Insights
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Practical articles on estate planning, guardianship, Medicaid, and protecting the people you love.
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Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax on a House
If the estate is mostly a house, start with the recorded deed and whether anyone can pay the Pennsylvania inheritance tax without selling. This is general information, not legal advice.
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If You Own Property in Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey
A will signed in one state can still leave a house in the other. The recorded deed tells you whether the family will have a second county office to deal with.
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What to Bring to an Estate Planning Meeting
A first planning meeting is not a signing. Bring the papers that show what is already signed and how the house is titled. If a paper is missing, come anyway.
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What Is a Short Certificate in PA?
A Pennsylvania short certificate is certified proof from the county Register of Wills that a specific person was appointed to act for an estate. It is not a death certificate, and it does not exist until the estate is opened.
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The First 90 Days of a Pennsylvania Estate Administration
The first 90 days of a Pennsylvania estate are not a closing date. They are the window when families lock down the house, get authority from the Register of Wills, and calendar the inheritance-tax dates that actually move.
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Is There a Small Estate Affidavit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not have the small estate affidavit other states use. It has two narrower tools: direct payments to family for a few kinds of accounts, and an Orphans' Court petition for estates with $50,000 or less in personal property.
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New Jersey Inheritance Tax and Tax Waivers
New Jersey stopped taxing estates in 2018, but it still taxes inheritances. Whether anyone owes depends on who inherits, not how large the estate is, and the waiver rules decide when a bank will let go of the money.
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Letters Testamentary vs. Letters of Administration in PA
Letters of administration in PA go to whoever the Register of Wills appoints under the statutory order of priority. Letters testamentary go to the executor a will names. Both carry the same authority. The difference decides who serves, what to bring, and whether a bond is required.
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Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania: Requirements and Limits
A Pennsylvania power of attorney only works if it was signed the way Title 20 requires: notarized, two witnesses, the statutory Notice, and the agent's acknowledgment. Some powers also have to be spelled out, and none of it survives death.
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Common Will Mistakes That Can Disrupt Your Estate Plan
Many people create a will hoping to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are honored, but several common oversights can weaken even the most well‑intended estate plan. These mistakes often lead to confusion,…
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Dispelling Estate Planning Myths
Estate planning can be perplexing, with various misconceptions clouding the clarity on trusts, the full scope of what estate planning entails, and the intricacies of…
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Essential Documents Every New 18-Year-Old Should Have
Turning 18 is a major milestone, and it brings more than the right to vote or sign a contract. Once a young adult reaches legal adulthood, parents no longer have automatic authority to step in during medical or…
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Estate Planning Essentials for Older Americans Month
Each May, Older Americans Month offers a meaningful opportunity to revisit important legal and financial plans. Estate planning is one of the most valuable steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones, and…
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Estate Planning Insights for the 2025 Tax Season
This updated guide explores how tax season creates a timely opportunity to review your estate plan. When you are already gathering financial documents and evaluating your tax picture, it becomes easier to spot gaps,…
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Gathering Around the Holiday Table: An Estate Planning Reminder
The holidays bring the joy of gathering with family, sharing meals, stories, and traditions. These moments are enriched by the presence of multiple generations, providing a unique opportunity to discuss important future…
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Give Thanks Through Estate Planning
Trusted estate planning, administration, and elder law services in Elkins Park, PA. Protect your future with Ravenell Law—your legal partner.
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Mid-Year Estate Planning Review: Keeping Your Plan Current
Many people think estate planning is a one-time task, but your documents work best when they grow and adjust along with your life. A mid-year check-in gives you a simple way to make sure your plan still reflects your…
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National Estate Planning Month: Time for a Review!
October is National Estate Planning Month—a perfect reminder to revisit and refresh your estate plan. If you're like many, you may have crafted yours several years ago, thinking it was a once-and-done deal. While that…
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National Senior Fraud Awareness: Protecting Older Adults
National Senior Fraud Awareness Day on May 15 highlights the growing need to understand how scams work and how older adults can stay safe. As fraud tactics evolve across digital platforms, staying informed is one of the…
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Safeguarding Assets: Protecting Vulnerable Loved Ones
When we think about financial planning, we often visualize investment strategies or dream of a secure retirement. However, there’s a vital element that deserves more attention: safeguarding the financial futures of our…
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The Crucial Role of Estate Planning in Young Marriages
In today’s world, young couples often marry while balancing families, careers, and financial planning. An essential but sometimes overlooked aspect of this planning is estate management - especially critical when…
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The Importance of Testamentary Trusts for Minors
Testamentary trusts are legal arrangements set up as part of a will to manage assets on behalf of a beneficiary until they reach a certain age or meet certain conditions. This type of trust is particularly useful when…
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Understanding a Guardian's Fiduciary Duties
Being named a guardian for a loved one facing serious health challenges can be both an honor and a daunting responsibility. While the role may seem overwhelming at first, understanding your fiduciary duties can provide…
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Understanding and Preventing Conservatorship and Guardianship Abuse
Every year on February 1st, Conservatorship and Guardianship Abuse Awareness Day serves as an important reminder of the responsibilities—and potential risks—associated with giving someone legal authority over another…
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Understanding Guardianship: Person vs. Estate
When a loved one can no longer manage their own affairs, a Pennsylvania court may appoint a guardian of the person, a guardian of the estate, or both. Here is how the roles differ, how they compare with a power of attorney, and how…
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Understanding the Social Security Fairness Act
The Social Security Fairness Act represents a crucial milestone for millions of retirees across the nation, especially those who spent their careers serving the public, such as teachers, firefighters, and police…
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Understanding Unforgiven Debt in Estate Planning
Many people approach estate planning by thinking about who will receive their home, savings, and cherished possessions. Yet an equally important consideration is what happens to outstanding financial obligations. Debt…
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What If You Appoint the Wrong Executor?
Estate planning is one of the most crucial steps you can take to ensure that your wishes are honored and that your loved ones are cared for after you're gone. However, one of the pivotal elements of this process is…
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Why Every Estate Plan Should Include a Health Care Directive
When most people begin thinking about estate planning, they often focus on distributing belongings, establishing trusts, or outlining instructions for after they pass away. But a truly well-rounded estate plan goes…
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Why Medicaid Planning Matters: Protecting Your Assets and Securing Quality Long-Term Care
The cost of long-term care is one of the most significant financial challenges families face today. A private room in a nursing home can exceed $100,000 per year , and for many, that level of expense is simply…
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