Turn to an Established South Philly Law Firm Schedule a Free Consultation

Last Will & Testament Attorneys in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

You will need to meet certain legal requirements to draft a proper last will and testament. A will is a key estate planning document. To help ensure that your loved ones are in good care, you will want to work with a Philadelphia wills attorney who will help you draft a valid will.

Requirements for Creating a Valid
Will in Pennsylvania

A will can help protect your loved ones and ensure proper distribution of your property after your death. A will can also name guardians for your minor children and name the executor who will see that your wishes are carried out. Given the importance of the will document, there are certain legal formalities that must be met to create a valid will. These legal requirements generally include:

  • Signature. You must sign the will document.

  • Witnesses. You must sign the will in front of two witnesses.

  • Capacity. You must understand what you are signing and not be under duress or other undue pressure when signing the will.

You should know that you do not need to have your will notarized. However, your wills attorney can advise you on some situations wherein a notary may be useful, like with a self-proving will.

Ensure That Your
Wishes Are Respected

Get in Contact

Intestacy and Dying Without a Will

If you die without a will, the Pennsylvania laws of intestacy will determine how your property is distributed. The intestacy laws are basically default rules on what family relations receive, and how much. The problems with the intestacy laws are that they may not reflect your wishes and the process can be very time-consuming. You will not want to rely on the Pennsylvania intestacy laws to distribute your property. Drafting a simple will can help you avoid these problems and have peace of mind knowing that your wishes are going to be followed.

Contact a Philadelphia Wills Lawyer

If you have any questions regarding the laws covering last wills and testaments, you will want to contact an experienced Philadelphia wills attorney. Discuss the specific facts of your case by calling attorney Anthony Caiazzo.