Will And Trust Attorneys In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Last updated on June 1, 2026

A will or trust gives your family a clear plan for what happens to your assets and who makes decisions on your behalf when you can no longer do so yourself. Without that plan, Pennsylvania law fills in the gaps and those defaults rarely match what most people would have chosen. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or the elderly. It is for anyone who wants to protect the people and things that matter most to them.

At Phillips Froetschel, LLC, our attorneys work with individuals and families across Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania to create estate plans that fit their real lives and goals. We take the time to understand your situation before recommending any approach and we stay involved through every step of the process.

Is A Will Or A Trust Right For You?

Wills and trusts serve different purposes, and deciding how to utilize them in estate planning depends on your assets, your family and your goals. Here is a straightforward look at how they differ across the factors that matter most:

• Probate involvement: Wills must go through probate, the court-supervised process of validating and distributing your estate. Trusts pass assets directly to beneficiaries without court involvement, saving time and reducing costs for your family.
• Privacy: Wills become public record once they enter probate. Trusts remain private, keeping the details of your estate out of public view.
• Cost: Wills are generally less expensive to create upfront. Trusts carry higher initial drafting costs but can reduce expenses down the line by avoiding probate.
• Flexibility: Wills take effect at death and cannot be changed after that point. Revocable living trusts can be amended or revoked during your lifetime as circumstances change.
• Control over distribution: Wills distribute assets in a lump sum unless structured otherwise. Trusts allow you to set conditions and timelines for how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance.

Neither option is universally better, and you do not have to choose one of the other. Many estate plans incorporate both. Our attorneys can help you determine which approach fits your specific situation.

Will And Trust Services We Offer

Estate planning covers more ground than most people realize. Here is a look at the services our Pittsburgh will and trust attorneys provide:

Will drafting and updates

A will is the foundation of any estate plan. We draft clear, legally sound wills that reflect your wishes for asset distribution, guardianship of minor children and the appointment of an executor, and we help you update those documents as your life circumstances change.

Trust creation and administration

We help clients establish revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts and other structures suited to their goals. Whether the priority is avoiding probate, protecting assets or providing for a family member with special needs, we build trust arrangements that work the way you intend and guide trustees through their ongoing responsibilities.

Living wills and advance directives

A living will documents your wishes for medical treatment if you become incapacitated and cannot speak for yourself. We draft these documents so your healthcare providers and family have clear direction when it matters most.

Powers of attorney

A durable power of attorney designates someone you trust to manage your financial and legal affairs if you are unable to do so. We help clients select the right scope and structure for these documents and make sure they hold up under Pennsylvania law.

Probate and estate administration

When a loved one passes, estate administration can be overwhelming. Our probate and estate attorneys guide executors and administrators through the Pennsylvania probate process, handling court filings, creditor notices, asset transfers and final distributions so families can focus on what matters.

Every situation is different and not every client needs all of these services. We assess your circumstances and recommend only what your plan actually requires.

Why Choose Our Pennsylvania Will And Trust Attorneys?

Families in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania work with Phillips Froetschel because they want attorneys who stay genuinely involved in their cases from start to finish. A few things that set this firm apart include:

• Answering the phone when clients call, because accessibility matters when questions come up
• Taking a selective approach to caseloads so each client receives focused personal attention throughout the process
• Maintaining active involvement in Pennsylvania’s legal community including teaching and participation on federal and state rules committees
• Treating every client with courtesy and care from the first consultation through final execution

That combination of accessibility, attention and legal knowledge is what makes this firm a trusted choice for Pittsburgh families.

Schedule A Free Consultation With A Pittsburgh Will And Trust Lawyer

Your family deserves a plan that reflects your wishes. Whether you are starting from scratch or updating documents that no longer fit your life, the attorneys at Phillips Froetschel are here to help. Call 412-643-0682 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.