Will and Trust Lawyer in Lancaster, PA
Whether you are planning for retirement, welcoming a new child, or managing a significant inheritance with real estate, having the right legal framework in place protects what matters most. May Herr & Grosh LLP provides experienced will and trust attorney services to individuals and families throughout Lancaster County, PA. Our team works with you to design an estate plan that reflects your wishes, protects your assets, and reduces the burden on the people you care about most.
Why You Need a Dedicated Will and Trust Attorney
Many people delay estate planning because they assume it is complicated, expensive, or only relevant later in life. Others attempt to use online tools or generic templates to draft documents on their own. Both approaches carry significant risk.
A will or trust that is improperly drafted, witnessed, or executed may be invalid under Pennsylvania law. An online form cannot account for your specific financial situation, family dynamics, or long-term goals. And if your documents fail, a court, not you, may ultimately determine how your estate is handled.
Working with a dedicated will and trust lawyer gives you more than a signed document. It gives you a plan that has been carefully reviewed for accuracy, legal compliance, and alignment with your intentions. At May Herr & Grosh LLP, we take the time to understand your circumstances before recommending any approach. Every estate plan we draft is built specifically for the person in front of us.
If you are ready to move forward or have questions about where to start, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation.
Our Core Estate Planning Services
Estate planning is not a single document. It is a coordinated set of legal instruments that work together to protect your assets, reflect your wishes, and provide clarity for the people you leave behind. May Herr & Grosh LLP offers comprehensive will and trust services tailored to your individual circumstances.
Last Will and Testament Drafting
A last will and testament is the foundation of most estate plans, allowing you to name beneficiaries, designate an executor, and appoint a guardian for minor children. In Pennsylvania, a valid will must meet the requirements set forth in the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries), and an improperly executed document may not hold up during probate. Our attorneys draft wills with precision and also review existing documents for clients who need updates following a major life event such as marriage, divorce, or a significant change in assets.
Living Trusts and Revocable/Irrevocable Trusts
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a designated trustee holds and manages assets on behalf of one or more beneficiaries, and the right structure depends on your goals. A revocable living trust allows you to maintain control of your assets during your lifetime while simplifying their transfer after your passing, often outside of probate, while an irrevocable trust may offer tax or asset protection advantages once established. May Herr & Grosh LLP also drafts special needs trusts for families who want to provide for a dependent with a disability without affecting that person’s eligibility for government benefits.
Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives
A complete estate plan addresses not only what happens after your passing, but also what happens if you become incapacitated and are unable to make decisions for yourself. A durable power of attorney designates someone to manage your financial affairs, while a healthcare power of attorney authorizes a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf, and a living will documents your preferences for end-of-life care. These are not optional additions to your estate plan; they are essential protections that every adult should have in place.
Will vs. Trust: Which Is Right for You?
One of the most common questions our attorneys hear is whether a will, a trust, or both is the right choice. The answer depends on your assets, your family structure, and your goals. Here is a general comparison to help you understand the key differences.
Last Will and Testament
- Takes effect at death
- Goes through the Pennsylvania probate process
- Becomes part of the public record
- Can name a guardian for minor children
- Generally, less complex and less expensive to establish
- Does not provide for incapacity during your lifetime
Revocable Living Trust
- Takes effect immediately upon signing
- Assets held in the trust typically pass outside of probate
- Remains private and does not become part of the public record
- Can address incapacity planning during your lifetime
- Generally requires more planning and upfront documentation to fund properly
- Cannot name a guardian for minor children (a will is still recommended)
One important note: avoiding probate does not mean avoiding Pennsylvania’s inheritance tax. Assets that pass through a trust may still be subject to the PA inheritance tax depending on the relationship between the decedent and the beneficiary. An attorney can explain how this may apply to your specific situation.
Most clients benefit from having both a will and a trust as part of a coordinated estate plan. The right combination depends on factors that are best evaluated with a qualified will and trust attorney.
The May Herr & Grosh Process: From Consultation to Execution
We understand that starting the estate planning process can feel overwhelming. Our team has designed a straightforward approach to help you move from uncertainty to clarity.
Step 1: Discovery
We begin with a thorough consultation to understand your assets, family situation, and goals. This conversation shapes every recommendation that follows.
Step 2: Design
Based on what we learn, we recommend a plan that fits your circumstances. We explain each component clearly so you can make informed decisions about your estate.
Step 3: Drafting
Our attorneys prepare your documents with precision and review every detail before presenting them to you. We welcome questions throughout this stage.
Step 4: Execution
We guide you through the signing process and ensure your documents are properly witnessed and notarized in accordance with Pennsylvania law. For trust-based plans, we also walk you through the funding process.
Why Choose May Herr & Grosh LLP as Your Lancaster Estate Planning Firm?
May Herr & Grosh LLP has served individuals and families in Lancaster County, PA since 1929. Our longevity in this community reflects our commitment to accuracy, client service, and sound legal counsel.
When you work with our firm, you are working with attorneys who know Pennsylvania estate law thoroughly and apply it with care to every plan they draft. We take pride in being meticulous with every document, responsive to client questions, and thorough in our review process.
We serve clients in Lancaster, Mount Joy, and communities throughout Lancaster County. If you are looking for a local will and trust lawyer who takes your estate plan seriously, we invite you to contact our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are beginning to research estate planning, you likely have questions about the process, the documents involved, and what working with a will and trust attorney actually looks like. The answers below address some of the most common questions our clients bring to us. For questions specific to your situation, we encourage you to contact May Herr & Grosh LLP directly. An attorney can evaluate your circumstances and explain how Pennsylvania law may apply to your estate.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will is a legal document that expresses your wishes for how your assets should be distributed after your death. It takes effect only upon death and must go through probate, Pennsylvania’s court-supervised process for validating wills and administering estates. A trust is a legal arrangement that takes effect as soon as it is established and funded. Assets held in a trust typically pass to beneficiaries outside of the probate process. Trusts also provide a framework for managing your assets during your lifetime if you become incapacitated. Many estate plans include both.
How much does a will and trust lawyer cost?
The cost of estate planning services varies depending on the complexity of your plan, the number of documents required, and your specific circumstances. At May Herr & Grosh LLP, we encourage you to schedule a consultation so we can assess your situation and provide you with a clear picture of what your plan would involve. We believe in transparent communication about process and fees from the start.
Do I need a trust if I already have a will?
Not necessarily, but it depends on your goals. A will is often sufficient for straightforward estates. However, if you have significant assets, want to avoid the probate process, own property in multiple states, or have a family member with special needs, a trust may offer important advantages. An attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances and help you determine whether adding a trust would better serve your estate plan.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Estate planning documents should be reviewed after any major life event, including marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, a significant change in assets, the death of a named beneficiary or executor, or a move to another state. As a general rule, a review every three to five years is a reasonable baseline, even if no major changes have occurred. Pennsylvania law and your personal situation can both evolve, and your documents should reflect your current wishes.
Start Your Estate Plan With a Firm That Has Served Lancaster County Since 1929
Your estate plan is one of the most important decisions you will make for your family’s future. May Herr & Grosh LLP brings nearly a century of experience, deep knowledge of Pennsylvania law, and a commitment to precision to every plan we draft.
Do not wait for the right moment. Protect your legacy today.
