Pennsylvania Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Pennsylvania, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Pennsylvania guide.
- Will
- Pennsylvania will requirements explained: age 18 and sound mind, signing at the end, no witnesses at signing, two witnesses to prove at probate, self-proving. Read the guide
- Living trust
- Pennsylvania revocable living trust guide: Chapter 77, the Uniform Trust Act, funding, the pour-over will, probate avoidance, and inheritance tax. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Pennsylvania power of attorney guide: signing, witnesses, notarization, durability, agent acknowledgment, delayed effectiveness, and express authority. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- Pennsylvania healthcare directive: health care powers of attorney, living wills, combined advance directives, witnesses, signing, and operative conditions. Read the guide
Pennsylvania estate planning guides
Pennsylvania Estate Planning Basics: The Core Documents Every Adult Needs
Pennsylvania estate planning basics under 20 Pa.C.S.: the will, durable power of attorney, and health care directive, plus probate, inheritance tax, intestacy.
Pennsylvania Will Requirements: Making a Valid Will
Pennsylvania will requirements explained: age 18 and sound mind, signing at the end, no witnesses at signing, two witnesses to prove at probate, self-proving.
Pennsylvania Power of Attorney Guide
Pennsylvania power of attorney guide: signing, witnesses, notarization, durability, agent acknowledgment, delayed effectiveness, and express authority.
Pennsylvania Healthcare Directive Guide
Pennsylvania healthcare directive: health care powers of attorney, living wills, combined advance directives, witnesses, signing, and operative conditions.
Pennsylvania Guardianship: Types, Orphans' Court Process, and Alternatives
How Pennsylvania guardianship of an incapacitated person works: guardian of the person vs estate, the Orphans' Court process, and less-restrictive alternatives.
Pennsylvania Revocable Living Trust Guide
Pennsylvania revocable living trust guide: Chapter 77, the Uniform Trust Act, funding, the pour-over will, probate avoidance, and inheritance tax.
Pennsylvania Trust Administration Guide
How a successor trustee settles a Pennsylvania living trust after death under 20 Pa.C.S. Chapter 77: the 30-day beneficiary notice, debts, taxes, distributions.
Not sure what you need in Pennsylvania?
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Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.