The 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 MoreEstate Planning Articles
Practical guidance on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, and the estate planning strategies that matter most for Pennsylvania families.
Living 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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