Answering your questions about Pennsylvania law.
This blog provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney.
Business owners face estate planning challenges that employees don't — from business valuation and buy-sell agreements to succession planning and liquidity for inheritance tax. Here's what every Pennsylvania business owner needs to address.
Read MorePennsylvania guardianship gives a court-appointed person legal authority over an incapacitated adult. Attorney W. Robert Ament explains when it's needed, what the process involves, and how proper estate planning can make it unnecessary.
Read MoreSelling your home without a real estate agent in Pennsylvania can save thousands in commission — but it comes with legal obligations most sellers don't anticipate. Attorney W. Robert Ament explains what FSBO sellers need to get right.
Read MoreIf your spouse dies and you remarry, are your stepchildren still stepchildren for PA inheritance tax? What blended families need to know about rates, relationships, and planning.
Read MoreAn LLC without a proper operating agreement is governed by Pennsylvania's default statutory rules — which may not reflect what you want. Learn what every PA LLC owner needs to know.
Read MorePennsylvania Medicaid has strict asset and income limits for long-term care. Attorney Laura Cohen explains what families can do — and when — to protect assets while qualifying for benefits.
Read MoreFrom SECURE Act impacts on inherited retirement accounts to remote probate appointments and updated court procedures, here's what's changed in Pennsylvania estate administration.
Read MoreA mysterious will surfaced years after the death of Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, mailed by an untraceable figure with witnesses no one can find. The case is a cautionary tale about what happens when estate planning documents lack a clear chain of custody.
Read MoreCongress made the elevated federal estate and gift tax exemption permanent at $15 million per person. Here's what that means for Pennsylvania families — plus updates on annual gifting, unclaimed property, and small estate changes.
Read MoreFrom mandatory annual reports to Corporate Transparency Act filings, Pennsylvania business law has seen significant changes. Here's what every small business owner needs to know.
Read MoreUPDATE: A federal court vacated FinCEN's residential real estate reporting rule on March 19, 2026. Reporting is not currently required. Here's what Western PA buyers and sellers need to know.
Read MoreThinking about transferring property to a family member, trust, or LLC? Here are five critical things Pennsylvania property owners need to understand before signing a deed.
Read MorePennsylvania is one of only six states with an inheritance tax. Learn about the current tax rates, exemptions, filing deadlines, and strategies to reduce your family's tax burden.
Read MoreHolding rental property in an LLC can protect your personal assets — but it's not always the right move. Here's what Pennsylvania landlords need to consider.
Read MoreWhat Murrysville, Greensburg, and Monroeville homebuyers should know about title insurance before closing on a house in Western Pennsylvania.
Read MoreSigning a commercial lease in PA? These seven commonly overlooked clauses can cost you thousands. Know what to negotiate before you sign.
Read MoreA practical guide for adult children in Western PA who have lost a parent, covering the legal steps from obtaining a death certificate through probate and inheritance tax.
Read MoreDiscover how attorneys guide executors, protect beneficiaries, and ensure legal compliance throughout the estate administration process in Pennsylvania.
Read MoreMajor life events can significantly impact your estate plan. Learn when and how to update your will, trust, power of attorney, and beneficiary designations.
Read MoreNavigate your Pennsylvania real estate closing with confidence. This guide covers key steps, legal considerations, and why an attorney matters.
Read MoreLearn effective ways to reduce probate costs in Pennsylvania. Protect your assets and family by planning ahead with strategies like trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations.
Read MoreOwning real estate in multiple states can complicate your estate plan. Learn how to avoid ancillary probate and protect your out-of-state property.
Read MoreCreating a will is one of the most important steps to protect your assets and loved ones. Learn the requirements for a valid will under Pennsylvania law.
Read MoreExecutors of Pennsylvania estates must meet important deadlines during probate. This guide outlines the key timelines for filing, tax payments, and compliance.
Read MoreServing as executor of a Pennsylvania estate is a significant responsibility. Learn about the probate process, legal obligations, and how to fulfill your duties.
Read MoreA comprehensive guide to durable powers of attorney in Pennsylvania, including financial and healthcare powers, legal requirements under 20 Pa.C.S. § 5601, and common mistakes to avoid.
Read MoreA revocable living trust only works if it is properly funded. Learn what trust funding means, how to retitle assets in Pennsylvania, and what happens when funding is overlooked.
Read MoreBlended families face unique estate planning challenges. Learn how Pennsylvania law treats stepchildren, second spouses, and how to create a plan that protects everyone.
Read MoreNamed as executor in Pennsylvania? Understand your fiduciary duties, personal liability risks, and how to protect yourself while administering an estate.
Read MoreUnderstand the key differences between living trusts and wills in Pennsylvania, including their advantages, limitations, and when to use each in your estate plan.
Read MoreIf you're an out-of-state heir responsible for probating an estate in Pennsylvania, this step-by-step guide explains the key steps and how an attorney can help.
Read MoreProbate can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the legal system. This guide breaks down what probate is, how it works in Pennsylvania, and what you can do to make the process smoother.
Read MoreRegular estate planning reviews are crucial to ensure your legal documents reflect your current wishes. Learn why annual reviews are essential.
Read MoreExplore the critical role of title underwriters in real estate transactions and why choosing industry leaders like Chicago Title ensures a safer closing process.
Read MoreWhen a loved one passes away, banks often tell you to get a 'Short Certificate.' Learn what it is, how to get one from the Register of Wills, and what comes next in the probate process.
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