The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate in Pennsylvania: A Step-by-step Plan to Protect Your Assets, Limit Your Taxes, and Ensure Your Wishes are Fulfilled for Pennsylvania Residents

Linda C. Ashar · Sandy Ann Baker

2010-01 · Atlantic Publishing Company

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What happens to your estate after you are gone is very much within your control. Estate planning is not only for the wealthy; it is for everyone. It is simply the process of deciding where your assets are to be distributed after your death. For those people who wish to preserve their assets for designated purposes such as family or special charities it becomes necessary to make special advance preparations.

Your estate plan should also allow for the possibility of your own disability. It should detail what you own and whom you want to leave it to at a time of your choosing and the way you want. Your estate plan should include fully disclosed, controlled costs for you and your loved ones. The last thing you want to worry about is having your estate drained of value through taxes and legal costs.

The right plan can protect the value of your estate and spare your loved ones unnecessary hassles and legal conflicts. The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate in Pennsylvania will help you glide through this complicated process. This new book has been adapted to offer Pennsylvania residents state-specific advice for estate planning. Co-authors Margo Pierce and Linda C. Ashar, attorneys at law, have crafted an estate planning primer, allowing Pennsylvania residents to become more informed and more involved during the process.

Many books on estate planning indicate you do not need the services of an attorney, but this book highly recommends using an attorney versed in this area: You should not go through the process alone. This book is intended explain the complicated issues, terminology, and planning strategies of estate planning so when you do meet with a qualified attorney, you will be well prepared.

Pennsylvania-specific information is offered throughout this book, including: Pennsylvania's probate code; Pennsylvania rules, regulations, and laws specific to estate planning; elements of a valid Pennsylvania will; planning your living will in Pennsylvania; explanations of Pennsylvania laws regarding durable health care power of attorneys, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and directives to withhold CPR.

Estate planning should be a positive experience. It involves reviewing your situation and planning for your future. Although few people want to think about the possibility of disability or disease, advance planning is also a way to show your love and to reduce potential distress later. Other books offer a non-state-specific overview of estate planning, causing many readers to be misinformed about rules and regulations particular to their state; but, this new book provides information Pennsylvania residents need to know. Do not get outdated or wrong information that does not pertain to you specifically. Use this new book to craft an estate plan that is not only legally sound but also fully carries out your last wishes and protects your loved ones.


Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company presidentâe(tm)s garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.

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Linda C. Ashar is a lawyer, educator, horse breeder, freelance writer, and artist. She has practiced law for more than 25 years before the Ohio and Federal Bars. She is a senior shareholder in the firm of Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook, & Batista Co. in Avon, Ohio. In addition to her Juris Doctor in law, she holds a Master of Arts in special education and a Bachelor of Arts in English. She is a professional writer and has authored 101 Ways to Score Higher on Your LSAT: What You Need to Know About the Law School Admission Test Explained Simply, The Complete Power of Attorney Guide for Consumers and Small Businesses: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply, an estate planning book series with Atlantic Publishing Group, poetry, and several magazine and journal articles, including a collection on Suite101.com. She is an adjunct professor at DeVry University and Keller Graduate School and a frequent speaker at law seminars. Reach her at [e-mail] or [e-mail].