Loading...
PA Title 20 sets the rules; how you sign decides whether the will works. Build a Pennsylvania will to those rules and get exact signing instructions. Inheritance tax guidance included.
Draft only. Check availability before starting.
Check availability before sharing your details. No payment during the questionnaire.
This is an AI-generated draft for review. It is not legal advice.
Must be in writing (typed or printed). Pennsylvania also recognizes holographic (entirely handwritten) wills under common law.
Critical: Testator must sign at the END of the will. Anything appearing after the signature may be void.
Must be 18 years or older and of sound mind. You must understand your assets and who your beneficiaries are.
A notarized self-proving affidavit with 2 witnesses is strongly recommended for easier probate. Not required for validity.
Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 2505, beneficiaries can serve as witnesses in Pennsylvania:
Pennsylvania is one of the few states with an inheritance tax (paid by recipients):
Review applicable tax implications separately before deciding distributions.
Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 2203, a surviving spouse may elect to take 1/3 of the "augmented estate" instead of what's provided in the will:
Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3121, the surviving spouse (or dependent children if no spouse) is entitled to a $3,500 family exemption from estate property. This is exempt from creditor claims and must be claimed within one year.
Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 2502, a valid Pennsylvania will must be: (1) in writing and (2) signed by the testator at the END of the will. Witnesses are recommended for a self-proving will but not strictly required for validity. Pennsylvania also recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills.
Yes. Pennsylvania recognizes holographic wills under common law. The will must be entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed. No witnesses are required for a holographic will. However, a typed, witnessed will is recommended for easier probate.
Yes. Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 2505, Pennsylvania allows interested witnesses (beneficiaries) to witness a will. The will remains valid and the beneficiary does NOT forfeit their bequest. However, using disinterested witnesses is recommended to avoid potential undue influence claims.
Yes. Pennsylvania has an inheritance tax (not estate tax): Surviving spouse - 0% (exempt), Lineal descendants (children, grandchildren) - 4.5%, Siblings - 12%, All others - 15%. The tax is paid by the recipient, not the estate, and applies regardless of estate size.
Pennsylvania requires the testator to sign at the END of the will. This is critical - any provisions appearing after the signature may be void. Ensure all substantive provisions appear before your signature.
Organise your wishes and check the supported scope. AI checks do not replace individual professional review.
Check AvailabilityDraft only. Check availability before starting. No payment during the questionnaire.