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Protecting Your Assets and Ensuring Orderly Transfer

Protect your legacy — start your estate plan today

Our Pittsburgh estate attorneys help you keep your assets private, minimize taxes, and avoid probate stress for your family.

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As Pittsburgh estate planning attorneys, Lebovitz & Lebovitz protects your legacy through wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate administration. Our team guides you step-by-step—whether you’re planning now or settling an estate.

At Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A., we specialize in comprehensive asset management and protection. Our services ensure the orderly transfer of your assets through wills, estates, trusts, and probate processes. Our team offers a full range of estate planning services, tailored to your unique needs.

Whether you’re interested in drafting wills, setting up trusts, or planning for business succession, our expertise is at your disposal. We navigate complex areas like generation-skipping transfer taxes and implement strategies such as lifetime gift programs and intrafamily sales.

We understand the complexities surrounding wills, estates, trusts, and probate. Our approach involves customized planning and creative solutions to meet your specific challenges. Given the ever-changing nature of state and federal laws, we stress the importance of regular plan reviews. This ensures the incorporation of new strategies that optimize your results.

Furthermore, our discussions will cover the use of powers of attorney and living wills. These are essential for managing your assets during any periods of incapacity. By doing so, we ensure your estate planning is both comprehensive and forward-thinking. Schedule an appointment with us today to secure your legacy with expert guidance.

Wills-Estates-Trusts-Probate: Navigate Legal Challenges with Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A.

Estate Planning for 2025

Maximizing Tax Exemptions

The estate and gift tax exemption has increased to $13.99 million per individual in 2024, allowing married couples to protect up to $27.98 million from federal inheritance taxes. Strategic estate planning, including the use of Credit Shelter Trusts and “portability” elections, is essential to minimize federal estate taxes, which can claim 40% of amounts over the exemption.

Annual Gift Exclusion

The annual gift exclusion for 2025 is $19,000. Gifts exceeding this limit will reduce the giver’s lifetime exemption but do not immediately incur taxes, enabling significant tax planning opportunities over one’s lifetime.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Inheritance Tax

2025 Tax Rates

  • Transfers to a spouse or from a child under 21 to a parent are tax-free.
  • Direct descendants and lineal heirs are taxed at 4.5%.
  • Siblings face a 12% tax rate.
  • Other heirs are taxed at 15%, with exceptions for charities and government entities.

Avoiding Guardianship Through Planning

Effective planning can circumvent the need for guardianship, crucial when individuals can no longer manage their affairs. We guide you in establishing powers of attorney and living wills to avoid the complexities of court-appointed guardianships.

Estate Administration Essentials

Timely Filing and Support

In Pennsylvania, estates must file an inheritance tax return within nine months of death, with a discount available for filings within three months. Our team supports executors and beneficiaries in managing these duties, including probate matters, tax return preparation, and handling audits.

For a comprehensive overview of Pennsylvania’s inheritance tax, including the latest rates, exemptions, and filing requirements, we recommend visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s official page on Inheritance Tax. This resource provides valuable information that can help you understand how the state’s inheritance tax may affect your estate planning and administration.

Guardianship: A Closer Look

Managing Disputes and Litigation

We excel at handling disputes and litigation related to guardianships, always prioritizing the best interests of the incapacitated individual.

Choose Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A.

For comprehensive advice and planning services in Wills, Estates, Trusts, and Probate, turn to Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A. Our approach ensures peace of mind through detailed planning and supportive guidance at every step of your legal journey. Our commitment to customizing planning and creative solutions to your trust and estate issues, coupled with our dedication to adapting to changing laws, makes us your ideal partner in securing your legacy.

When you are seeking Wills, Estate, Probate, or Trust advice or planning, Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A. will skillfully and expertly counsel you through the entire process.

Guide to Opening Probate in Allegheny County

If you’re administering an estate in Allegheny County, this quick guide explains the probate process step by step — from filing your petition to final distribution of assets.

1. Determine Your Filing Type

With a will: file a Petition for Letters Testamentary.
Without a will (intestate): file a Petition for Letters of Administration.

2. Gather Required Documents

Original death certificate; original will (if one exists); list of assets with approximate values; and contact information for heirs and beneficiaries.

3. Complete and File Your Petition

Prepare the petition form (available from the Register of Wills). Include all attachments and pay the filing fee. You may file in person or by mail at:

Allegheny County Register of Wills
436 County Office Building
542 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

4. Serve Required Notices

After filing, the Register’s office will set notice deadlines. You must publish a notice in the local legal journal and mail notices to known heirs and creditors.

5. Get Sworn In at the Register of Wills

Once paperwork is accepted, you’ll appear before the Register of Wills to be sworn in as executor or administrator — granting legal authority to manage the estate.

6. Administer and Close the Estate

Collect and safeguard estate assets; pay debts, taxes, and final expenses; file accountings with the court; distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries; and file a final petition to close probate.

For full official procedures, see the

Allegheny County Wills & Orphans Court website
.

Why Many Families Choose a Trust

Trusts keep your estate private (avoiding public probate filings), provide immediate continuity if you become incapacitated, reduce disputes by setting clear terms, and can minimize Pennsylvania inheritance tax through planned transfers.

Our attorneys tailor each trust to your goals and assets — from simple living trusts to complex family and special needs trusts.

Client Feedback

“Lebovitz & Lebovitz assisted me with my mother’s power of attorney as well as my father’s will. They went above and beyond my expectations and helped resolve a creditor lawsuit against me. They will always be my personal attorneys — willing to help others.”

— J.B. · Google Review

“Lebovitz & Lebovitz is a knowledgeable and professional Pittsburgh law firm that gets results. They work closely with clients and are always available to speak with. Stephen guided our family through my father’s probate process and other personal matters with great care.”

— J.M. · Google Review

Need help navigating probate? Contact our team

Learn more about Wills, Estates & Trusts and how proper planning can help you avoid probate altogether.

Many families choose to plan ahead to avoid the complexity of probate altogether — ensuring privacy, efficiency, and peace of mind for their loved ones.

Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts, Protect What Matters Most

At Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A., we’ve helped Pittsburgh families plan their legacies for over fifty years. Our attorneys guide clients through every stage of estate planning — from drafting simple wills to structuring complex trusts that protect assets, minimize taxes, and ensure your wishes are honored.

Whether you’re preparing your first Last Will and Testament, updating an existing plan, or managing a loved one’s estate through probate, our firm provides experienced, compassionate counsel every step of the way.

Our Estate Planning Services

Wills and codicils; revocable and irrevocable trusts; financial and healthcare powers of attorney; living wills and advance directives; probate and estate administration; elder law, guardianship, and Medicaid planning.

Why Estate Planning Matters

A thoughtful plan ensures your assets pass according to your wishes (not state law), protects loved ones from delays and disputes, reduces estate and inheritance tax exposure through proper structuring, and provides for incapacity planning through powers of attorney and health directives.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Estate Attorneys

Learn how our team can help you avoid probate and protect your legacy for future generations.

Wills, Estates, Trusts & Probate – FAQs

Why do I need an estate plan in Pennsylvania

An estate plan ensures your assets pass according to your wishes, not state intestacy law. It can minimize taxes, name guardians for minors, and protect loved ones. Without one, the court decides who inherits and who manages your estate.

What is the difference between a will and a trust

A will takes effect only after death and must go through probate—a public court process. A revocable living trust, if funded during your lifetime, allows your assets to transfer privately without probate, keeping details out of public record and avoiding unnecessary delays.

Do trusts keep my estate private

Yes. Trusts avoid probate, which means your assets, their values, and your beneficiaries are not disclosed in court filings. A properly structured and funded trust keeps your estate administration confidential and shields family finances from public view or creditor scrutiny.

What documents are included in a comprehensive estate plan

Most plans include a Last Will and Testament, Revocable Living Trust, Financial Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, and Living Will. Our Pittsburgh estate lawyers tailor each document to your family, assets, and goals.

How long does probate take in Allegheny County

Uncontested probate typically takes four to twelve months, depending on the size of the estate and the court’s docket. We handle filings with the Register of Wills, guide executors through administration, and help families minimize delays and costs.

Can I avoid probate entirely

Yes. By funding a revocable living trust, designating beneficiaries on accounts, using transfer-on-death deeds, and holding assets jointly, you can bypass probate and keep estate settlement private and efficient.

What inheritance tax applies in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania imposes inheritance tax on most transfers: 0% for spouses and transfers to a child age 21 or younger, 4.5% for lineal heirs, 12% for siblings, and 15% for others. Paying within 90 days of death earns a 5% discount.

How can a trust help reduce taxes

While Pennsylvania inheritance tax still applies, trusts can minimize estate taxes and protect appreciation from future taxation. Certain irrevocable trusts also remove assets from your taxable estate while providing lifetime benefits to heirs.

Who should I name as trustee or executor

Choose someone organized, trustworthy, and impartial. Many clients pair a family member with a professional fiduciary to balance personal insight with administrative expertise. We advise on structure and succession to keep administration smooth.

How do I plan for children or special-needs dependents

Guardianship provisions should be included in your will, and assets for minors or individuals with disabilities should be held in a trust. A Special Needs Trust preserves public benefits while ensuring long-term support and protection.

Can I include digital assets and cryptocurrency in my estate plan

Yes. Pennsylvania law recognizes digital fiduciaries. List all wallets, online accounts, and domains, name a trusted agent, and include instructions under the Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act to prevent loss or lockout.

How often should I update my estate plan

Review your plan every three to five years or after major life events—marriage, divorce, births, deaths, a move, or major financial changes—to keep fiduciaries and beneficiaries current.

What should I bring to the first meeting

Bring recent account statements, deeds, life insurance or retirement plan beneficiary forms, existing estate documents, and a list of desired fiduciaries and beneficiaries. We’ll map a clear, cost-effective strategy from there.

Still have questions? Contact our Pittsburgh estate planning attorneys for a private consultation.

Protect your family’s future—schedule your free estate planning review today. Contact Us

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