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.

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

Estate Planning

Feb 10

Written By Sarah Wilson

A power of attorney is one of the most important legal documents you can have — and one of the most misunderstood. 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.

A durable power of attorney gives a person you trust — called your "agent" — the legal authority to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. This means paying your bills, managing investments, filing taxes, or handling real estate transactions, all without having to go to court.

Without one, if something unexpected happens — a serious illness, an accident, even a planned surgery — your family may have to pursue guardianship through the courts just to pay your mortgage or access your accounts. That process is expensive, time-consuming, and stressful.

There are different types: a general power of attorney, a limited one (for a specific transaction), and a healthcare power of attorney (which governs medical decisions). Many people need both financial and healthcare versions as part of a complete plan.

It takes one meeting to put this in place. Call us at (570) 904-2098 and we'll walk you through it.

Jacobs, Wilson & Onofry · jwolawyers.com · (570) 904-2098

DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances differ. Please consult an attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Estate PlanningPower of AttorneyDurable Power of AttorneyPOAMilfordPike CountyElder Law

Sarah Wilson

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

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

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