Legal Question in Elder Law in Pennsylvania

Non-probate assets are named beneficiary-designated assets like life insurance, pensions, IRAs, annuities and the like. Also, joint checking accounts owned by a decedent and one or more other people are non-probate assets. Things like land owned either between a husband and wife as a tenancy by the entireties or as a joint tenancy with a right of survivorship is likewise a non-probate asset.

I would not rely necessarily on these non-probate devices for estate planning. While you may be able to minimize probate you cannot eliminate it totally and you will still need a will or trust. I don't know what you own or how its titled so I suggest that you sit down with an experienced estate planning lawyer in your area and consult with the attorney as to the best estate plan for you. In addition to a will or trust, you should have a power of attorney for finances and health as well as a living will.