Pennsylvania Living Trust Template

A living trust created in Pennsylvania allows the grantor to transfer assets into a trust during their lifetime, naming a trustee to manage those assets and a successor trustee to distribute them to beneficiaries after death — all without going through Pennsylvania's probate process. Under 20 Pa.C.S. Chapter 77 (Uniform Trust Act), Pennsylvania governs the creation, administration, and termination of revocable living trusts. Pennsylvania is a equitable distribution state — a distinction that directly affects how marital assets are titled in the trust. In Pennsylvania, all estates with titled assets must go through probate (no small estate exemption for real property), making a living trust particularly valuable for estates that exceed this limit. Regarding taxation, Pennsylvania has no state estate tax but has inheritance tax: 4.5% (lineal), 12% (siblings), 15% (others) — living trusts do NOT avoid PA inheritance tax.

Without a living trust, Pennsylvania estates may face a lengthy and expensive probate process. In Pennsylvania, probate costs typically include attorney fees typically 2-5% of estate; major cost is Pennsylvania inheritance tax: 4.5% (lineal heirs), 12% (siblings), 15% (others). No trust registration required in Pennsylvania. Every asset must be formally re-titled in the trust's name — an unfunded living trust provides no probate avoidance. A complete estate plan pairs a living trust with a pour-over will and a power of attorney for lifetime incapacity protection.