To make a valid will in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 and of sound mind, put your wishes in writing, and sign the document at the end. Pennsylvania does not require witnesses or a notary for a will to be valid. In practice, though, two witnesses and a notarized self-proving affidavit make the will much easier to use after your death.
This guide explains how to make a will in PA step by step, including the rules that trip people up. It is part of our estate planning resources for Pennsylvania families. For help deciding what your will should say, see our page on planning and drafting your will.
Key takeaways
– You must be 18 or older and of sound mind.
– The will must be in writing and signed at the end. Text after the signature is not given effect.
– Witnesses are not required for validity, but two witnesses are normally needed to prove the will later.
– A self-proving affidavit, signed before a notary, lets the will be probated without tracking down witnesses.
– Keep the original in a safe place your executor can reach. Copies are usually not enough.
Who can make a will in Pennsylvania
Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 2501, any person who is 18 or older and of sound mind may make a will. “Sound mind,” also called testamentary capacity, means you understand in general terms what you own, who your close family members are, and what the will does with your property.
A will can be challenged if someone claims you lacked capacity or were pressured by another person, called undue influence. Careful signing procedures and clear records help reduce those risks.
How to make a will in PA: the legal requirements
The core rule is in 20 Pa.C.S. § 2502. Here is what it requires and what it does not.
| Requirement | Required for a valid will? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age 18 or older | Yes | 20 Pa.C.S. § 2501 |
| Sound mind | Yes | Judged at the time of signing |
| In writing | Yes | Typed or handwritten |
| Signed at the end | Yes | Anything after the signature is not given effect |
| Two witnesses | No, with exceptions | Required if you sign by mark or another person signs for you |
| Notary | No | Needed only for a self-proving affidavit |
| Filed with the court during life | No | The will is filed after death |
Signed at the end
This rule matters more in Pennsylvania than many people expect. Your signature must come at the end of the will. If you add a paragraph below your signature, that paragraph generally will not count, though the rest of the will still stands. If you need to add something later, sign a new will or a codicil (a formal amendment that follows the same signing rules).
Signing by mark or by another person
If you cannot write your name, you may sign with a mark, such as an “X.” You may also direct someone else to sign your name for you in your presence. In either case, the will must be signed by two witnesses.
Does a will need to be notarized in PA?
No. A Pennsylvania will does not need to be notarized to be valid. But notarization still plays an important role through the self-proving affidavit.
When you die, the Register of Wills must be satisfied that the will is genuine before granting letters testamentary (the court document that gives your executor authority to act). Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3132, this is usually done by two competent witnesses who confirm your signature. Finding two witnesses years later can be difficult. People move, forget, or pass away.
A self-proving affidavit solves that problem. Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3132.1, you and two witnesses sign a statement before a notary at the time you sign the will. The Register of Wills can then accept the will without further testimony from the witnesses. For that reason, most attorney-prepared Pennsylvania wills include one.
Handwritten (holographic) wills
A holographic will is one written entirely in your own handwriting. Pennsylvania generally accepts a handwritten will if it meets the same basic rules: you were 18 or older, of sound mind, and signed at the end.
The challenge comes after death. Because there were usually no witnesses or notary, the will must be proved by two people who can identify your handwriting and signature. Handwritten wills also tend to be unclear, miss property, or fail to name a backup executor. They are better than nothing in an emergency, but they often create work and uncertainty for the family.
How to write a will in PA: step by step
- List what you own. Include real estate, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance, vehicles, business interests, and any mineral rights. Note how each is titled.
- Check your beneficiary forms. Retirement accounts and life insurance pass by beneficiary form, not by your will.
- Decide who receives your property. Name primary and backup beneficiaries.
- Choose an executor. This is the person who will settle your estate. Name a backup as well.
- Name a guardian for minor children. A will is where you nominate a guardian for children under 18.
- Put it in writing and sign at the end. Use clear language and avoid handwritten edits on the signed copy.
- Sign with two witnesses and a notary. Add a self-proving affidavit so the will is easier to probate.
- Store the original safely and tell your executor where it is.
Free download: Estate Planning Document Checklist → /estate-planning-checklist/
Gather account details, deeds, beneficiary forms, and names for your executor and guardian before you draft your will.
Storing the original will
The Register of Wills normally requires the original signed will. A photocopy usually cannot be probated without extra court proceedings. If the original was last in your possession and cannot be found after your death, the law may presume you destroyed it on purpose to revoke it.
Practical options include a fireproof home safe, your attorney’s office, or a safe deposit box. If you use a safe deposit box, make sure your executor will be able to get access. Whatever you choose, tell your executor where the original is kept.
Updating your will
Review your will every few years and after major life events. Pennsylvania law changes some wills automatically, which may not match what you want
- Divorce. Provisions for a former spouse are generally treated as revoked under 20 Pa.C.S. § 6111.1.
- Marriage after signing. A new spouse who is not provided for may receive an intestate share under 20 Pa.C.S. § 2507.
- Birth or adoption of a child. A child born or adopted after the will was signed may receive a share under the same section.
To change your will, sign a new one or a codicil with the same formalities. Do not cross out or write on the signed original. To revoke a will, follow the methods in 20 Pa.C.S. § 2505. If you die without a valid will, the default rules described in our guide to Pennsylvania intestate succession apply.
When a lawyer adds value
You can write your own will in Pennsylvania. A lawyer adds the most value when your situation includes
- A blended family or children from more than one relationship.
- Minor children or a family member with special needs.
- Real estate in more than one state.
- Mineral rights or a family business you want kept together.
- Concerns that someone may challenge the will.
- A wish to reduce Pennsylvania inheritance tax or keep assets out of probate.
A lawyer also supervises the signing so the formalities, witnesses, and self-proving affidavit are handled correctly. If you live in Pittsburgh, Bethel Park, or elsewhere in Allegheny County, see our Pittsburgh service area page.
Frequently asked questions
Does a will need to be notarized in Pennsylvania?
No. A Pennsylvania will is valid without a notary if it is in writing and signed at the end by someone 18 or older and of sound mind. Adding a notarized self-proving affidavit, signed by you and two witnesses, makes the will easier to probate later.
Do you need witnesses for a will in Pennsylvania?
Witnesses are not required for most wills to be valid. They are required if you sign by mark or have someone sign for you. Even when not required, two witnesses are useful because the Register of Wills generally needs two people to prove the will after death.
Is a handwritten will legal in Pennsylvania?
Generally, yes. A handwritten will can be valid if it is signed at the end by a person who is 18 or older and of sound mind. After death, two people usually must confirm the handwriting and signature before the Register of Wills will accept it.
Where should I keep my original will?
Keep it somewhere safe that your executor can reach, such as a fireproof safe, your attorney’s office, or a safe deposit box your executor can access. The original is normally required for probate, and a missing original can create legal problems.
Can I write my own will in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania lets you write your own will if you meet the age, capacity, writing, and signature rules. Do-it-yourself wills suit simple situations. Blended families, minor children, mineral rights, or property in other states usually call for more careful drafting.
Start your will with us
If you are ready to make a will, or want your current will reviewed, call (304) 982-1586 or request a consultation. After you call, we will ask a few questions about your family and property, then schedule a meeting and send a short list of documents to bring.
About the author: Heather N. Kostrub is an attorney at Kostrub Law Firm, PLLC, where she focuses on estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and family and business succession. Read Heather’s bio.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.