LLC vs. S-Corp in Pennsylvania: Which Is Right for Your Small Business?
Choosing between an LLC and an S-Corp in PA affects your taxes, liability, and flexibility. Learn the key differences and when each structure makes sense.
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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.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Real Estate Closing in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not require an attorney at closing, but here is why having one protects your interests in ways a title company alone cannot.
Read MoreWhat Happens If You Die Without a Will in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania intestacy law controls who inherits your estate if you die without a will. Learn the specific distribution rules under 20 Pa.C.S. Section 2102.
Read MoreThe Hidden Danger of Online Legal Document Services (And Why You Don't Know What You're Missing)
LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and AI document tools feel like a smart, affordable alternative to hiring an attorney. Pennsylvania estate planning attorney John Ament explains why they work fine — until they don't.
Read MoreEstate Planning for Young Families in Pennsylvania: What Parents of Minor Children Need in Place
If you have minor children and no estate plan, a court will decide who raises them and manages their inheritance if something happens to you. Learn what every Pennsylvania parent needs to have in place.
Read MoreHow to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment in Westmoreland or Allegheny County
If your property tax assessment is too high, you have the right to appeal. Learn about the appeal process in Westmoreland and Allegheny County — deadlines, evidence, and what to expect.
Read MoreShould You Put Your Kids on the Deed? Why the Answer Is Almost Always No
Adding your children to your property deed seems simple, but it triggers transfer tax, capital gains problems, and exposes your home to their creditors. Here's what to do instead.
Read MoreTransferring Your Home to Your Children in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know First
Giving your home to your children while you're alive seems simple — but it triggers capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and Medicaid complications most families don't anticipate. Attorney W. Robert Ament explains the risks and better alternatives.
Read MoreDigital Assets and Your Pennsylvania Estate Plan: What Happens to Your Online Accounts When You Die
Cryptocurrency, online accounts, digital photos, and loyalty points all have value — but most estate plans ignore them entirely. Learn how Pennsylvania handles digital assets and what to do about them.
Read MoreReal Estate Closings in Murrysville and Western PA: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Buying or selling a home in Murrysville, Westmoreland County, or the Pittsburgh suburbs? Here's what to expect at a PA real estate closing — costs, timeline, and what an attorney does.
Read MoreEstate Planning for Pennsylvania Business Owners: What's Different and Why It Matters
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 MoreGuardianship in Pennsylvania: When It's Necessary, How It Works, and How to Avoid It
Pennsylvania 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 Realtor in Pennsylvania: What FSBO Sellers Need to Know
Selling 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 MorePennsylvania Inheritance Tax and Stepchildren: What Happens When the Connecting Spouse Dies?
If 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 MoreWhy Your Pennsylvania LLC Needs a Proper Operating Agreement (And What Happens Without One)
An 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 MoreMedicaid Planning in Pennsylvania: How to Protect Assets Without Losing Benefits
Pennsylvania Medicaid has strict asset and income limits for long-term care. Learn what families can do — and when — to protect assets while qualifying for benefits.
Read MoreWhat's New in Pennsylvania Estate Administration: Changes Executors Need to Know
From 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 MoreThe $500 Million Will That Came From Nowhere — And What It Means for Your Estate Plan
A 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 MoreEstate Planning in Pennsylvania: Changes You Need to Know About in 2026
Congress 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 MorePennsylvania Business Law: What's Changed in the Last Two Years (And What It Means for Your Business)
From 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 MoreNew FinCEN Reporting Requirements for Real Estate Transactions: What Pennsylvania Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
UPDATE: 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 More5 Things to Know Before Transferring a Deed in Pennsylvania
Thinking 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 MoreUnderstanding Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax: Rates, Exemptions, and Planning Strategies
Pennsylvania 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 MoreShould Your Rental Property Be in an LLC? A Pennsylvania Landlord's Guide
Holding 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 More5 Things Every Western PA Homebuyer Needs to Know About Title Insurance
What Murrysville, Greensburg, and Monroeville homebuyers should know about title insurance before closing on a house in Western Pennsylvania.
Read MoreCommercial Lease Negotiation: 7 Clauses Pennsylvania Small Businesses Miss
Signing a commercial lease in PA? These seven commonly overlooked clauses can cost you thousands. Know what to negotiate before you sign.
Read MoreWhat to Do When a Parent Dies in Pennsylvania: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide
A 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 MoreThe Role of an Attorney in Estate Administration
Discover how attorneys guide executors, protect beneficiaries, and ensure legal compliance throughout the estate administration process in Pennsylvania.
Read MoreTop Tips for Updating Your Estate Plan After Major Life Changes
Major life events can significantly impact your estate plan. Learn when and how to update your will, trust, power of attorney, and beneficiary designations.
Read MoreHow to Handle Real Estate Closings in Pennsylvania
Navigate your Pennsylvania real estate closing with confidence. This guide covers key steps, legal considerations, and why an attorney matters.
Read MoreHow to Minimize Probate Costs in Pennsylvania
Learn 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 MoreHow to Handle Out-of-State Property in Your Estate Plan
Owning real estate in multiple states can complicate your estate plan. Learn how to avoid ancillary probate and protect your out-of-state property.
Read MoreHow to Create a Will in Pennsylvania: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating 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 MoreKey Deadlines for Executors in Pennsylvania Probate Cases
Executors of Pennsylvania estates must meet important deadlines during probate. This guide outlines the key timelines for filing, tax payments, and compliance.
Read MoreWhat to Expect as an Executor of a Pennsylvania Estate
Serving as executor of a Pennsylvania estate is a significant responsibility. Learn about the probate process, legal obligations, and how to fulfill your duties.
Read MoreUnderstanding Powers of Attorney in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
A 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 MoreWhy Your Trust Might Not Work: The Critical Step Most People Miss
A 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 MoreEstate Planning for Blended Families in Pennsylvania
Blended families face unique estate planning challenges. Learn how Pennsylvania law treats stepchildren, second spouses, and how to create a plan that protects everyone.
Read MorePersonal Liability for Executors in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know Before Serving
Named as executor in Pennsylvania? Understand your fiduciary duties, personal liability risks, and how to protect yourself while administering an estate.
Read MoreLiving Trusts vs. Wills: Which Is Right for You in Pennsylvania?
Understand the key differences between living trusts and wills in Pennsylvania, including their advantages, limitations, and when to use each in your estate plan.
Read MoreNavigating Probate in Pennsylvania as an Out-of-State Heir
If 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 MoreA Beginner's Guide to Understanding Probate in Pennsylvania
Probate 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 MoreThe Importance of Annual Estate Planning Reviews
Regular estate planning reviews are crucial to ensure your legal documents reflect your current wishes. Learn why annual reviews are essential.
Read MoreChoosing the Right Title Underwriter: Why It Matters for Your Real Estate Transaction
Explore the critical role of title underwriters in real estate transactions and why choosing industry leaders like Chicago Title ensures a safer closing process.
Read MoreYou've Been Told to Get a Short Certificate — What Does That Mean?
When 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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