Sojourner Law, PLLC

06/17/2026

Why a Financial Power of Attorney Is Essential in a Pennsylvania Estate Plan (Even If You Have a Will)

In my previous post, I discussed the foundational role of a will based estate plan in your Pennsylvania Estate Plan. One of the documents I mentioned was a Financial Power of Attorney. Today, I am going to expand upon why a POA is so critical to a complete estate plan.

A Financial Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you (the principal) appoint another person (your agent or attorney-in-fact) to make financial and property decisions on your behalf. This can include tasks like paying bills, managing bank accounts, filing taxes, buying/selling property, or handling investments.
In Pennsylvania, these documents are governed by Chapter 56 of Title 20 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. They are presumed to be durable, meaning the agent's authority continues even if you become incapacitated due to illness, injury, or cognitive decline.

A financial POA is important because it can help to avoid Orphans Court litigation for guardianship, it handles incapacity, it complements your Will (as the Will only takes effect at death), and it can provide peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

A financial POA is effective as soon as the document is executed. I generally recommend an immediate durable POA for most clients, with clear instructions limiting the agent's powers if desired. If a situation arises where a “springing” POA is necessary, a consultation is necessary to understand how to structure that clause of the POA so the document accomplishes your goal.

Before creating a POA, choose your agent wisely. It should be someone who is trustworthy, financially responsible, and organized. You should decide ahead of time, or consult with your attorney, the scope of authority you want to provide your agent. The POA must be signed by you in the presence of a notary, and two adult witnesses (who are not the agent). The agent must also sign an acknowledgment of their financial duties.

If you're ready to strengthen your estate plan beyond a basic will, schedule a consultation with me.

Important Disclaimer: This is general information for educational purposes and not legal advice. Estate planning is highly personal—laws can change, and your situation is unique. Consult a qualified Pennsylvania attorney to draft documents tailored to your needs.

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05/25/2026

The USCIS issued a significant policy memo this past Friday for adjustment of status cases. I wrote a blog post to help everyone understand what it means.

On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, titled “Adjustment of Status is a Matter of Discretion and Administrative Grace, and an Extraordinary Relief that Permits Applicants to Dispense with the Ordinary Consular Visa Process.”If yo...

03/27/2026

Estate Planning can satisfy many different objectives. However, the estate plan does not happen without a purposeful intention by you to put the necessary legal documents in place so that your legacy continues beyond your passing. Your family will thank you.

To help take care of your family in this life, and also when you transition to the next, contact us for a free estate planning consultation. 412-904-8885.

03/17/2026

Who needs a Will?

Everyone needs a will, but there are some groups of people that should prioritize it.

First, if you were recently married, a great wedding gift to each other is to talk about where your assets go when one or both of you dies. It would be a great stress test early in your marriage. Free marriage advice from the estate planning lawyer! A will is essential after you are married because if you pass away without a will, your spouse will not receive your entire estate.

Second, if you are pregnant or have minor children in your home. If you pass away, or if you are married with children and both of you pass away, writing a last will and testament will allow you to designate who would be the guardian of your children if such tragedy should strike your family. When you die without a will in Pennsylvania, the Orphans Court will determine the guardian of your children, and if necessary, the guardian of the estate. Whenever the court decides, it opens the door for conflict.

Third, if you are about to undergo a medical procedure, or a life event that makes you come face-to-face with the reality of Ecclesiastes 3:20, “...All are from the dust, and to dust all return.” I am talking about a major medical procedure on the horizon, or you have recently been diagnosed with a disease. Make sure to take action on a will before you are unable to make decisions on your own.

If you fit into any of these categories and would like a free legal consultation, call us at 412-904-8885 to schedule a call.

03/13/2026

We are pleased to announce that our law firm has added Estate Planning for residents of Pennsylvania! If you are looking to write a will, need to create a trust, or have an existing estate plan reviewed, we would be glad to help. To schedule a free consultation, please contact our office at 412-904-8885. Looking forward to this new chapter in our firm.

We are pleased to announce that our law firm now offers Estate Planning to residents of Pennsylvania. Our firm will continue to represent immigrants in the ...