{"id":376075,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:30","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-wills-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-09-01T10:06:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T15:06:30","slug":"pennsylvania-wills-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-wills-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Last Will and Testament: A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pennsylvania Last Will and Testament: A Complete Guide<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Carol Clasby, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A\u00a0<\/span>last will and testament<\/span> is a legal document<\/span> that outlines your wishes for how your property and assets should be distributed after your death. Creating a will is one of the most important steps in estate planning<\/span>. It allows you to protect your family, name an executor<\/span> to manage your estate, and appoint a legal guardian<\/span> for any minor children.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This guide walks you through Pennsylvania’s will requirements, explains what happens if you die without one, and answers common questions to help you get started.<\/p>\n

What Is a Last Will and Testament and Why Is It Important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A last will and testament<\/span><\/a> (or simply a “will”) is a written document where you specify who will receive your property (your “beneficiaries<\/span>“) after you pass away. The person making the will is known as the \u201ctestator<\/span>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having a valid will is important because it ensures your final wishes are known and legally respected. Without one, state law<\/span>\u2014not you\u2014decides how your property is divided. A will allows you to:<\/p>\n