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Pennsylvania Estate Planning

Estate planning helps secure your legacy and protect your assets. Our attorney-drafted templates are quick and easy to complete.

intro Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning involves creating documents to manage your assets during life and after death. These documents guide your wishes and ensure your legacy is preserved. Select a subcategory for the most relevant templates.

Common Pennsylvania Estate Planning documents

  • Last Will and Testament — outlines how your assets will be distributed after death.
  • Power of Attorney — designates someone to make decisions on your behalf.
  • Living Trust — manages your assets during your lifetime and after.
  • Living Will — expresses your healthcare preferences in critical situations.
  • Advance Directive — outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment.
  • Probate Documents — necessary for the legal process of settling an estate.

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Similar documents: key differences

  • Power of Attorney vs. Living Will — Power of Attorney grants decision-making authority, while Living Will specifies healthcare preferences.
  • Will vs. Trust — A Will distributes assets after death; a Trust manages assets during life and after.
  • Advance Directive vs. Healthcare Proxy — Advance Directive outlines treatment wishes; Healthcare Proxy appoints someone to make decisions.
  • Trust vs. Estate Plan — A Trust is a component of an Estate Plan, not the entire plan itself.

  • Documents require proper signing and may need witnesses or notarization.

  • Updating documents is important after major life events like marriage or divorce.

  • Keep original documents secure and inform trusted individuals of their location.

  • Ensure all related documents, like titles and designations, are consistent.

  • Select responsible parties who understand your wishes.

How to get started

Start in minutes with these steps.

  • Find a template or package that fits your situation.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
  • Get full access with a subscription.
  • Complete it in the online editor.
  • Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature.

Practical tip

It's helpful to regularly review and update your estate planning documents to reflect your current situation.

FAQs

An estate plan helps manage your assets and outlines your wishes for after your death.

Yes, a will can complement a trust by addressing any assets not included in the trust.

A power of attorney allows someone to make decisions on your behalf in financial or healthcare matters.

Yes, you can update your estate planning documents as your circumstances and wishes change.

Dying without an estate plan can lead to state laws determining asset distribution, often not aligning with your wishes.

Glossary

  • Will - A legal document specifying how assets are distributed after death.
  • Trust - A legal arrangement for managing assets during life and after.
  • Executor - The person responsible for administering a deceased person's estate.
  • Beneficiary - An individual entitled to receive assets from an estate or trust.
  • Power of Attorney - A document granting someone authority to act on your behalf.
  • Living Will - A document stating your medical treatment preferences in emergencies.
  • Probate - The legal process of settling a deceased person's estate.
  • Asset - Any property or resource owned by an individual.
  • Healthcare Proxy - A person designated to make healthcare decisions for you.
  • Advance Directive - A document outlining your wishes for medical treatment.

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