Estate Planning Essentials: 5 Documents Every Pennsylvania Adult Should Have

If you think estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly, think again. Every adult in Pennsylvania—regardless of age, income, or family size—should have an estate plan. Why? Because life is unpredictable, and having the right documents in place ensures your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and your assets are handled responsibly.

At Northstar Legal Services, LLC, we help individuals and families throughout Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, and Dauphin County create estate plans that are clear, legally sound, and tailored to their needs. Here are the five most essential estate planning documents we recommend for every adult in Pennsylvania.

1. Last Will and Testament

Your last will and testament outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. Without a will, Pennsylvania's intestacy laws determine who inherits your property—and the outcome might not align with your wishes.

A will also allows you to:

  • Name a personal representative (executor)

  • Appoint a guardian for minor children

  • Make specific gifts or donations

  • Provide instructions for funeral and burial preferences

Having a will ensures that your estate is handled efficiently and according to your values. As a wills and trusts lawyer, Northstar can help you draft a legally enforceable will that reflects your intentions and minimizes confusion for your loved ones.

2. Living Trust

A revocable living trust is a powerful tool that can help your estate avoid probate, streamline asset distribution, and provide privacy for your heirs.

With a trust:

  • You transfer assets into the trust during your lifetime

  • You control the assets as the trustee

  • Upon your death, a successor trustee distributes the assets without court involvement

Living trusts are especially helpful for those who own real estate in multiple states, have blended families, or want to avoid delays and costs associated with probate. As an experienced living trust attorney, we’ll help you decide if a trust makes sense for your goals.

3. Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney (POA) allows you to appoint someone to handle your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. This can include paying bills, managing bank accounts, handling investments, and even selling property.

Without a POA, your loved ones may be forced to seek court-appointed guardianship—an expensive and time-consuming process.

Choosing someone you trust and clearly outlining their powers is essential. As a power of attorney lawyer, we help you draft a durable POA that provides peace of mind and protects you from unnecessary legal obstacles.

4. Advance Health Care Directive (Living Will)

A health care directive, also known as a living will, allows you to express your medical preferences if you're ever unable to communicate. You can outline whether you want life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, feeding tubes, or pain management.

In addition, you’ll designate a health care proxy or medical POA, empowering someone to make health care decisions on your behalf.

This document helps reduce stress and confusion for your family in emotionally difficult times. As a healthcare directive lawyer, we ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally valid in Pennsylvania.

5. Beneficiary Designations and Estate Plan Review

Even the most carefully crafted estate plan can fall apart if your beneficiary designations aren’t updated. Assets like retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts often pass outside of your will, based on the beneficiaries listed with each institution.

We recommend reviewing your beneficiaries:

  • After major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, etc.)

  • When creating or updating your estate plan

  • At least every 3–5 years

As part of your estate plan, we’ll help coordinate your legal documents and financial accounts to ensure everything works together seamlessly.

Why Estate Planning Matters at Any Age

Too many people wait until it's too late to create an estate plan. But the truth is, unexpected illness, accidents, or life changes can happen at any time. Estate planning isn't about fear—it's about being proactive and protecting the people you love.

Whether you're starting a family, caring for aging parents, or planning your retirement, the right estate planning documents give you peace of mind today and security for the future.

Work with a Local Estate Planning Attorney Who Understands You

At Northstar Legal Services, LLC, we make estate planning simple, understandable, and personal. Our practice is built around helping Elizabethtown-area clients create legally sound plans that reflect their values and priorities.

We take time to listen, explain your options, and guide you step by step—without overwhelming you with legal jargon.

Start Your Estate Plan Today

Don’t wait for a crisis to take control of your future. Let Northstar Legal Services help you build a plan that protects your family, honors your wishes, and brings you peace of mind.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started with your estate plan.