This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Estate Planning issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Estate Planning for Families of Persons with Disabilities (PDF)
This booklet from Disability Rights Pennsylvania is designed to inform families of persons with disabilities about various kinds of estate plans, to suggest the advantages and disadvantages of each, and to assist you in identifying the kind of information to gather and share with your lawyer. It focuses on the unique problems of estate planning for families with members who have disabilities and is not intended to cover all aspects of estate planning. (February 2018)
Guardianship in Pennsylvania
The purpose of this booklet from the Disability Rights Pennsylvania is to describe Pennsylvania's guardianship procedures to persons with disabilities, their parents, service providers, advocates, and friends. (July 2025)
Advance Health Care Declarations (Living Wills)
Information on advance health care directives and living wills from the Erie County Bar Association. (August 2018)
Advance Health Care Declarations (Living Wills)
Information on advance health care directives and living wills from the Erie County Bar Association. (August 2018)
Power of Attorney
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network about what a power of attorney is and when you should use one. (2022)
Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania
Information from Northwestern Legal Services on what is a Power of Attorney (POA), guidelines when selecting an agent, what happens if I become mentally unable to make my own decisions, when does it go into effect, when does it end, and the process involved in setting up a POA. (10/2018)
Beware of Living Trust Scams
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General on scams related to the establishment of living trusts.
Power of Attorney
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network about what a power of attorney is and when you should use one. (2022)
Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania
Information from Northwestern Legal Services on what is a Power of Attorney (POA), guidelines when selecting an agent, what happens if I become mentally unable to make my own decisions, when does it go into effect, when does it end, and the process involved in setting up a POA. (10/2018)
Special Needs Trust
Northwestern Legal Services provides an overview of what a Special Needs Trust is, who needs one, and how to get one. (October 2018)
Advance Health Care Declarations (Living Wills)
Information on advance health care directives and living wills from the Erie County Bar Association. (August 2018)
Living Trusts
This publication from the Erie County Bar Association outlines what a living trust is, who needs one, advantages and disadvantages of having one, as well as myths and scams involving living trusts. (June 2023)
Beware of Living Trust Scams
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General on scams related to the establishment of living trusts.
PA ABLE Savings Program for Disability-Related Expenses
A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals), and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses, while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts.
Estate Planning for Families of Persons with Disabilities (PDF)
This booklet from Disability Rights Pennsylvania is designed to inform families of persons with disabilities about various kinds of estate plans, to suggest the advantages and disadvantages of each, and to assist you in identifying the kind of information to gather and share with your lawyer. It focuses on the unique problems of estate planning for families with members who have disabilities and is not intended to cover all aspects of estate planning. (February 2018)
Guardianship in Pennsylvania
The purpose of this booklet from the Disability Rights Pennsylvania is to describe Pennsylvania's guardianship procedures to persons with disabilities, their parents, service providers, advocates, and friends. (July 2025)