Estate Planning in PennsylvaniaAttorney-Reviewed. 100% Online. Flat-Fee.
Protect your family with a Pennsylvania estate plan created by PA-licensed attorneys. Wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives — completed in as little as 5–7 business days, from the comfort of your home.
Pennsylvania Estate Planning Laws You Need to Know
Pennsylvania has unique estate planning requirements. Getting them wrong can invalidate your documents or cost your family thousands. Here's what PA law requires — and why attorney review matters.
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax
PA charges an inheritance tax (not estate tax) on most transfers: 0% to spouses, 4.5% to direct descendants, 12% to siblings, and 15% to others. A properly structured living trust can minimize exposure.
Will Requirements
Pennsylvania wills require 2 witnesses. Notarization is strongly recommended to create a self-proving will, which streamlines probate at the Register of Wills in your county.
Healthcare Directives
PA healthcare directives require 2 adult witnesses — neither should be a potential heir, creditor, or healthcare provider. Our attorneys ensure your directive meets every statutory requirement.
Durable Power of Attorney
PA requires a signed, witnessed POA with a notary acknowledgment. The agent must sign an acknowledgment form. Errors here can leave your agent powerless when you need them most.
Living Trusts & Probate Avoidance
A revocable living trust is one of the best tools in PA — it avoids probate entirely, can reduce inheritance tax on real property transfers, and keeps your affairs private.
Probate Process
Pennsylvania probate is handled through the Register of Wills in each county. The process can take 9–18 months and cost 3–8% of your estate. A trust sidesteps it completely.
Estate Planning Services Available in Pennsylvania
Every document drafted to PA specifications by licensed attorneys
Last Will & Testament
A legally valid PA will that directs your assets and names guardians for minor children. Self-proving option included.
Revocable Living Trust
Avoid PA probate entirely. Transfer assets to your beneficiaries without court involvement, delays, or public record.
Durable Power of Attorney
Appoint a trusted agent to handle financial decisions if you become incapacitated. PA-compliant with required acknowledgment.
Healthcare Directive
A PA-compliant advance directive that documents your medical wishes and names a healthcare agent.
HIPAA Authorization
Allow your designated loved ones to access your medical information when it matters most.
Pour-Over Will
Works alongside your living trust to capture any assets not yet transferred — a critical backup document.
How It Works — Start to Finish in Days, Not Months
No office visits. No hourly billing surprises. Just a straightforward process.
Answer Questions
Complete our guided questionnaire about your family, assets, and wishes — takes 20–30 minutes.
We Draft
Our system generates Pennsylvania-compliant estate planning documents tailored to your situation.
Attorney Reviews
A PA-licensed attorney reviews every document for accuracy, validity, and completeness.
You Sign
Receive your completed, ready-to-execute documents with clear signing instructions.
Pennsylvania Estate Planning FAQ
Does Pennsylvania have an estate tax?
No. Pennsylvania doesn't have a traditional estate tax, but it does have an inheritance tax. This applies to assets inherited by most beneficiaries (spouses are exempt; children pay 4.5%; siblings pay 12%; others pay 15%). Proper planning — like a living trust or joint ownership — can help minimize this burden.
Is a living trust worth it in Pennsylvania?
Yes — especially if you own real estate. A revocable living trust avoids the PA probate process (which can take 9–18 months), keeps your estate private (probate is public record), and can reduce inheritance tax on certain property transfers. For most PA homeowners, a trust pays for itself.
What happens if I die without a will in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's intestacy laws control your estate. If you have a spouse and children, your spouse gets the first $30,000 plus half of the remainder — your children split the rest. This may not reflect your wishes at all. A will puts you in control.
How long does Pennsylvania probate take?
PA probate typically takes 9–18 months for straightforward estates. Complex estates with disputes or real estate sales can take longer. A living trust completely bypasses probate — assets transfer directly to beneficiaries.
Can I create a valid Pennsylvania will online?
Yes. Pennsylvania does not require an attorney to draft a will. However, attorney review is strongly recommended to ensure the document is valid, complies with PA execution requirements, and is tailored to minimize taxes for your specific family situation.
What is a self-proving will in Pennsylvania?
A self-proving will includes a notarized affidavit signed by you and your witnesses at the time of execution. This means the witnesses do not need to appear in court during probate — it streamlines the process and reduces costs for your family.
How much does estate planning cost in Pennsylvania?
Traditional PA estate planning attorneys typically charge $1,500–$5,000 for a complete plan. Estate Done Right offers the same attorney-reviewed quality at a fraction of the cost with flat-fee packages. View our pricing at estatedoneright.ai/pricing.
Pennsylvania Estate Planning Resources
Pennsylvania Estate Planning Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about PA wills, trusts, and inheritance taxes.
Pennsylvania Probate: What Families Need to Know
Navigate PA probate with confidence — or avoid it entirely with a living trust.
Free: Pennsylvania Estate Planning Checklist
Download our free PA-specific checklist. Know exactly what documents you need.
Ready to Protect Your Pennsylvania Family?
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