Are you living in Pennsylvania and need a Last Will and Testament?
If so, you aren’t alone! As many as 60 percent of adults in the United States do not have a written will. Without a written document like a will, you and your loved ones are at risk of not carrying out your wishes after death.
It’s best to write a will so that your intentions are clear and there is no question about your estate after you pass away. Read on to learn more about Pennsylvania will laws and what is most important for you!
Preparing a Legally Valid Will
Your will must be legally valid to accomplish your intentions and final wishes. Otherwise, it’s like you don’t have a will at all, and your estate will proceed through probate court.
In probate, a judge will be charged with determining your final wishes and how your state should be distributed after your death. When you have a legally valid will, this takes away all the unknown.
To have an enforceable will in Pennsylvania, the testator must be at least 18 years old and be of sound mind. Two witnesses must be present and watch the testator sign the document while signing their names to the document. A testator must declare his or her will to be the Last Will and Testament.
Keeping Your Will Safe
After you’ve had your Last Will and Testament prepared and signed, be sure not to misplace the will. In short, if your will is missing, no one will be able to state with certainty what your wishes were. It will also give Pennsylvania courts and judges pause as they listen to witnesses that testify one way or another about your intentions.
Consider storing the original copy of your will in a fireproof safe or at the drafting attorney’s website. This allows you to always know where your will is and also gives you peace of mind that it is safe and secure. Be sure that you tell a trusted friend or family member where your will is being kept. That way it can be found after you’ve passed away.
Wrapping Up: Learn About Pennsylvania Will Laws
Pennsylvania will laws govern how an attorney will prepare your will and whether it is enforceable in court later.
Before you hire an attorney and begin having them draft your will, spend time considering what you want to include in your will and how you would like your assets disbursed upon your death. This will help you expedite the process and ensure your intentions are honored.
At Monastra & Grater, LLC, we are attorneys with a wide range of experience handling estate law matters including drafting wills and preparing trusts for our clients’ estates. We take a client-first approach to representing your interests in and out of court.
Contact us to learn more about our legal services and how we can help you today!