By Jay C. Glickman, Esquire
You may have received many solicitations suggesting you prepare a Revocable Living Trust. These solicitations tell you that you need, or should have, a Revocable Living Trust. That is not true. Most people in Pennsylvania do not need a Revocable Living Trust. They are not necessary, and they do not save any Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax. This tax on assets is the same whether you have an Estate passing under a Will or assets passing through a Trust. There are some states (i.e. Florida, California, and Arizona), in which you can save inheritance tax or probate fees with a Trust. Once again, you do not save any Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax with a Revocable Living Trust.
In 2006, Pennsylvania passed a new Trust Code which basically requires that everything that has to be done for a Will and an Estate has to be done for a Trust. This Trust Code was passed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in an effort to combat some of the abuses and misrepresentations that were being made by financial advisors, attorneys and other people who were selling Revocable Living Trusts to people who did not need them. They were charging thousands of dollars for these Trusts. This is still occurring. Trusts are good in some situations, but they are not the “end all and be all.”
We would be happy to discuss your needs and Estate Planning. We will tailor your Estate Planning to your particular situation, whether it be a Will or a Trust or a Will with trust provisions in it. Give us a call at 215-822-7575 or via email at attorneys@rgsglaw.com. We would be happy to work with you. Your first consultation is free of charge.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg and Gifford, P.C.
215-822-7575 | www.rgsglaw.com
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
August 18, 2026
