Understanding the Essential Components of a Basic Estate Plan
“Estate plan” can sound like something complicated or expensive, but at its core it usually comes down to a few essential documents. These aren’t just for wealthy families — they’re for anyone who wants to make sure their wishes are clear and organized, and that the right people are able to act when needed.
In most cases, a basic estate plan in Pennsylvania includes three key parts: a will, a financial power of attorney, and a healthcare power of attorney with an advance directive (sometimes called a “living will”). Together, these documents provide a simple but solid foundation.
Last Will and Testament
A will is the cornerstone of most estate plans. At its simplest, it’s a written instruction about who should receive your property after you die — and who should be in charge of carrying it out.
Wills can be very simple, or they can be quite complex depending on a family’s situation. For example:
A single individual with modest assets may only need a straightforward will that directs property to one or two beneficiaries.
Families with young children may want provisions naming guardians or setting up trusts.
Non-traditional families may use their wills to ensure that their values and traditions are honored.
Families with property in multiple states, larger estates, or loved ones with special needs often require more detailed planning.
The key point is that everyone benefits from having at least a basic will. Even the simplest version ensures your wishes are followed and avoids Pennsylvania’s default intestacy rules. And like all estate planning documents, a will needs to be both drafted and executed correctly to be effective — meaning it must be recognized by the courts, banks, and others who will rely on it when the time comes.
Financial Power of Attorney
A financial power of attorney lets you name someone you trust to handle financial and legal matters when you can’t. That could mean paying bills, managing bank accounts, signing documents, or taking care of day-to-day transactions on your behalf.
You might need this when you’re out of the country, ill, or simply need help for a while managing your affairs.
Like a will, this document can be very straightforward — a simple grant of authority to one trusted person. But it can also be written with more detail, depending on your needs. For example:
Couples often sign reciprocal powers of attorney so each partner can act for the other if needed.
Business owners may want to grant specific powers related to running a company.
Families with larger or more complex assets sometimes add restrictions or backup agents.
The important thing is that without a valid power of attorney, no one automatically has this authority. Banks and other institutions won’t recognize a spouse, partner, or adult child just because of the relationship. If you become incapacitated without one, your family could be forced into a slow and costly court process to appoint a guardian.
Healthcare Power of Attorney and Advance Directive
A healthcare power of attorney lets you name the person you trust to make medical decisions if you can’t speak for yourself. An advance directive (sometimes called a living will) can go a step further, giving guidance about the kinds of treatment you would or wouldn’t want in serious medical situations.
These documents can be very simple — naming one person to step in and make decisions. But they can also be written with more detail, depending on your circumstances. For example:
Couples often sign reciprocal healthcare powers of attorney so each partner can act for the other.
People with specific medical concerns sometimes add clear instructions in an advance directive.
Families with strong religious or personal beliefs may want more detailed guidance included.
What matters most is clarity. If you don’t have these documents, doctors will look to state law and hospital policies — not your family’s wishes — to decide who speaks for you. Having a healthcare power of attorney and advance directive in place gives your loved ones confidence and keeps them from facing confusion or conflict in a crisis.
Getting Started
Estate planning doesn’t have to be complicated. For many people, these three essential documents are enough to create a solid plan and provide peace of mind.
👉 If you’re ready to put these basics in place, take a look at my Individual Essentials Package.
👉 If you’re starting a family, you may want the added protections in my Young Family Package.
👉 And if you have more complex needs — property in multiple states, blended families, or larger estates — my Fixed Fee Custom Estate Plans may be the best fit.
Whatever your situation, the goal is the same: clear, effective documents that work when you and your family need them most. And I’m here to help you with that every step of the way.