Wills & Trusts

Wills & Trusts – Safeguard Your Wishes in Westmoreland County

Draft a will or trust with a Greensburg attorney to protect loved ones, avoid probate, and control your legacy. Free consultation after a free legal review intake

Draft a Will or Trust in Greensburg and Ensure Your Wishes Are Honored

Creating a customized will or trust is the foundation of a solid estate plan. It allows you to clearly state how your property should be distributed, who will manage your estate, and who will care for minor children. At Ally Legal Help, we help clients across Westmoreland County—including Greensburg, Jeannette, Latrobe and surrounding communities—draft wills and trusts that minimize confusion and protect the people and causes you care about. Our attorneys take the time to listen to your goals and explain your options in straightforward language.

Why Every Adult Should Have a Will

A will is not just for wealthy families. It is a legal document that directs how your assets will be distributed when you die and names an executor to handle the estate. Without a will, Pennsylvania’s intestate succession rules divide your property according to a statutory formula. For example, if you die with children from a previous relationship, your spouse receives half of the estate and your children share the rest. Having a will allows you to:

Name guardians for minor children or dependents. You can nominate a trusted family member or friend instead of leaving the decision to a judge.
Provide for blended families and unmarried partners. Without instructions, unmarried partners typically receive nothing, and step‑children may be excluded.
Leave specific gifts. You can pass on sentimental items, heirlooms or charitable donations that would otherwise be ignored by the default rules.

We prepare wills that are valid in Pennsylvania and easy for your executor to carry out. When life changes—such as marriage, divorce or the birth of a child—we can update your document quickly.

Understanding the Different Types of Trusts

Trusts offer flexible ways to manage, protect and distribute assets. Our practice drafts and administers trusts tailored to your situation, including:

Revocable living trusts. You retain control during your lifetime and can amend or revoke the trust at any time. These trusts help assets pass outside of probate, maintain privacy and provide continuity if you become incapacitated.
Irrevocable trusts. Once funded, these trusts cannot be easily changed. They can protect assets from creditors, plan for Medicaid eligibility and reduce estate taxes. Our team explains the pros and cons so you can decide if an irrevocable trust is right for you.
Special needs trusts. Designed to enhance the quality of life for a person with a disability without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits, special needs trusts restrict the beneficiary’s control and allow distributions for supplemental expenses like education, travel and therapies.
Testamentary trusts. Created within your will, these trusts become effective at death and are useful for minor children or beneficiaries who may need oversight of their inheritance.

We will recommend the appropriate trust structure and help you fund your trust by retitling assets and updating beneficiary designations.

Our Process for Drafting Wills & Trusts

We believe estate planning should be accessible and stress‑free. Our process includes:

Listening to your goals. During your initial consultation, we learn about your family, finances and concerns.
Explaining your options. We discuss whether a will, trust or combination makes sense for your situation and estimate costs up front.
Drafting and reviewing documents. After you provide information on your assets and beneficiaries, we craft documents that reflect your wishes and comply with Pennsylvania law. You have ample opportunity to review and ask questions before signing.
Signing and funding. We coordinate witnesses and notaries, help fund your trust if needed, and ensure your plan is properly executed.
Ongoing updates. We encourage clients to revisit their estate plan every three to five years or after major life changes.

Because we live and practice in Westmoreland County, we can also ensure your plan aligns with local probate procedures and tax considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills & Trusts

Question: What’s the difference between a will and a trust?

Answer: A will directs how assets will be distributed upon your death and goes through probate. A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds property for beneficiaries. Revocable living trusts take effect immediately, allow you to manage assets during your lifetime and can avoid probate.

Question: Do I still need a will if I have a trust?

Answer: Yes. A pour‑over will acts as a safety net to transfer any assets not already titled in the trust. It also allows you to name guardians for minor children.

Question: Can I change my trust?

Answer: If it’s a revocable trust, you may amend or revoke it at any time while you have capacity. An irrevocable trust generally cannot be changed without court approval, so it’s important to understand the consequences before signing.

Question: Who should I choose as executor or trustee?

Answer: Select someone trustworthy, organized and willing to act in the best interest of your beneficiaries. You may choose an individual or a professional fiduciary. We discuss the duties so you can make an informed choice.

Question: Do trusts provide tax benefits?

Answer: Some irrevocable trusts can reduce estate or inheritance taxes, but the primary benefits of most trusts are probate avoidance, asset protection and control over distributions. We coordinate with tax professionals to evaluate potential savings.

Ready to Put Your Plan in Writing? Contact Ally Legal Services

Our local estate planning attorneys make the process of drafting a will or trust clear and convenient. We’ll help you choose the right tools to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out.

Next Steps & Related Resources

Keep exploring to build a comprehensive estate plan:

Powers of Attorney & Living Wills – Ensure someone you trust can act for you if you can’t.
Guardianship & Special Needs Planning – Learn how to protect vulnerable loved ones without losing public benefits.
Estate Administration & Probate – Understand the process your executor will follow after you’re gone.
Business Succession Planning – Safeguard the future of your business.
Estate Planning Overview – Return to the main estates page for an overview of all services.