family and Funeral Directors
2008
Martindale-Hubbell publication
PA Abolishes Common Law Marriage
2008
Martindale-Hubbell publication
Misinformation, Misunderstandings, and Mistakes
2008
Martindale-Hubbell publication
Maintaining Power of Attorney in a HIPAA World
2008
Lawyers.Com
Pa Last Wills and Asset Titles
2008
Lawyers.Com
Pa Powers of Attorney and Requirements
2008
Lawyers.Com
Pa Living Trusts and Caution
2008
Lawyers.Com
Pa Living Wills and Doctors
2008
Lawyers.Com
Fiduciaries and Traits
2008
Lawyers.Com
Common Law Marriage and Ablished
2008
Lawyers.Com
Estate Tax and Inheritance Tax
2008
Lawyers.Com
Pa Estate Planning and Mistakes
2008
Lawyers.Com
Pa Powers of Attorney and HIPAA
2008
Lawyers.Com
Pa Probate and Avoidance
2008
Lawyers.Com
Pa Probate and Alternatives
2006
The Pennsylvania Law Weekly
Misinformation, Misunderstandings, and Mistakes
2005
Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI)
Small Estate Petitions
2005
Pennsylvania Law Weekly
Maintaining Power of Attorney in a HIPAA World
2004
Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI)
Small Estates: Settlement with (or without) Small Estate Petitions
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What type of estate do I need to file in the State of Pennsylvania.
20 Feb 2026
Q&A
Can I set up an estate without probating a will?
12 Jan 2026
Q&A
Can you be exempt from inheritance tax if you collect SSI?
20 Sep 2025
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Pa Estate Law - 3 - Taxes
20 Jan 2018
Legal Guide
Pa Estate Law - 2
26 Oct 2017
Legal Guide
Pa Estate Law - 1
14 Oct 2017