Do I really need a will if I don't have many assets?

Yes — a will isn't just about money. It determines who raises your minor children, who handles your affairs, and how even modest assets are distributed. Without one, Pennsylvania's intestacy laws decide all of that for you, and the outcome may not match your wishes.

What's the difference between a will and a trust?

A will takes effect after you die and goes through probate — a public court process. A trust takes effect immediately, avoids probate entirely, and can manage assets during your lifetime if you become incapacitated. For many families, especially those with real estate or blended family situations, a trust provides far greater protection and flexibility.

When is the right time to start Medicaid planning?

Earlier than most people think. Medicaid has a five-year look-back period, meaning transfers made within five years of applying can result in penalties and delayed eligibility. The best time to start planning is well before a nursing home becomes a possibility — ideally in your 60s or early 70s.

Do I need a Pennsylvania attorney to buy a home in the Poconos?

Pennsylvania doesn't legally require an attorney for a real estate transaction, but it's strongly advisable — especially for out-of-state buyers. Pennsylvania law, title requirements, and disclosure rules differ significantly from New York and New Jersey. An attorney reviews your contract, identifies title issues, and protects your interests at closing in ways a real estate agent cannot.

If I leave money to my child with a disability, will it affect their benefits?

It can — and often does. Leaving assets directly to someone receiving SSI or Medicaid can disqualify them from those programs. A Supplemental Needs Trust allows you to provide for your loved one's quality of life without jeopardizing the government benefits they depend on. This type of planning requires careful drafting, and getting it wrong can have serious consequences.

William Onofry 1/5/26 William Onofry 1/5/26

Your Trust Won't Work If It Isn't Funded. Here's What That Means.

There's a step many people miss — and it renders the entire document useless: funding the trust.

William Onofry 12/3/25 William Onofry 12/3/25

Year-End Estate Planning: 5 Things to Review Before January

William Onofry 6/23/25 William Onofry 6/23/25

Understanding Medicaid's Five-Year Look-Back Period

Getting this wrong can delay Medicaid eligibility by months or even years.

William Onofry 5/19/25 William Onofry 5/19/25

What Is a Trust and Is It Right for Your Family?

A trust is simply a legal arrangement where one person holds and manages assets for the benefit of another — and for many families, it's a smarter option than a will alone.

William Onofry 4/7/25 William Onofry 4/7/25

Healthcare Proxies vs. Living Wills: What's the Difference?

Both are essential. Neither replaces the other.

Sarah Wilson 2/10/25 Sarah Wilson 2/10/25

What Is a Power of Attorney — and Do You Need One?

It's not just for the elderly or seriously ill. It's for anyone who wants to make sure the right person can act on their behalf if they ever can't.

William Onofry 1/6/25 William Onofry 1/6/25

Do I Really Need a Will? What Happens If You Die Without One in Pennsylvania

Here's the truth: if you die without a will in Pennsylvania, the state decides what happens to everything you've worked for — and its formula may have nothing to do with your wishes.