Trusts in Pennsylvania
Trusts and Asset Protection Attorney in Pennsylvania
Trusts are among the most flexible tools in estate planning. Used well, they can avoid probate, protect beneficiaries, preserve privacy, and reduce taxes. At Chadwick Estate Law, we help families in Wayne, the Main Line, and greater Philadelphia design and administer trusts that fit real-life goals—without unnecessary complexity.
With a Georgetown LL.M. in Taxation and AmLaw 100 background, Bass Chadwick brings national-level sophistication to a boutique, high-touch practice. Whether you need a revocable living trust to streamline inheritance, an irrevocable trust for asset protection, or a special needs trust to preserve benefits, we’ll build a plan you understand.
Trust Services We Offer in Pennsylvania
Revocable Living Trust
A revocable living trust allows you to keep control of your assets during your lifetime and transfer them efficiently after your death, without probate. They are especially useful for families who want privacy and simplicity.
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Irrevocable Trust
An irrevocable trust removes assets from your estate, offering potential tax savings and asset protection. These trusts are important for high-net-worth families, Medicaid planning, or long-term wealth preservation.
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Special Needs Trust
If you have a loved one with a disability, a special needs trust ensures they can receive financial support without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. This tool provides lifetime security and peace of mind.
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Trust Administration
Trustees have serious legal duties under Pennsylvania law. We assist trustees with recordkeeping, taxes, distributions, and communication with beneficiaries to avoid disputes and court intervention.
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What a Trust Can Do (and When It Helps)
Avoid probate delays by transferring assets outside the Orphans’ Court process.
Protect beneficiaries (minor children, young adults, or those with spending risks) with staged or discretionary distributions.
Preserve benefits for a loved one with disabilities via a Special Needs Trust.
Shield assets (in the right circumstances) using Irrevocable Trusts for creditor sensitivity or long-term care planning.
Coordinate taxes (PA inheritance tax & fiduciary income tax) with thoughtful design and funding.
Trusts are not one-size-fits-all. We’ll tell you when a simple will is enough—and when a trust adds real value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trusts in Pennsylvania
Do I need a trust if I already have a will?
A will and a trust serve different purposes. A will directs how your assets are distributed after death, but it must go through probate, a court-supervised process that can be time-consuming and costly. A trust, by contrast, can hold and distribute assets outside of probate, providing privacy and efficiency. Trusts can also offer protections that wills cannot, such as managing assets for children until they reach a certain age, planning for beneficiaries with special needs, or protecting assets from creditors. Many families benefit from having both a will and a trust (often times both in the case of a pour-over will), since the will can handle appointments of executors and guardians, while the trust manages financial assets. At Chadwick Estate Law, we help determine whether your situation calls for a revocable living trust, an irrevocable trust, or simply a well-drafted will.
What is the difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust?
A revocable living trust is flexible, meaning you can change or revoke it during your lifetime. It allows you to retain control over your assets while still avoiding probate at death. An irrevocable trust, on the other hand, cannot be easily changed once created. Because assets in an irrevocable trust are no longer considered yours, they may be shielded from creditors, lawsuits, or estate taxes. Each type has benefits and drawbacks: revocable trusts offer convenience and flexibility, while irrevocable trusts provide stronger asset protection and potential tax savings. Choosing the right trust depends on your goals, family needs, and tax situation. At Chadwick Estate Law, we explain these differences in plain language and design trusts that balance control, protection, and efficiency.
What is a special needs trust and who needs one?
A will and a living trust both transfer assets, but they work in very different ways. A will only takes effect after death and must go through the probate process, which involves court oversight and can take months. A living trust, by contrast, is effective immediately and allows assets placed into it to pass directly to beneficiaries outside of probate. Trusts can also provide added protections such as shielding assets for children or planning for special needs. However, most families still need a will alongside a trust to cover guardianship appointments and any assets not placed into the trust. At Chadwick Estate Law, we explain the advantages of each and help you decide what combination is best for your family.
How does trust administration work in Pennsylvania?
Trustees are fiduciaries—they must manage assets prudently, keep records, provide information, file fiduciary tax returns, and distribute according to the trust. Missteps can cause disputes or personal liability. We guide trustees through inventorying assets, valuations, accountings, tax filings, and beneficiary communications, resolving issues early to avoid court involvement.
How do I know which trust is right for my family?
Start with your goals. If you want simplicity and probate avoidance, a revocable trust is often best. If you need asset protection, tax reduction, or benefit preservation, an irrevocable or special needs trust may be appropriate. We’ll map options to your priorities and show you when no trust is the smarter, simpler choice.
