{"id":375999,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-estate-planning-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-06-22T09:04:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T14:04:09","slug":"pennsylvania-estate-planning-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-estate-planning-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Estate Planning Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Pennsylvania Estate Planning Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\n By Carol Clasby, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Pennsylvania<\/span> estate planning<\/span> laws govern legal documents<\/span> that protect an individual\u2019s assets, family members<\/span>, and medical wishes in the event of death or incapacity<\/span>. A comprehensive plan typically consists of a will or revocable <\/span>living trust<\/span>, an advance healthcare directive<\/span>, and a durable <\/span>power of attorney<\/span>. Without these legally binding instructions, Pennsylvania<\/span> state laws automatically determine how a person’s financial affairs and healthcare decisions are managed.<\/p>\n

If you have assets, you have an estate. An estate plan<\/span> is the set of legal documents<\/span> that work together to protect you, your family members<\/span>, and your loved ones<\/span>. The protection comes from the instructions you set out in your estate planning<\/span> documents<\/span>. With a will-based or trust-based estate plan<\/span> that includes incapacity<\/span> planning, you can ensure that your wishes are known. In addition, an estate plan<\/span> helps protect your family\u2019s peace during their time of loss.<\/p>\n

This article discusses the key elements of a comprehensive Pennsylvania<\/span> estate plan<\/span>. This includes a will or revocable <\/span>living trust<\/span>, an advance healthcare directive<\/span>, and a durable <\/span>power of attorney<\/span>. We\u2019ll also show you how to get started.<\/p>\n

What Are Assets?<\/h2>\n

Your assets are the things you own. Assets include things like:<\/p>\n