Last resort, two witnesses may prove the signatures of each of the subscribing witnesses. The register at the time of probate to prove the testator’s signature. The time of execution and those witnesses should, if available, appear before This means that, although not required, two witnesses should sign the will at Proof by subscribing witnesses is preferred to proof of Testator’s signature, the witnesses are required to prove that the signature is Valid in Pennsylvania, all wills must be proved by the oaths or affirmation of Witnesses need not be present at the execution of a will in order for it to be Extrinsic evidence is permissible to determine whether the proper The signature mustīe complete and must be made with the intent that it be the testator’s In the case of a testator who cannot sign his or her name, the only requirementįor valid execution of a will is that there be a signature. Because no witnesses are required to be present at execution, there is no rule in Pennsylvania that invalidates the interest of a beneficiary who is a witness. As a result, there is no special provision in Pennsylvania for a holographic will (i.e., a will written totally by hand which in many jurisdictions is valid without witnesses). Unlike most states, in Pennsylvania, no witnesses need be present at the time the will is signed unless the will is signed by mark. The PA Code requires that “Every will shall be in writing and shall be signed by the testator at the end…” 20 Pa. In compliance with the law of the jurisdiction where the testator was domiciledĪt the time of the execution of the will or at the time of his death.” In compliance with section 2502 (relating to form and execution of a will), or Pennsylvania Code states that a “will is validly executed if executed Signing and Witnessing Requirements for Wills In PA Below is a breakdown of the statutory requirements for witnesses/notary public for the execution of a Will. It is considered best practice to use disinterested witnesses but not required. There are no restrictions that preclude a person who was named as a beneficiary or executor of the will from serving as witness. That being said, it is our preference that clients have two witnesses present to confirm that you were the signer.Īny adult over age 18 can be a witness. In fact, it is even possible to sign a valid Will without witnesses.

At Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees we are working with new and existing clients to get their planning in place without ever having to come to the office.Ī valid will can be created in Pennsylvania without a notary. Many of you are trying to follow the rules of social distancing, but really want to sign a new or updated properly prepared last will and testament. The Coronavirus health crisis may have reminded you of delayed plans to get an updated last will in place.

Does a will have to be notarized in pa