The Journal
Plain-English notes on probate & estate planning.
Writing for Pennsylvanians who want to understand the documents in their drawer — and what happens if there are not any.
Featured · Estate Planning
Why Every Pennsylvania Adult Needs a Will — Even if You Think You Don't
Dying without a will in Pennsylvania means the Commonwealth decides who inherits. Here is what intestacy actually looks like, and why a simple will protects more than just property.
May 14, 2026 · 6 min read
Probate
What to Do in the First 30 Days of Probate
A practical checklist for executors and family members in the weeks after a loved one passes — from securing the original will to filing the inheritance tax return.
April 2, 2026 · 8 min read
Estate Planning
Revocable Trust or Will? A Plain-English Comparison for Pennsylvanians
Trusts get talked about as if they are only for the wealthy. They are not — but they are also not the right tool for everyone. Here is how I help clients decide.
March 11, 2026 · 7 min read
Estate Planning
Powers of Attorney: The Document Everyone Forgets Until They Need One
A will speaks only after death. A durable power of attorney speaks while you are still here — and in Pennsylvania, getting it right matters more than most people realize.
February 18, 2026 · 6 min read
Estate Planning
Estate Planning for Blended Families: Where the Default Rules Fall Apart
Second marriages, stepchildren, and previous estates make Pennsylvania's intestacy defaults a poor fit. A few deliberate choices keep everyone protected — and prevent the lawsuits.
January 22, 2026 · 7 min read
Probate
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax, Explained Without the Jargon
Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states that still levies an inheritance tax. The rate depends entirely on who inherits — and a few simple moves can lower the bill.
December 9, 2025 · 5 min read