Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning

Estate Planning Attorney Serving Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe & Columbia Counties Including Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Stroudsburg and Pittston

Proper estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your assets, provide for your loved ones, and ensure your wishes are carried out during your lifetime and after your passing. Without a comprehensive plan, Pennsylvania law will determine how your property is distributed, who makes decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, and how much tax your heirs may owe. At Lehman Law, P.C., we help individuals and families throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania create customized estate plans that bring peace of mind and avoid unnecessary complications, costs, and disputes.

Wills

Why Estate Planning Matters in Pennsylvania

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Whether you have a modest estate or significant assets, a well-drafted plan allows you to:



  • Control the distribution of your property
  • Minimize taxes and probate costs
  • Appoint trusted individuals to make financial and medical decisions if you are unable
  • Protect minor children or loved ones with special needs
  • Provide for your spouse, family members, or charitable causes according to your priorities

Key Estate Planning Documents

Last Will and Testament

A will is a foundational document that directs how your assets should be distributed after your death, names an executor to manage your estate, and can appoint guardians for minor children. Without a will, Pennsylvania intestacy laws decide who inherits your property—often in ways that may not align with your wishes. A clear, properly executed will helps avoid family conflicts and ensures your intentions are honored.


Powers of Attorney (POA)

A durable financial Power of Attorney appoints someone you trust to handle your financial and legal affairs if needed. This document can help avoid costly court intervention and guardianship proceedings.


Healthcare Power of Attorney / Health Care Proxy

This document allows you to name a trusted agent to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so. It works together with a Living Will (advance directive) to specify your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment, ensuring your healthcare wishes are respected.


Trusts

Trusts provide additional flexibility and benefits. Revocable living trusts can help avoid probate and allow seamless management of assets during incapacity. Irrevocable trusts may be used for asset protection, tax planning, or to support specific goals such as caring for a disabled family member or minimizing Pennsylvania inheritance tax exposure where appropriate.

Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Considerations

Pennsylvania imposes an inheritance tax on assets transferred at death. Rates vary depending on the relationship to the beneficiary:



  • Spouses: 0%
  • Children, grandchildren, and other lineal descendants: 4.5%
  • Siblings: 12%
  • All others: 15%


Certain assets and transfers may qualify for exemptions or reduced taxation. Strategic use of trusts, gifting, and proper titling of assets can help minimize the tax burden on your loved ones. Our firm works closely with clients to develop plans that address these tax implications while meeting their personal and family objectives.

How Lehman Law, P.C. Can Help

We take a personalized, attentive approach to estate planning. Whether you need basic documents (will, POA, and healthcare directive) or a more sophisticated plan involving multiple trusts, we will listen to your goals and tailor solutions that fit your unique situation, family dynamics, and assets.


Our services include:



  • Drafting and reviewing wills and trusts
  • Creating comprehensive Powers of Attorney and advance healthcare directives
  • Planning to minimize Pennsylvania inheritance tax and probate delays
  • Updating existing plans after life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or significant asset changes


Estate planning is an ongoing process. We are here to help you create a plan today and review it as your life and the law evolve.


If you or your family need experienced guidance on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, or other estate planning matters in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe, Columbia, or surrounding counties, contact Lehman Law, P.C. today for a consultation. Let us help you protect what matters most.