Will Attorney in York County, PA

Do I Need a Will?

Even if they have never attended one, most people are aware of will readings. Many movies and popular TV shows feature a scene where a main character learns a loved one (often a distant relative) has passed away, and they must attend the will reading. While will readings used to be a common event that impacted many people, this is no longer the case. As of 2025, less than 1/3 of Americans have a will. This can cause significant problems down the road.

Many people put off drafting a will for numerous reasons. Regardless of the motivation, a will is a necessary document for most people. 

A will is a foundational document essential to establishing your basic wishes, including funeral arrangements and child custody. Failure to have an adequate will can potentially result in severe legal consequences, including delays in your funeral and your loved ones not receiving property you intended for them. This is why if you or a loved one is considering drafting a will, you must contact Adam Inch at Keystone Heritage Law.  He can ensure your will is comprehensive and covers all necessary concerns. He can also determine whether additional legal protections and arrangements may be beneficial for you and your family.

Take the first steps toward protecting your family and schedule a free consultation today.

What is a Will?

A will is a basic legal document establishing your wishes after you’re gone. Wills will generally include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Funeral Instructions
• Naming an Executor
• Naming Beneficiaries
• Assigning Custody of Minor Children
• Assigning Custody of Impaired Adults

One of the key components of a will is naming an executor of your estate. An executor is the person in charge of ensuring the wishes in your will are carried out. An executor will also handle any financial matters related to your estate, such as settling debts, paying taxes, notifying creditors, and contacting beneficiaries for asset distribution. If you have minor children or are responsible for the care of impaired adults, a will can also name guardians.

Wills are vital because they establish your wishes. Failure to leave behind a will is known as dying intestate. Dying intestate in Pennsylvania can have serious consequences for your family, loved ones, and anyone you wish to benefit after you are gone.

What is Dying Intestate?

If someone in Pennsylvania passes away without a will, they are said to have died intestate. This means that the state will determine what happens to your assets, not you. The state will also need to step in to determine child custody or the care of impaired adults. This is a process called probate.

Pennsylvania has a procedure for determining what happens to the assets of someone who died intestate. This procedure is based on what living relatives the deceased had at the time of death. Depending on whether someone was married, had children, had siblings, or had any living parents, it may impact what happens to their estate.

For instance, if the deceased were married at the time they died, their spouse will usually be named executor of the estate and inherit all of their assets. This is true even if you were separated or going through a divorce at the time. This is one reason why wills are so important. However, if the deceased were unmarried but had children, the estate would usually be divided among them, although they may face difficulty claiming certain assets if they are minors. 

Matters can become more complex depending on other living relatives involved. This is why it’s always the best bet to have an up-to-date will. An attorney can ensure your will is comprehensive and designates beneficiaries and an executor so your loved ones can avoid the complex legal process that occurs when someone dies intestate.

Do I Need an Attorney to Draft a Will?

Any legal adult of sound mind can legally draft their own will. This is a provision in the law to ensure there are no financial or practical barriers to every American adult being able to determine what happens to their assets. However, there are multiple advantages to having an attorney help draft your will.

One significant advantage is that an attorney will be able to notify the proper individuals that you have passed away and that you left behind a will. There have been famous cases of celebrities and wealthy individuals whose wills were missing when they passed away. In some instances, it took months for a will to turn up. In other cases, no will ever materialize, resulting in massive celebrity estates entering probate. The same can happen to anyone. Consulting an attorney regarding your will ensures this does not occur. In the process of drafting your will, an attorney can also ensure that all of your wishes align with Pennsylvania law.

Attorneys can also help determine whether a will is sufficient for your estate. Many people benefit from a simple will naming an executor and one or a small handful of beneficiaries. If you have a large number of assets or a complex estate, you may need an estate plan in addition to your will. Adam Inch can help determine whether an estate plan is right for you, and if so, how to proceed. Alternatively, if you only require a basic will, he can help you draft it according to your wishes.

What Should I Do if I Need to Draft a Will?

A will can be a deceptively simple document. While most wills do not have to be complex, not having a will at all can create challenging problems for your loved ones and friends to solve. Even if you have a will but no one knows about it or how to locate it after you’re gone, it’s the same as dying intestate. End-of-life transitions are already difficult for the bereaved; don’t potentially place them in a situation where they have to combine grieving with legal battles. If you or a loved one needs to draft a will, don’t hesitate to contact our trusted York County lawyer, Adam Inch, at Keystone Heritage Law.

Having served in the U.S. Navy, he understands the value of hard work, diligence, and taking precautions to protect those who matter most. He can guide you through the will-writing process with compassion and wisdom, ensuring your loved ones are taken care of. Should you need to make any changes or additions to your will later, he can also help you ensure its contents are up to date and reflect your most recent wishes.

Drafting a will can be difficult. Not having a will can make things even more difficult for those left behind. If you or a loved one needs to draft a will in York County or anywhere in Central Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact Adam Inch of Keystone Heritage Law at 717-833-6053 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.