A will is a written set of instructions that courts honor after your passing. In your will, you’ll divvy up your assets to family members, friends, charities, or other institutions as you see fit. You can also describe your desired funeral plans, and explain how care of your children or other dependents should be managed. In your will, you can appoint a personal representative – called an executor – and an alternate for gathering and distributing your property.

If you pass away without a will, the courts will handle your assets through a process called probate. They’ll make decisions based on Pennsylvania intestacy rules – that is, laws that dictate how property should be distributed when someone dies without leaving any formal instructions. These rules may not align with your desires. Making a will gives you the peace of mind that your wishes will be respected and the lengthy probate process will be avoided or streamlined. It can also help avoid family disputes over property and help you plan for maximum tax advantage. 

These estate planning documents come in many forms. They range from simple wills – in which you list direct beneficiaries – to living wills, which afford you the chance to control your end-of-life care in the event you’re incapacitated. There are also associated forms to consider, such as a trust, a durable power of attorney, and a letter of intent. 

An estate planning attorney will inform you about the types of wills and trusts available, which ones will best serve your needs, and what other paperwork you may need. Your lawyer will help you identify goals and protect assets from creditors. Documents prepared by a law professional will meet all legal requirements and express your wishes accurately. If your will isn’t properly prepared, it could be considered invalid, so rely on an expert to secure your future. An attorney can also safely store all documents so they aren’t misplaced.