Will Laws
Pennsylvania
Will Laws
Pennsylvania
Overview
Here you will find what is required by state when making a living will. You will also find whether or not this specific state accepts oral or written wills.
Some key terms to keep in mind:
Testator: One who makes or has made a will; one who dies leaving a will.
Holographic Will: A will and testament that has been entirely handwritten and signed by the testator.
Oral Will: An oral will (or "nuncupative" will) is a will that has been delivered orally (that is, in speech) to witnesses, as opposed to the usual form of wills, which is written and according to a proper format.
State Requirements and Will Type Recognition
Code Section
Tit. 20 §2501, et seq
Operative Facts
- Must be of sound mind
- 18 years old. or graduated from high school or married
- document must be signed by declarant
- must be signed before 2 adult witnesses
- suggested form 20§5404(b)
- operative when declarant determined to be incompetent by attending physician as certified in writing
- not operative during pregnancy unless it will not maintain woman so as to permit live birth
Age of Testator
18 years or older and of sane mind
Number of Witnesses Required
Two witnesses signing will in presence of testator; testator must declare instrument to be his will in presence of witnesses.
Oral Will Recognition
Not recognized