Essential Estate Planning: The Legal House Protecting Your Family in Pennsylvania & West Virginia

Essential Estate Planning: The Legal House Protecting Your Family in Pennsylvania & West Virginia

• The Skeen Firm

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s the legal house that protects your family from uncertainty, financial chaos, and the court system when life takes an unexpected turn.

Why Estate Planning Matters for Everyday Families

Most people assume estate planning is only for individuals with large estates, multiple properties, or complex investments. In reality, today’s most common estate planning needs have nothing to do with wealth. They involve:

• Protecting minor children and choosing guardians
• Making sure your home and mortgage are handled smoothly
• Planning for blended families and second marriages
• Preparing for elder care and medical decision-making
• Coordinating long-term financial support for loved ones

If any of those describe you, you already have an estate — and you need an estate plan.

The Five Documents Every Family Should Have

These core documents form the five walls of your legal house. Together, they create structure, clarity, and protection when your family needs it most.

1. Last Will & Testament

A will does more than distribute your assets — it answers the questions your family can’t answer on their own:

• Who will care for your minor children?
• Who will manage your estate?
• Who receives sentimental or high-value assets?
• How should debts, taxes, and disputes be handled?

Without a will, Pennsylvania or West Virginia will make these decisions by default, and those choices may not match your wishes. It’s no surprise that searches like “What happens if I die without a will in PA?” are trending. The short answer: the state decides everything.

2. Financial Power of Attorney (POA)

A Financial Power of Attorney appoints someone you trust to manage your finances if you are unable to act. With a valid POA in place, your chosen agent can:

• Pay your bills and everyday expenses
• Manage bank and investment accounts
• Handle tax filings
• Sign legal documents on your behalf
• Manage real estate or business interests

This prevents frozen accounts, foreclosure notices, or unpaid obligations when timing matters most. A common question is: “Is a power of attorney valid after death?” The answer is no — which is why you need both a POA and a will (or trust) working together.

3. Health Care Power of Attorney & Living Will

A Health Care Power of Attorney designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. A Living Will outlines your wishes regarding:

• Life-sustaining treatment
• Pain management
• End-of-life preferences

These documents relieve your family of the burden of guessing what you would want in a crisis. They also help prevent disagreements during already stressful times. Many people search for “health care proxy vs living will in PA” — your plan can include both.

4. Beneficiary Designations — The Forgotten Part of Estate Planning

Not all assets pass through your will. Some transfer directly by beneficiary designation, including:

• Life insurance policies
• Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, etc.)
• Bank accounts with POD (Payable on Death) or TOD (Transfer on Death) designations
• Certain investment or brokerage accounts

Outdated beneficiaries often lead to unintended (and unpleasant) results — like an ex-spouse inheriting a retirement account. Reviewing and updating your beneficiary designations is one of the easiest and most impactful estate planning steps you can take.

5. Revocable Living Trust (When You Want Efficiency & Privacy)

A trust is not required for every family, but for many, a revocable living trust offers major advantages:

• Avoids probate, which can take 12–18 months in some cases
• Keeps your estate private, rather than part of the public court record
• Manages multi-state real estate without multiple probate proceedings
• Allows controlled inheritance for minors or young adults
• Reduces family conflict by clearly outlining your wishes
• Provides immediate management of your assets during incapacity

More families are choosing trusts because they want speed, privacy, and simplicity for their loved ones. Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy — they’re for anyone who wants clarity and control.

Estate Planning for Special Situations

Some families face unique circumstances where a customized estate plan is especially important:

Blended Families

If you have a blended family, a trust can ensure biological children and stepchildren are provided for fairly and intentionally, rather than relying on default state rules.

Families with Special Needs Children

A Special Needs Trust can preserve a child’s eligibility for government benefits while providing supplemental financial support for their long-term needs.

Business Owners

Business owners need to plan for continuity and control. Your estate plan should address who will own, manage, or sell the business and under what conditions.

Families with Multi-State Homes

If you own property in multiple states, such as Pennsylvania and West Virginia, a well-structured plan can help you avoid multiple probate proceedings and unnecessary legal expense.

The Hidden Costs of Dying Without a Plan

Families without an estate plan often face a difficult combination of legal, financial, and emotional challenges:

• Delays of six to twenty-four months in probate
• Court-appointed guardians for minor children
• Frozen accounts and delayed access to funds
• Disputes between surviving family members
• Higher legal and administrative fees
• Loss of privacy about family finances
• Increased stress during an already painful time

Planning now prevents confusion later. A clear estate plan is one of the best gifts you can leave your family.

Everyday Legal Advice: Build the Legal House Your Family Deserves

Your estate plan is your family’s security system. It protects your children, your home, your wishes, and your legacy. At The Skeen Firm, we guide families through clear, compassionate estate planning tailored to their circumstances in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Book a discovery call to start building the plan your family deserves.