A will is a type of a legal document that provides details on how you would like your assets to be distributed after your passing.
Therefore, ensuring you are compliant with your state’s requirements to execute a will is an essential part of the estate planning process.
If the court determines your will to be invalid, your property will be distributed in accordance with intestacy laws rather than your own wishes.
To make sure your will is deemed valid by the courts in Pennsylvania, consider following these tips.
Meet all testator requirements.
A testator, or creator of a valid will in Pennsylvania must be at least 18 years of age and have testamentary capacity/be of sound mind when creating the will.
Meet all creation requirements.
For a will to be valid in Pennsylvania, you must put it in writing and sign it in the presence of two uninterested witnesses. If the testator and t6he witnesses swear to the authenticity of the will in front of a notary, the will is considered self-proven and will be accepted as authentic by the court.
Include assets and beneficiaries.
Your will should include a description of each asset you plan to distribute and the name of the person (beneficiary) that will be receiving each asset.
Name an executor.
The executor of your will is the person that will make sure your wishes are adhered to once you are no longer alive. The person you choose should be able and willing to take on this serious responsibility.
Name a guardian.
If you have children under the age of 18, you should name a guardian to care for the child if you are no longer alive.
Update your will regularly.
Experts suggested updating your will every three to five years and any time there is a big event or change in your life (e.g., death of a beneficiary or divorce).
Having a valid will is an essential component to a solid end-of-life plan to ensure that your heirs are well taken care of and that your wishes are faithfully executed after your death.