What does a last will and testament do in Pennsylvania?

A last will and testament states who should receive your property after you die, who will administer your estate as executor, and, if you have minor children, who you would like to serve as their guardian. Without a will, Pennsylvania intestacy law controls who receives your assets, which may not match your wishes.

When should I create or update my will?

You should create a will as soon as you have property, children, or specific wishes about who should handle your affairs. Major life events—such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, a significant change in assets, or the death or disability of someone named in your current will—are all strong reasons to update your will so it continues to reflect your situation.

Can I write my own will or use an online form in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania recognizes handwritten and form-based wills if they meet certain legal requirements, but do-it-yourself wills can create problems if they are unclear, improperly executed, or inconsistent with beneficiary designations or joint ownership arrangements. An attorney-drafted will can help ensure that your wishes are clear, that your will complies with Pennsylvania law, and that it works together with your other accounts and beneficiary designations.

Who should I name as executor in my will?

Your executor should be someone you trust to handle paperwork, communicate with family members, and manage financial tasks such as paying bills, filing tax returns, and working with professionals. Many people choose a spouse, adult child, or trusted relative or friend. You can also name one or more alternates in case your first choice is unable to serve. An attorney can help you think through practical considerations when choosing an executor.

How do beneficiary designations and joint accounts interact with my will?

Assets with beneficiary designations—such as life insurance and many retirement accounts—and some jointly owned assets usually pass outside your will directly to the named beneficiary or surviving owner. If your will says one thing and your beneficiary forms say another, the beneficiary forms often control. A thorough will and estate planning review should include checking how your accounts and property are titled and how your beneficiary designations are completed so everything works together.

Lehigh Valley Last Will & Testaments • Madsen Law Offices

Last Wills & Testaments in The Lehigh Valley

Secure Your Legacy in Northampton County, Lehigh County, and the Lehigh Valley

At Madsen Law Offices, located in the heart of Easton, Pennsylvania, we understand the importance of planning for the future. Preparing a Last Will and Testament is a crucial step in securing your legacy and ensuring your wishes are honored. When search for the best attorney for wills and trusts, look no further. Our experienced attorneys specialize in estate planning and are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal services to the residents of Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, Nazareth, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley.

Why You Need a Last Will and Testament

A Last Will and Testament provides you with the control to decide how your assets will be distributed upon your passing. Without a will, the distribution of your assets will be handled according to Pennsylvania state laws, which might not reflect your personal wishes. Creating a will allows you to:

Designate heirs to receive specific assets.
Appoint guardians for minor children.
Minimize legal disputes among surviving family members.
Express your wishes regarding end-of-life care and funeral arrangements.

Our Last Will and Testament Services

Madsen Law Offices offers a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients in Northampton County, Lehigh County, and beyond:

Custom Will Drafting: Our attorneys will work closely with you to craft a will that reflects your wishes and meets all legal requirements.
Amendments and Updates: Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, and asset changes may necessitate updates to your will. We are here to help you make any necessary revisions.
Comprehensive Estate Planning: Beyond wills, we assist with trusts, power of attorney agreements, healthcare directives, and more to ensure a comprehensive plan is in place.
Probate and Estate Administration: After a loved one has passed, we provide support to executors and beneficiaries to navigate the probate process with ease.

Experienced Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Easton and Beyond

Our team at Madsen Law Offices brings a wealth of knowledge and personalized attention to each client’s case. We pride ourselves on our ability to offer empathetic, detailed, and strategic legal advice to help you prepare your Last Will and Testament.

Contact Us Today

Don’t wait to secure your legacy and protect your loved ones. Contact Madsen Law Offices today to schedule a consultation with one of our seasoned estate planning attorneys. Serving clients in Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, Nazareth, and the entire Lehigh Valley area, we are here to assist you every step of the way.

Top 10 Things to Consider when Creating Your Last Will & Testament

Inventory Your Assets: List all your assets, including real estate, investments, bank accounts, valuable personal property, and digital assets. This comprehensive inventory will guide you in deciding how to distribute your assets.
Decide on Beneficiaries: Clearly identify who will inherit your assets. Beneficiaries can include family members, friends, charities, or institutions. Be specific to avoid any ambiguity.
Appoint an Executor: Choose a trusted person to execute the terms of your will. This individual will manage the estate, distribute assets, pay debts, and handle all necessary paperwork.
Guardians for Minor Children: If you have children under the age of 18, appoint a guardian to take care of them in the event of your and the other parent’s death. Consider the guardian’s location, values, and the potential impact on your children’s lives.
Specific Gifts: If you have specific items that you want to leave to certain individuals, such as family heirlooms, jewelry, or personal items, list these out separately to ensure they go to the intended recipients.
Consider Debts and Taxes: Be aware of any debts and taxes that may impact your estate and its distribution. Proper planning can help minimize the tax burden on your beneficiaries.
Funeral Arrangements: Although not binding, you can include your preferences for funeral arrangements to guide your family. This can cover the type of ceremony, burial or cremation, and any other specific wishes.
Legal Requirements: Ensure that the will meets all the legal requirements in your state to be considered valid. This typically includes being of legal age, of sound mind, and signing the will in the presence of witnesses.
Review and Update Regularly: Life changes such as marriages, divorces, births, and deaths can affect your initial decisions. Review and update your will regularly to reflect any significant life changes.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult with an estate planning attorney to ensure that your will is legally sound and all your bases are covered. A professional can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and help avoid common pitfalls.

Top 10 Questions About Wills in Pennsylvania

What is a will and why do I need one? A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets and the care of any minor children upon your death. Having a will helps to ensure that your wishes are carried out and can make the legal process easier for your surviving family members.
Who can make a will in Pennsylvania? Any person 18 years of age or older who is of sound mind can make a will in Pennsylvania.
What are the requirements for a will to be valid in Pennsylvania? In Pennsylvania, a will must be in writing, signed by the testator and witnessed by two individuals who must also sign the will in the presence of the testator.
Can I write my own will, or do I need an attorney? While you can write your own will, it is advisable to work with an attorney for wills to ensure that the will complies with Pennsylvania law and truly reflects your wishes. This can prevent costly legal challenges after your death.
What happens if I die without a will in Pennsylvania? If you die without a will, your assets will be distributed according to Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws. This typically means your closest relatives will inherit your assets, which may not align with your personal wishes.
How can I change my will? You can change your will at any time through a codicil, which is an amendment to your will. Like a will, a codicil must be written, signed, and witnessed according to Pennsylvania law.
Does a will cover all of my assets? A will typically covers most of your assets. However, assets with designated beneficiaries, such as life insurance policies or retirement accounts, are not covered by a will and pass outside of probate.
What is an executor, and how do I choose one? An executor is the person responsible for managing your estate after your death, including paying off debts and distributing assets as specified in your will. It’s important to choose someone who is responsible and trustworthy, often a close family member or a professional.
What are the tax implications of inheriting property? In Pennsylvania, inheritance tax is imposed on all property passed through an estate, with rates varying depending on the relationship to the deceased. Specific planning strategies can help minimize these taxes.
What should I do if my circumstances change? If your circumstances change, such as through marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a beneficiary, it’s important to update your will. This ensures that your estate plan reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

Three-column infographic by Madsen Law Offices in Easton, PA, comparing how property passes via wills, beneficiary designations, and joint ownership for Lehigh Valley families under Pennsylvania law.