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 3/16/26 William Onofry 3/16/26

When Is Guardianship Necessary — and What Does It Actually Involve?

An honest look at the guardianship process, what triggers it, and what families can expect going in.

William Onofry 2/16/26 William Onofry 2/16/26

What Happens to Your Poconos Property When You Pass Away?

What happens to that property depends entirely on how it was titled and whether any estate planning was done. The answers aren't always what families expect.

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 10/10/25 William Onofry 10/10/25

LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship: Which Is Right for Your Business?

William Onofry 9/22/25 William Onofry 9/22/25

How a Supplemental Needs Trust Protects Your Loved One

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.

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.