The Sojourner's Journey

On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, titled “Adjustment of Status is a Matter of Discretion and Administrative Grace, and an Extraordinary Relief that Permits Applicants to Dispense with the Ordinary Consular Visa Process.” If you’re in the middle of a green card process, this headline may sound alarming. Here’s the clear, straightforward explanation of what it actually means for you. What the Memo Does NOT D

As uncomfortable and uninspiring it is to think about this possibility, we all know it is a real possibility. The common scenario I will review is what I call the classic family - first marriage, children are biological children of husband and wife; four children in the family. The will is structured such that the first to die passes the estate to the surviving spouse. But what happens if one child dies before mom and dad pass away? In the wills we draft, the typical scena

Pennsylvania does not impose many requirements on the writer of the will (testator). Any person who is over 18 years old, and of sound mind, may make a will. 20 Pa.C.S. § 2501. To execute a will, the writer of the will must sign it at the end. Pennsylvania does not require witnesses, nor is there a requirement to sign the will in front of a notary. Written by a person who is at least 18 years old, is of sound mind, and the will is signed at the end. However, there are l

The biggest estate planning mistake is simple: doing nothing. Many people assume estate planning is only for the wealthy. In reality, every adult benefits from basic documents such as: - A will - Financial power of attorney - Healthcare power of attorney Without these documents, the state and the courts make decisions about your finances, healthcare, and property. Estate planning is not just about wealth. It is about protecting your family and ensuring your wishes are respect

Estate planning is not something you do once and forget. Life changes, and your estate plan should change with it. You should review your estate plan after major events such as: - Marriage - Divorce - Birth of a child - Purchasing property - Starting a business - Moving to another state Even without major life changes, reviewing your plan every three to five years is a good practice. Regular updates ensure your documents reflect your current wishes and your family’s needs.

A revocable living trust is a legal tool used in estate planning to manage assets during life and transfer them after death. You create the trust and typically serve as the trustee while you are alive. You maintain full control of the assets in the trust. The trust becomes important if you become incapacitated or after you pass away. At that point, a successor trustee can manage or distribute the assets according to the instructions you created. Many people use revocable trus

A healthcare power of attorney allows someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you cannot communicate. This person is often called your healthcare agent. Your agent may be responsible for decisions about: - Medical treatment - Surgeries - Medications - End-of-life care This document is often combined with a living will, which explains your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment. Without these documents, doctors may rely on family members who may disagree ab

A financial power of attorney allows someone you trust to handle financial matters if you become unable to manage them yourself. This document appoints an agent to act on your behalf. Your agent may be able to: - Pay bills - Access bank accounts - Manage property - File taxes - Sign legal documents Without a power of attorney, your family may need to go to court to request a guardianship in order to manage your finances. Guardianship proceedings are expensive and time-consumi

One of the most important reasons parents create a will is to name a guardian for their children. If both parents pass away without a guardian named, a court must decide who raises the children. Family members may disagree about who should take that responsibility. The court will evaluate relatives, living situations, and the child’s best interests before making a decision. While courts try to do what is best, the judge does not know your family the way you do. By naming a g

Many people assume their spouse automatically inherits everything when they die. In Pennsylvania, that is often not true. If you die without a will, the state decides who receives your property. This is called intestate succession. Pennsylvania law follows a strict order of inheritance. If you are married with no children, your spouse inherits everything. But if you are married with children, the rules change dramatically. Your spouse receives the first $30,000 plus half of

Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Explained Learn how Pennsylvania inheritance tax works and what families should expect. Pennsylvania is one of the few states that imposes an inheritance tax. The rate depends on the relationship to the deceased. Spouse: 0 percent Children and grandchildren: 4.5 percent Siblings: 12 percent Other beneficiaries: 15 percent Tax is generally due within nine months of death. A discount applies if paid within three months. Planning does not elimi

Common Estate Planning Mistakes in Pennsylvania Avoid the three most common estate planning mistakes Pennsylvania families make. Estate planning mistakes are rarely dramatic. They are usually silent. Mistake one : relying solely on joint accounts without a broader strategy. Mistake two : naming minor children as direct beneficiaries. Mistake three : failing to update documents after major life changes. Marriage, divorce, birth of a child, new business ownership — al