Pennsylvania Will

In Pennsylvania, the law requires that the testator be at least 18 years old and of sound mind (mentally competent). In addition, the testator must declare that the will is his or hers in front of two witnesses -- and these witnesses must then sign the will in front of the testator.

In Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 years of age and sound mind to make a will. Your will must be in writing and signed at the end by the testator.Pennsylvania does accept self-proved wills. Such a will includes a separate page which is notarized and signed by the testator and witnesses.

No, in Pennsylvania, you do not need to notarize your will to make it legal. However, you must go to a notary to make your will self-proving, see above.

Generally, probating a will costs between $200 $1,000 depending on the size of the estate. Although probate is generally easier in Pennsylvania compared to other states, an Executor still has legal obligations and a fiduciary duty to beneficiaries of the estate.

A person's last will and testament outlines what to do with possessions, whether the deceased will leave them to another person, a group or donate them to charity, and what happens to other things that they are responsible for, such as custody of dependents and management of accounts and financial interests.

A valid will in Pennsylvania must be in writing, either typed or handwritten. Pennsylvania only accepts oral wills in very narrow circumstances. In all cases, the testator, or person drafting the document, must also sign it.

Bank accounts. Brokerage or investment accounts. Retirement accounts and pension plans. A life insurance policy.

Identify beneficiaries. One of the main purposes of a last will is distributing your assets to certain people upon your death. Perform an inventory of property. Decide who gets what. Designate a personal representative. Draft the final will.