The Pennsylvania Last Will and Testament is considered a legal document whereas a testator will be allowed to place into writing, how they would choose to have their property distributed, by their executor, to the beneficiaries of their choice upon their death. Some of the most important assets for distribution may be, real estate, personal property and/or fiduciary assets. Any of these items would be included for distribution to spouse, children, friends. Some may even bequeath funds or items to charities and/or one of many institutions or even possible research organizations. The document will require notarization and the signatures of two separate witnesses. The testator may also revoke or change their document at any time.

Laws – Title 20 (Decedents, Estates, and Fiduciaries)

Signing (Title 20 § 2502) – If the Testator is unable to sign his/her name, leaving any kind of mark as a substitute will suffice. Whether it’s a signature or a mark, there must be two (2) Witnesses to attest the Testator and sign the will themselves in the Testator’s presence.

 How to Write

Step 1 – Establish a Testator by entering the testator’s name on the first line at the top of the form, then enter the following:

• The name of the Testator
• Their City and County
• Testator must review the remainder of the paragraph
• Review the information in “Expenses and Taxes”

Step 2 – Appointment of Executor–

• Select and enter the name of the executor and enter
• Their City
• Their County
• AND
• The State of the executor’s residence

Alternate Executor – Should the initial executor become unable or unwilling for any reason, to serve as the initial chosen executor to the estate, an alternative executor should be selected and named. Select an alternate and enter:

• The name of the alternate
• City of residence
• County
• State

Step 3 – Disposition of Property to Beneficiaries –

Beneficiary Information:

• Enter the full name
• Address
• Relationship to testator
• Enter the last four digits of the beneficiaries SSN
• Provide the lists of property being bequeathed to each beneficiary

The Testator must review the information pertaining to how property is distributed  in the event any beneficiary dies before the testator

Step 4 – Testator, review the following sections:

• Omission
• Bond
• Discretionary Powers of Personal Representative
• Contesting Beneficiary
• Guardian Ad Litem  Not Required
• Gender
• Assignment
• Governing Law
• Binding Arrangement

Step 5 – Signatures – All signatories must be present together to sign this document. Enter the following:

• The testator’s name
• The date of testator’s signature
• Signature of testator
• Testator’s printed name

Witnesses – The witnesses must read the brief statement and provide the following –

• Date the document – dd/mm/yyyy
• The name of the testator

Witness 1 – 

• Signature
• Address

Witness 2 –

• Signature
• Address

Step 6 – Testament Affidavit – All parties must review then enter the following:

• State
• County
• Name of testator
• Name of Witness 1
• AND
• Name of Witness 2
• AND ENTER
• Testator’s Signature
• 1st Witness Signature
• AND
• 2nd Witness Signature

Step 7 – Notarization – The notary public will witness all signatures and complete the document.