Estate Planning Is Not Just for Billionaires: Why Every Family Needs an Estate Plan
- Ashley Sharek
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
When many people hear the words “estate planning,” they picture luxury cars, sprawling mansions, and billionaires with private wealth managers. The truth is far less glamorous and much more personal. Estate planning is not about being wealthy. It is about being prepared.
At Entrusted Legacy Law, we do not work with billionaires. We work with everyday people. Our clients are teachers, nurses, small business owners, and caregivers. They are people who simply want to protect their children, support their aging parents, and preserve the legacy they have spent a lifetime building. If you have ever thought that estate planning was not for you, this article will show you why it absolutely is.
What Is Estate Planning Really About?
Estate planning is about more than distributing assets after you pass away. It is about making life easier for your loved ones, protecting your values, and ensuring that your wishes are honored during every stage of life.
A comprehensive estate plan often includes documents such as:
A Last Will and Testament
A Revocable Living Trust
Powers of Attorney for finances and health care
Advance Health Care Directives
Guardianship nominations for minor children
Asset protection strategies
Long-term care and Medicaid planning
These documents do more than transfer money. They allow families to stay out of court, avoid unnecessary conflict, and access care and support when it is needed most.
Estate Planning for Families With Children
One of the most urgent reasons to create an estate plan is to protect your children. If something unexpected were to happen to you or your spouse, who would raise your children? Without proper legal documents in place, the court will decide. That process can be painful, slow, and result in decisions that do not reflect your wishes.
With a well-crafted estate plan, you can:
Name permanent and temporary guardians
Ensure your children are raised according to your values
Protect inherited assets from lawsuits, divorce, or financial mismanagement
Prevent your children from receiving a large inheritance before they are emotionally or financially mature
Estate planning is not just about money. It is about protecting the people you love most.
Helping Your Parents Age in Place
Many adult children are now in the position of helping their parents with care and financial decisions. These situations are often complicated and stressful. Estate planning can ease that burden by putting protections in place early.
At Entrusted Legacy Law, we work with families to:
Create Powers of Attorney so that decisions can be made smoothly if a parent becomes incapacitated
Establish Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts that help preserve the family home and savings
Ensure that health care decisions reflect a parent’s wishes
Avoid guardianship proceedings by preparing ahead of time
Helping your parents age with dignity and security starts with a proactive plan.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Many people delay estate planning because they are unsure where to start or because they believe they do not have enough assets. Unfortunately, waiting often results in unnecessary court involvement, family conflict, and financial loss.
Here is what can happen if you do not have a plan:
Your family may need to go through probate, which is a lengthy and public court process
Your assets may be distributed according to Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws, not your personal wishes
A judge could appoint someone to manage your finances or make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated
Minor children could end up in the wrong hands, even temporarily
Medicaid could require you to spend down everything before qualifying for long-term care assistance
Without a plan, you lose control.
With a plan, you preserve your voice and your family’s well-being.
Why a Will Alone May Not Be Enough
Many people believe that having a will is sufficient. While a will is important, it does not avoid probate. In fact, a will guarantees that your estate will go through the probate process.
A Revocable Living Trust, on the other hand, allows your assets to transfer directly to your loved ones without court intervention. It also allows you to name a successor trustee to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated, which a will cannot do.
Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. The right combination of tools depends on your family structure, your goals, and your assets. That is why we take a personalized approach with every client.
Estate Planning for Single Individuals
Estate planning is not just for married couples or parents. Single individuals need a plan just as much. If you are single and become incapacitated, who will make decisions for you? If you pass away unexpectedly, who will inherit your estate?
With an estate plan, you can:
Appoint someone you trust to handle financial and medical decisions
Name beneficiaries for your assets
Protect your legacy and ensure your values are respected
Planning ahead brings peace of mind to you and clarity to those you leave behind.
Avoiding Probate in Pennsylvania
Probate in Pennsylvania can be time-consuming, costly, and public. It can take nine to twelve months or longer to resolve, during which time your family may face court filings, attorney fees, and delays in accessing funds.
Estate planning can help you avoid probate through:
Properly structured trusts
Beneficiary designations (where applicable)
Clear instructions for asset distribution
Real property planning aligned with state law
Avoiding probate is not about hiding assets. It is about making life easier for the people you care about most.
How Entrusted Legacy Law Can Help
At Entrusted Legacy Law, we believe estate planning should feel personal, not transactional.
We work with individuals and families across Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Erie to create thoughtful, values-based estate plans.
What makes us different:
We do not bill by the hour. Our flat fees are clearly outlined before any work begins
We are not in suits behind desks. We are approachable, heart-centered legal professionals who care about people
We do not believe in fear-based marketing. We believe in education and empowerment
We are focused on long-term relationships, not just documents
Whether you are starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, we are here to support you with warmth, clarity, and compassion.
Your Legacy Deserves Protection
Estate planning is not reserved for the wealthy. It is for people who care about their families and want to leave behind more than money. It is for people who want to ease the burden on their loved ones and ensure their wishes are honored. If that sounds like you, we invite you to take the next step.
Schedule a free consultation with Entrusted Legacy Law today. Let us help you create a plan that brings peace of mind and protects everything that matters most.
To begin building your estate plan, visit our website and schedule a no-obligation consultation today. We are here to help you protect your family, your future, and your legacy.