Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a will in Pennsylvania?
Most adults in Pennsylvania benefit from having a will. Without one, your property is distributed under the Commonwealth’s intestacy rules, which may not match what you intend and can make estate administration harder for your family. A will lets you name an executor, provide for the people you choose, and, when needed, nominate a guardian for minor children. This is general information, not legal advice—call Goodman & Kenneff at (717) 872-4605 to discuss your situation.
How do I get started on a will or estate plan in Lancaster County?
Begin by listing your assets, debts, and the people you want to provide for, then schedule a consultation to talk through a will, powers of attorney, and related documents that fit your family. Goodman & Kenneff in Millersville helps Lancaster County clients with practical estate planning aimed at clarity and peace of mind. Because every plan is different, call (717) 872-4605 or email jjk@goodmankenneff.com for a consultation rather than relying on online fee estimates. This is general information, not legal advice.
What is probate in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a decedent’s estate—gathering assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to the people entitled to receive it. In Lancaster County, many estates are opened through the Register of Wills, and the executor or administrator must follow Pennsylvania law and any valid will. Goodman & Kenneff has guided executors through Lancaster County probate and estate administration for decades. This is general information, not legal advice—contact the Millersville office at (717) 872-4605 with questions about a specific estate.
What is the Pennsylvania inheritance tax, and what are the current rates?
Pennsylvania imposes an inheritance tax on property that passes from a person who has died to the people who receive it. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, current rates include 0% for a surviving spouse (and certain transfers from a child age 21 or younger to a parent), 4.5% for direct descendants and lineal heirs, 12% for siblings, and 15% for other heirs, with exemptions for qualifying charities and certain other transfers. A 5% discount applies if the tax is paid within three months of the date of death; returns are generally due within nine months. Confirm current rules on the Department of Revenue site (pa.gov / revenue). For a Lancaster County estate, you may also find our overview helpful: Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax: What Lancaster, PA Families Should Know. This is general information, not legal advice—call (717) 872-4605 to discuss your matter.
What are a financial power of attorney and a living will?
A financial power of attorney lets you name someone to handle financial and property matters if you cannot act for yourself. A living will and related health care directives address medical treatment preferences and who may speak for you on health care decisions. Together with a will, these documents are a common part of estate planning for families in Millersville and across Lancaster County. Goodman & Kenneff can help you put clear, workable documents in place—call (717) 872-4605. This is general information, not legal advice.
What should I do when a loved one dies in Lancaster County?
Secure the home and important papers, locate any will, and contact the funeral home. Next, identify whether probate is needed and whether Pennsylvania inheritance tax or other filings apply—deadlines matter, including the early-payment discount on inheritance tax. An attorney can help an executor open the estate with the Lancaster County Register of Wills and keep the process organized. Goodman & Kenneff in Millersville assists families through estate administration; call (717) 872-4605. This is general information, not legal advice.
What happens after a first DUI charge in Pennsylvania, and what is ARD?
A first DUI in Pennsylvania can involve license consequences, fines, and court requirements that depend on blood alcohol concentration, prior record, and other facts of the stop and charge. In some Lancaster County cases, first-time or otherwise eligible defendants may seek admission to the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, which can offer a path toward dismissal and more limited record consequences if successfully completed. Eligibility and outcomes vary by case. Joseph J. Kenneff defends DUI charges in Lancaster County—call (717) 872-4605 promptly after a charge. This is general information, not legal advice.
What should I do if I am charged with a crime in Lancaster County?
Take the charge seriously, calendar every court date, and speak with a criminal defense attorney before discussing the facts of the case with anyone other than your lawyer. Early advice can affect bail, negotiations, and trial preparation in the Lancaster County courts. Joseph J. Kenneff represents clients facing matters that range from summary citations to serious felonies. Contact Goodman & Kenneff at (717) 872-4605. This is general information, not legal advice.
Does Goodman & Kenneff handle zoning and land use matters?
Yes. Joseph J. Kenneff advises property owners and others on zoning and land use issues in Lancaster County. He also serves as solicitor to the zoning hearing boards of Leacock Township, Providence Township, Mount Joy Borough, and Strasburg Borough. To avoid conflicts of interest, he does not represent parties in matters before the boards he serves as solicitor. For zoning questions elsewhere in the county, call (717) 872-4605. This is general information, not legal advice.
Where is the Goodman & Kenneff office, and what are the hours?
The office is at 460 North George Street, Millersville, PA 17551, with convenient first-floor access and adjacent parking. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday are by appointment. Call (717) 872-4605 or email jjk@goodmankenneff.com to schedule, or use the firm’s consultation request page. This is general information about office availability, not legal advice.
Does Joseph J. Kenneff serve clients in Lancaster, Lititz, Manheim Township, and Willow Street?
Yes. Goodman & Kenneff is based in Millersville and serves clients throughout Lancaster County, including Lancaster, Lititz, Manheim Township, Willow Street, Columbia, Mount Joy, Strasburg, and nearby communities. Joseph J. Kenneff is a lifelong Lancaster County resident and the managing partner of the firm. Call (717) 872-4605 to ask about your matter. This is general information, not legal advice.
Who is the attorney at Goodman & Kenneff?
Joseph J. Kenneff is the managing partner of Goodman & Kenneff in Millersville, Pennsylvania. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 2007. His practice centers on wills, estate planning, and probate; he also handles DUI and criminal defense and municipal zoning matters. The firm was founded in 1986 by Thomas L. Goodman and John A. “Jack” Kenneff. Read more on the About Joseph J. Kenneff page, or call (717) 872-4605. This is general information, not legal advice.
The answers below are general information about Pennsylvania and Lancaster County legal topics. They are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and local practices change. For advice about your situation, contact Goodman & Kenneff.
