Who Inherits When Someone Dies Without a Will in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania intestacy law determines who inherits probate property when someone dies without a valid will. Learn how shares change for spouses, children, parents and other relatives.
Entries by C.J. Zwick, Esquire
Pennsylvania Business Buy-Sell Agreements: Planning for Death, Disability, Departure and Ownership Disputes
A Pennsylvania business buy-sell agreement can establish what happens to an owner’s interest after death, disability, departure or another triggering event and reduce uncertainty before a dispute arises.
Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Royalties: What Landowners Should Know About Royalty Payments and Deductions
Pennsylvania landowners should understand how oil and gas royalties are calculated, what deductions may appear on royalty statements, and why the lease language matters.
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax: Rates, Deadlines and the 5% Discount
Pennsylvania inheritance tax rates depend on the beneficiary’s relationship to the decedent. Learn the main rates, nine-month deadline, three-month discount and filing considerations.
How Long Does Probate Take in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania probate has no single fixed timeline. This guide explains the major estate-administration stages, creditor notice, inheritance tax, distributions and why many estates remain open for months.
Pennsylvania Power of Attorney Agent Duties: What an Agent Must Do
Pennsylvania agents under a financial power of attorney owe statutory duties to the principal. This guide explains good faith, loyalty, recordkeeping, conflicts, estate-plan preservation and special powers.
Pennsylvania Spousal Elective Share: What a Surviving Spouse Should Know
Pennsylvania law gives a surviving spouse an elective-share right in certain property despite a will. This guide explains the one-third election, covered property, timing and common complications.
Estate Planning in Pennsylvania: What Families Should Know
Pennsylvania estate planning involves more than a will. This guide explains wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, trusts, beneficiary designations and common planning issues.
Medicaid Planning in Pennsylvania: Medical Assistance and Asset Protection
A practical overview of Pennsylvania Medicaid long-term-care planning, including eligibility, asset and income considerations, transfers, spousal protections and the importance of planning early.
Common Estate Planning Mistakes in Pennsylvania
Estate planning works best when the documents, beneficiary designations and asset ownership all fit together. Many problems arise not because a person failed to create a will, but because the plan was never updated or key non-probate assets were overlooked. Failing to Review the Plan After Major Life Changes Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, changes in […]
