The Sojourner's Journey

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

Revocable Living Trust in Pennsylvania Explained Understand what a revocable living trust can accomplish in Pennsylvania and common misconceptions. A revocable living trust is a flexible estate planning tool. It can help avoid probate for properly funded assets. It can allow management of assets during incapacity. It can structure distributions for beneficiaries. However, it does not eliminate Pennsylvania inheritance tax. It does not protect your own assets from your cre

Naming a Guardian in Your Pennsylvania Will Learn why naming a guardian for minor children is one of the most important estate planning decisions you can make. If you have minor children, your will does more than distribute assets. It names a guardian. If both parents pass away, a judge must appoint someone to raise your children. If you have not named a guardian, the court decides. Judges do their best. But they do not know your family the way you do. Naming a guardi

Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will in PA Understand how healthcare directives work in Pennsylvania and why every adult should have one. A healthcare directive answers one critical question. Who makes medical decisions for you if you cannot? In Pennsylvania, this typically includes a Healthcare Power of Attorney and a Living Will. A Healthcare Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. A Living Will outlines your wi

Financial Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania Explained Learn why a durable financial power of attorney is essential in Pennsylvania and how it protects your family during incapacity Most people focus on what happens after they die, but incapacity is more common than death at a young age. A durable financial power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. Without one, your family may need to petition the court for gu

Dying Without a Will in Pennsylvania | Estate Planning Guide If you die without a will in Pennsylvania, the state does not take your property. But the state does decide who receives it. When someone dies without a valid will, they are considered “intestate.” Pennsylvania law then determines how assets are distributed. Here is how it works. If you are married with no children, your spouse inherits everything. If you are married with children who are also your spouse’s child

Summary: The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), on September 5, 2025, issued a major decision in Matter of Yajure Hurtado . The ruling...

Asylum is sought out by many people who arrive to the United States without a visa, or who are in the United States after being admitted...

The USCIS and the Immigration Court increased their fees to file an asylum application, and to apply for the work permit based on a...

Believe it or not, there are other aspects of immigration law that have nothing to do with the southern border, asylum, the immigration...

A long-time requirement under immigration law requires all non-citizens living in the United States to register their presence in the...