About Estate Planning

Westmoreland County Estate Planning & Probate Lawyers

Learn how a Greensburg estate attorney can help you avoid Pennsylvania intestate laws, protect your loved ones, and streamline probate.

Create a Clear Legacy with a Trusted Estate Attorney in Greensburg

Life is unpredictable, but your plan doesn’t have to be. At Ally Legal Services, we help families in Westmoreland County design comprehensive estate plans and navigate probate with confidence. Whether you need a simple will or a sophisticated trust, we make sure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. Our attorneys live and work in this community, so we understand the local court procedures, the people who will handle your case, and the unique concerns of families in Greensburg, Latrobe, Mount Pleasant and throughout Westmoreland County.

Why Estate Planning Matters

Without a valid estate plan, Pennsylvania’s intestate succession rules decide who inherits your property. Under those rules, a surviving spouse does not always inherit everything – for example, if there are children from another relationship, the spouse receives only half of the estate. Taking control of your plan means:

• Protecting your loved ones. A will lets you name guardians for minor children and ensure that sentimental items go to the right people. Trusts can protect assets for heirs who are too young or vulnerable to manage money.

• Avoiding court battles. Clear instructions reduce disputes and prevent loved ones from facing unexpected legal fees.

• Minimizing taxes and delays. With thoughtful tax planning, you may reduce inheritance and estate taxes while ensuring a smooth transfer of property.

By working with our local estate attorney, you gain peace of mind knowing your property will be distributed according to your wishes instead of leaving it to state law.

Our Estate Planning Services

We offer a full range of estate planning tools and strategies tailored to your goals. These include:

• Wills and Trusts: From simple wills to revocable living trusts that avoid probate and preserve privacy, we draft documents that reflect your wishes and protect beneficiaries. Special needs trusts are designed so disabled beneficiaries can receive funds without losing Medicaid or Social Security benefits.

• Powers of Attorney and Living Wills: Advance directives appoint trusted decision‑makers to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated and spell out your preferences for end‑of‑life care. These documents keep your family out of court and help avoid unnecessary guardianship proceedings.

• Guardianship and Special Needs Planning: When a loved one cannot manage personal or financial affairs, we petition the Orphans’ Court and guide families through the guardianship process. We also explore alternatives such as representative payee arrangements and supported decision‑making so that guardianship is a last resort.

• Estate and Gift Tax Strategies: We help reduce Pennsylvania inheritance tax and federal estate taxes through lifetime gifting, beneficiary designations, family limited partnerships, charitable planning and more.

• Business Succession Plans: For business owners, a well‑drafted buy‑sell agreement and coordinated trusts, powers of attorney and corporate documents can ensure a smooth transition and minimize taxes.

Estate Administration & Probate

When a loved one dies, you need to know what steps to take and what legal procedures apply. In Pennsylvania, the Register of Wills and the Orphans’ Court handle estates and guardianship matters. We guide executors and administrators through every stage, including:

1. Filing the will or opening an intestate estate. We locate the original will, file it with the Register of Wills and secure the short certificates needed to act on behalf of the estate.

2. Collecting and valuing assets. Our team assists with gathering bank accounts, real estate, retirement plans and other property, including assets that pass outside probate.

3. Paying debts and taxes. We prepare the Pennsylvania inheritance tax return, notify creditors and ensure valid claims are paid in the correct order.

4. Distributing property to heirs. After debts and taxes are settled, we prepare an accounting and distribute assets according to the will, trust terms or intestate law.

You can rely on us to handle both routine estates and complex contested matters so you can focus on your family.

Your Local Partner in Westmoreland County

We are proud to serve Greensburg and the surrounding communities. Because we regularly appear in Westmoreland County Orphans’ Court, we know the judges, clerks and procedures that affect your case. Our small‑firm attention means you always speak directly to an attorney who knows your file. We also work closely with financial advisors, tax professionals and other attorneys to ensure every aspect of your plan is coordinated. Whether you are starting a family, approaching retirement, or administering a parent’s estate, we are here to help.

Next Steps & Related Resources

Want to learn more about specific estate planning topics? Explore our related pages:

• Wills & Trusts in Westmoreland County – Learn how a will or trust can put you in control of your legacy.

• Powers of Attorney & Living Wills – Understand the documents that speak for you when you can’t.

• Guardianship & Special Needs Planning – Discover when guardianship is needed and explore alternatives.

• Estate Administration & Probate – See how our lawyers guide executors through probate.

• Business Succession Planning – Ensure your business thrives beyond your lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning

Question: What happens if someone dies without a will in Pennsylvania? 

Answer: Pennsylvania’s intestate laws determine who inherits. A spouse may receive the first $30,000 of the estate plus one‑half of the remainder, with the balance going to children, or half of the estate if the children are from a prior relationship. Without a will, you cannot choose guardians for minor children or direct specific gifts.

Question: Do I need an estate plan if I have few assets? 

Answer: Even a simple plan helps you appoint someone to handle finances and medical decisions if you become incapacitated. It also names an executor and spells out who should receive your property, preventing confusion and family conflict.

Question: How long does probate take in Westmoreland County? 

Answer: Most estates take around nine to twelve months, but the timeline depends on asset complexity, creditor claims and whether family members agree. Small estates may be settled more quickly, while contested cases can last longer.

Question: Can I change my will or trust? 

Answer: Yes. You can amend a will with a codicil or update a revocable living trust at any time as long as you have mental capacity. We recommend reviewing your plan every few years or after major life events.

Question: How much does estate planning cost? 

Answer: Costs vary based on complexity. Simple wills are generally affordable, while trust‑based plans or tax planning involve more time. We provide transparent, flat‑fee or hourly options after an initial consultation.

Need Help? Speak With a Westmoreland County Estate Lawyer Today

Ready to protect your family and secure your legacy? Call 724‑221-9090 or complete our free legal review form to schedule a free confidential consultation. We will explain your options in plain English. As your local estate planning and probate law firm, Ally Legal Services is here to put you in control and give you peace of mind.

Protect what matters most – and let your legacy live on.