Add a Date Legal Pennsylvania Wills Forms For Free

The intestate share of a decedent's surviving spouse is: (1) If there is no surviving issue or parent of the decedent, the entire intestate estate. (2) If there is no surviving issue of the decedent but he is survived by a parent or parents, the first $30,000 plus one-half of the balance of the intestate estate.

The first heirs in line to receive property are the surviving spouse and the deceased's children. If the deceased did not leave a surviving spouse or children, then the property next passes to the parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Simply put, in order for your will to be valid and enforceable in the state of Pennsylvania, you must meet the following criteria: You must be at least 18 years of age or older. You must be of sound mind and mental capacity. You must type or write out your will on paper. You must provide your signature on the will.

Think of a codicil (which can be added as an addendum to your Will or be an entirely new document altogether) as a way to keep your Will up to date and reflective of your current wishes.

The general requirements for a valid Will are usually as follows: (a) the document must be written (meaning typed or printed), (b) signed by the person making the Will (usually called the “testator” or “testatrix”, and (c) signed by two witnesses who were present to witness the execution of the document by the maker ...

Similarly, in Pennsylvania, you must make your will via a hard copy. This means it cannot be a digital, audio, or video will, as the state has not adopted electronic wills as valid. A will also requires the signature of two witnesses in Pennsylvania, who must sign the will in front of the testator.

Notary: Pennsylvania wills do not require notarization. However, if you use a self-proving affidavit, you need a notary. Self-Proving Affidavit: Pennsylvania allows you to use a self-proving affidavit with your will. You have two witnesses sign the affidavit in your presence and a notary.

How long do estate planning documents last? Estate planning documents such as Wills and Trusts do not have a set expiration date. A properly executed Will remains valid indefinitely until it is either updated with a new will, revoked, or if the Testator (the person who made the Will) passes away.

Pennsylvania law only allows you to contest a will on certain grounds including fraud, improper execution and forgery. Fraud includes allegations that the person who was signing the will or someone else did not realize the what was in the will when they signed it.