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Create a legally valid Last Will and Testament that meets all Pennsylvania Title 20 requirements. Inheritance tax guidance included.
Free preview. $29 to download.
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):
Our AI helps you consider tax implications when planning 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.
Our AI ensures your will meets all Pennsylvania requirements. Ready in about 20 minutes.
Start Your Pennsylvania WillFree preview. $29 to download. Valid in Pennsylvania.