Working with an experienced and trusted Estate Planning attorney will help to ensure you successfully draft a Last Will and Testament in Pennsylvania. It’s essential that you work with a trusted attorney throughout the process because they can clearly explain your needs and ensure your Will is legally binding in court.
Continue reading this article to learn the steps Auld Brothers Law Group uses to draft a Last Will and Testament in Pennsylvania.
4 Steps on How to Draft a Last Will and Testament in Pennsylvania
It’s important to understand that drafting a Last Will and Testament yourself could cause potential problems. Many online forms don’t account for PA’s specific laws and regulations. Additionally, they don’t consider particular circumstances, and it can become complicated to make changes over your lifetime.
Here are the four steps that reputable attorneys, like Auld Brothers Law Group, use to guide you in drafting a Pennsylvania Last Will and Testament.
Step 1: Make a Checklist
- Write out all your property and valuable assets
- Write out all non-physical assets (401k’s, bank accounts, insurance policies)
- Determine who will inherit which items
- Select an Executor for your Will
- Choose a guardian for your children, if necessary
- Select a Financial Power of Attorney and a Medical Power of Attorney
- Set up an advance healthcare directive
Step 2: Find a Local Estate Planning Attorney
Understanding the value an attorney provides can help you know why you’ll want to work with one when creating your Last Will and Testament. Read our article on Why Use an Estate Planning Lawyer in Pittsburgh to learn the benefits of hiring a local and trustworthy lawyer.
Step 3: Talk with Your Attorney
When you meet with your attorney, you’ll share your specific circumstances, concerns, and goals regarding your future. This will help them understand the best estate planning and asset protection process needed for your Will.
Step 4: Finalize Your Last Will and Testament
Your lawyer will create a Will that meets all the laws and requirements necessary for Pennsylvania while using the correct language. After you review and approve everything, you’ll sign the document in the presence of a witness.
Common Questions About Last Wills and Testaments
Here are some common questions with answers that often occur during the estate planning process. To learn more information about commonly asked questions, visit our FAQ page.
What happens if I don’t have a Will?
If the deceased doesn’t have a Will, the PA courts will distribute their property and assets using PA’s intestacy laws. Those laws mean that your closest relatives will receive your possessions.
Can I change my Will?
Yes, in Pennsylvania, you can revoke or change your Will at any point in your life.
Where should I store my Will?
You should keep your signed Last Will and Testament in a safe and secure location. Consider using a fireproof box or a safe inside your home. It’s best not to use a safety deposit box because it could be difficult for your Executor to access the box after you pass.
Where can I learn more about Pennsylvania’s Laws about Wills?
That information is available on Pennsylvania’s website: PA Consolidated Statutes Title 20 Decedents, Estates, and Fiduciaries Chapter 25 Wills.
Are You Ready to Draft Your Last Will and Testament in PA?
Auld Brothers Law Group will work one-on-one with you to write clear instructions that ensure your Executor will adequately distribute your hard-earned money, property, and assets.
Now it’s time to take the next step and schedule your free consultation.