A will plays a crucial role in estate planning and administration. People usually don’t take it seriously, but that doesn’t affect its importance in any way.
Many individuals even in Pennsylvania consider making handwritten wills. The main reason can be a sudden illness or the inability to afford an attorney.
Whatever is the situation, if you are also curious whether handwritten wills are legal in Pennsylvania, here are two critical considerations.
- Conditions When Handwritten Wills are Valid
Pennsylvania code tells to ensure that all the wills must be in a written form. But that, however, does not clarify whether they are handwritten wills or typed ones. So that makes handwritten wills potentially acceptable by the Pennsylvania court.
Another requirement for wills, according to Pennsylvania law, is that the testator or the one the wills pertain to must sign it. One thing that is not a law but can be done to enhance the validity of the handwritten wills is that two impartial witnesses sign the handwritten wills.
These things can help ensure that the court deems the handwritten wills valid in front of the law of Pennsylvania.
2. Conditions When Handwritten Wills are Invalid
It is entirely dependent upon the court whether it deems a specific will valid or not. However, here are a few conditions when handwritten wills are considered to be invalid:
- If the will does not have any signature of the witness(es)
- The witnesses are not impartial parties (for instance, they are mentioned in the will)
In such circumstances, the laws of Intestacy Apply
Need Help with Your Handwritten Wills?
If you want further information or any help regarding Handwritten wills, contact us right away. At Keystone Asset Protection and Estate Planning, we would be more than delighted to provide our services so that you can protect your assets and preserve your hard work.