American Estate Planning Series
Pennsylvania Estate Planning: Clear Guidance for Families
Learn how wills, trusts, probate, and long-term planning work in Pennsylvania — and take the next step with confidence.
A Simple Path to Pennsylvania Estate Planning
A simple, Pennsylvania-specific path to understanding your options, organizing your information, and building a plan with confidence.
1. Learn the Basics
Short, clear explanations of wills, trusts, probate, powers of attorney, and estate planning fundamentals.
2. Understand Pennsylvania Differences
Learn how Pennsylvania inheritance tax, probate procedures, and long-term planning issues may affect your family.
3. Organize Your Information
Use tools like the Estate Planning Starter Workbook to organize assets, beneficiaries, and planning goals.
4. Get Professional Guidance
When you’re ready, work with a Pennsylvania estate planning attorney to build a plan tailored to your family and goals.
What Makes Pennsylvania Estate Planning Different
Pennsylvania estate planning includes its own probate rules, inheritance tax considerations, and long-term planning issues. Before choosing documents or strategies, it helps to understand how Pennsylvania law approaches wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and asset transfers.
Key Pennsylvania Estate Planning Concepts
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax – Pennsylvania imposes an inheritance tax that can affect how assets transfer to spouses, children, siblings, and other beneficiaries.
Probate and Estate Administration – Some estates move through probate relatively efficiently, while others may benefit from planning strategies designed to simplify administration.
Powers of Attorney and Incapacity Planning – Financial and healthcare decision-making documents must comply with Pennsylvania law and should be carefully structured.
Long-Term Care and Asset Protection Planning – Many Pennsylvania families also consider long-term care costs, Medicaid eligibility, and asset protection strategies as part of their planning.
Flexible Will and Trust Strategies – Depending on family goals, assets, and complexity, Pennsylvania residents may benefit from either will-based or trust-based planning approaches.
Featured Pennsylvania Estate Planning Videos
These videos focus on Pennsylvania-specific estate planning issues, probate considerations, and practical planning guidance for Pennsylvania families.
Why Having a Will Is Not Enough in Pennsylvania
10 Common Pennsylvania Will Mistakes That Can Cost Your Family
Before You Add Beneficiaries to Every Account, Watch This (Pennsylvania)
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Pennsylvania?
Before You Create a Will or Trust in Pennsylvania, Watch This
Do You Need a Will or a Trust in Pennsylvania?
Before You Choose an Estate Planning Attorney
Every estate planning attorney is different. Experience, communication style, responsiveness, and a commitment to education can all have a meaningful impact on your family's planning experience. Before deciding who to work with, we encourage you to watch this short video explaining what to look for when choosing an estate planning attorney.
How to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney (7 Qualities That Really Matter)
The attorney featured below was selected because they demonstrate the qualities discussed in this video and have committed to helping educate families in Pennsylvania through the American Estate Planning Series.
Meet Your Pennsylvania Estate Planning Attorney
If you live in Pennsylvania and want guidance tailored to your situation, you can connect with a local estate planning attorney who understands Pennsylvania law and planning strategies.
Patrick Cawley
Pennsylvania Contributing Attorney
American Estate Planning Series
Keystone Elder Law, P.C.
Mountain View Office Park
555 Gettysburg Pike,
Suite B-200
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Serving Central Pennsylvania, including the Harrisburg area and surrounding communities.
📞 (717) 697-3223
🌐 KeystoneElderLaw.com
Patrick Cawley is the Pennsylvania Contributing Attorney for the American Estate Planning Series™, helping Pennsylvania families better understand estate planning, incapacity planning, and long-term care considerations.
Based in Central Pennsylvania, Patrick works with individuals and families to create thoughtful estate plans designed to protect assets, preserve independence, and provide clarity for future generations.
Through Keystone Elder Law, Patrick focuses heavily on education and practical guidance, helping families understand wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, and long-term care planning under Pennsylvania law.
Patrick’s participation in the American Estate Planning Series helps ensure that Pennsylvania-specific educational content remains practical, accessible, and aligned with Pennsylvania law.
Meet Patrick Cawley
Choose Your Next Step
Whether you are just beginning to learn about estate planning or preparing to meet with an attorney, here are the best places to start.
Watch Videos - Start With the Basics
Learn how wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, and long-term care planning work in Pennsylvania.
Download the Workbook - Get Organized First
Download the Estate Planning Workbook to gather your financial information and think through key planning decisions.
Find an Attorney - Work With an Attorney
When you are ready for legal advice or estate planning documents, connect with a Pennsylvania-licensed estate planning attorney.
Looking for More Information?
Explore more Pennsylvania-specific videos, answers to common questions, and additional resources.
This page is part of the American Estate Planning Series, providing clear estate planning guidance across all 50 states.