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Last Will and Testament

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Pennsylvania Will and Self-Authenticating Affidavit

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF

BE IT KNOWN THIS DAY THAT,

I, , of County, Pennsylvania, being of legal age and of sound and disposing mind and memory, and not acting under duress, menace, fraud, or undue influence of any person, do make, declare and publish this to be my Will and hereby revoke any Will or Codicil I may have made.

ARTICLE ONE

Marriage and Children

I am single (not married) and have the following adult children:

Name: Date of Birth:

Name: Date of Birth:

Name: Date of Birth:

ARTICLE TWO

Debts and Expenses

I direct my Personal Representative to pay all costs and expenses of my last illness and funeral expenses. I further direct my Personal Representative to pay all of my just debts that may be probated, registered and allowed against my estate.

ARTICLE THREE

Specific Bequests of Real and/or Personal Property

I will, give and bequeath unto the persons named below, if he or she survives me, the property described below:

Bequest 1

Name:

Street Address:

Additional Address Line:

City, State, Zip:

Relationship:

Property:

Bequest 2

Name:

Street Address:

Additional Address Line:

City, State, Zip:

Relationship:

Property:

Bequest 3

Name:

Street Address:

Additional Address Line:

City, State, Zip:

Relationship:

Property:

ARTICLE FOUR

Homestead or Primary Residence

I will, devise and bequeath all my interest in my homestead or primary residence, if I own a homestead or primary residence on the date of my death that passes through this Will, to my child(ren),

ARTICLE FIVE

All Remaining Property – Residuary Clause

I will, devise, bequeath and give all the rest and remainder of my property and estate of every kind and character, including, but not limited to, real and personal property in which I may have an interest at the date of my death and which is not otherwise effectively disposed of, to My Children,

ARTICLE SIX

Appointment of Personal Representative, Executor or Executrix

I hereby appoint , as Personal Representative of my estate and this Will.

In the event my Personal Representative shall predecease me, or, for any reason, shall fail to qualify or cease to act as my Personal Representative, then I hereby appoint to serve as successor Personal Representative of my estate and Will.

ARTICLE SEVEN

Waiver of Bond, Inventory, Accounting, Reporting and Approval

My Personal Representative and successor Personal Representative shall serve without any bond, and I hereby waive the necessity of preparing or filing any inventory, accounting, appraisal, reporting, approvals or final appraisement of my estate.

ARTICLE EIGHT

Powers of Personal Representative, Executor and Executrix

I direct that my Personal Representative shall have broad discretion in the administration of my Estate, without the necessity of Court approval. I grant unto my Personal Representative all powers that are allowed to be exercised by Personal Representatives by the laws of the State of Pennsylvania and to the extent not prohibited by the laws of Pennsylvania, the following additional powers:

1. To exercise all of the powers, rights and discretions granted by virtue of any "Uniform Trustees' Powers Law," and/or “Probate Code” adopted by the State of Pennsylvania.

2. To compromise claims and to abandon property which, in my Executor’s opinion is of little or no value.

3. To purchase or otherwise acquire and to retain any and all stocks, bonds, notes or other securities, or shares or interests in investment trusts and common trust funds...

4. To settle, adjust, dissolve, windup or continue any partnership or other entity...

5. To lease, sale, or offer on a lease purchase, any real or personal property...

6. To sell, exchange, assign, transfer and convey any security or property...

7. To pay all necessary expenses of administering the estate and any trust...

8. Unless otherwise specifically provided, to make distributions...

9. To determine what is principal and what is income...

10. To participate in any plan of reorganization...

11. To perform such acts, to participate in such proceedings...

12. To compromise, settle or adjust any claim or demand...

13. To borrow money from such source or sources...

ARTICLE NINE

Construction Intentions

1. The masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine as well as the neuter, and vice versa...

2. The term “testator” as used herein is deemed to include me as Testator or Testatrix.

3. This Will is not a result of a contract between myself and any beneficiary, fiduciary or third party and I may revoke this Will at any time.

4. If any part of this Will shall be declared invalid, illegal, or inoperative for any reason...

ARTICLE TEN

Misc. Provisions

I direct that this Will and the construction thereof shall be governed by the Laws of the State of Pennsylvania.

If any person named herein is indebted to me at the time of my death and such indebtedness be evidenced by a valid Promissory Note payable to me, then such person’s portion of my estate shall be diminished by the amount of such debt.

Signed if Selected:

Any and all debts of my estate shall first be paid from my residuary estate. Any debts on any real property left herein shall be assumed by the person to receive such real property and not paid by my Personal Representative.

Signed if Selected:

I desire to be buried in the cemetery in County, .

Signed if Selected:

I direct that my remains be cremated and that the ashes be disposed of according to the wishes of my Executor.

I, , having signed this Will in the presence of and who attested it at my request on this the day of , 20 at (address), declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.

The above and foregoing Will of (name of testator/testatrix) was declared by (name of testator/testatrix) in our view and presence to be his/her Will and was signed and subscribed by the said (name of testator/testatrix) in our view and presence and at his/her request and in the view and presence of (name of testator/testatrix) and in the view and presence of each other, we, the undersigned, witnessed and attested the due execution of the Will of (name of testator/testatrix) on this the day of , 20 .

Witness Signature

Print Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

Witness Signature

Print Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

PENNSYLVANIA SELF AUTHENTICATING AFFIDAVIT

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

County of

I, , the testator whose name is signed to the attached or foregoing instrument, having been duly qualified according to law, do hereby acknowledge that I signed and executed the instrument as my Last Will; and that I signed it willingly and as my free and voluntary act for the purposes therein expressed.

Sworn to or affirmed and acknowledged before me by , the testator, this day of , 20 .

Testator

Typed Name

Signature of officer or attorney

Seal and official capacity of officer or state of admission of attorney

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

County of

We, and , the witnesses whose names are signed to the attached or foregoing instrument, being duly qualified according to law, do depose and say that we were present and saw the testator sign and execute the instrument as his Last Will; that the testator signed willingly and executed it as his free and voluntary act for the purposes therein expressed; that each subscribing witness in the hearing and sight of the testator signed the will as a witness; and that to the best of our knowledge the testator was at that time 18 or more years of age, of sound mind, and under no constraint or undue influence.

Sworn to or affirmed and subscribed before me by and , witnesses, this day of , 20 .

Witness

Witness

Signature of officer or attorney

Seal and official capacity of officer or state of admission of attorney

Enter text✕

What a Last Will and Testament Is

A Last Will and Testament is a legal document in which an individual (the testator) declares how their property and affairs should be handled after death. It names an executor to administer the estate, identifies beneficiaries, and can appoint guardians for minor children. A valid will helps streamline probate, reduce uncertainty among heirs, and preserve the testator's intent. State law governs formal requirements such as witness count, notarization, and whether holographic or electronic wills are accepted; those rules vary and affect enforceability.

Why a Proper Will Matters

A clear Last Will and Testament directs asset distribution, names decision-makers, and reduces family disputes. Proper drafting and execution align the document with state formalities, lowering the risk of probate delay or successful contests.

Why a Proper Will Matters

Who Typically Prepares a Will

A will is appropriate for most adults; those with simple estates may use standardized forms, while complex situations frequently require attorney review.

  • Estate owners and homeowners who want to specify beneficiaries and real property distribution.
  • Parents or guardians who must name guardians for minor children and provide for their care.
  • Individuals with blended families, special-needs dependents, or complex asset mixes needing clear direction.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Will

A complete Last Will and Testament contains identifiable parties, clear dispositions, executor and guardian designations, alternate provisions, and signature blocks that satisfy state formalities.

Testator

Full legal name, date of birth, and residence to clearly identify who is making the will and avoid ambiguity.

Executor

Name and contact details for the primary executor plus alternates, with a brief statement of their powers and bond requirements if any.

Beneficiaries

Each beneficiary named with relationship and specific bequests or percentage shares; include contingent beneficiaries where appropriate.

Guardianship

Designation of guardians for minor children, including alternates and any instructions regarding upbringing or trust funding.

Debts and Taxes

Direction on payment of outstanding debts, funeral costs, and taxes and whether taxes come from residuary estate or specific gifts.

Signatures

Signature block for testator, witness lines, and optional self-proving affidavit or notary acknowledgment to streamline probate.

Essential Information to Record

Testator Name: Full legal name
Executor Details: Name and contact
Beneficiary List: Names and shares
Asset Inventory: Brief asset summary
Witness Info: Names and addresses
Notary Block: Acknowledgment details

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Executing a Will

Follow these steps to create a legally enforceable Last Will and Testament and reduce the chance of contest or rejection.

  • 01
    Inventory Assets: List property, accounts, and liabilities for clear disposition.
  • 02
    Choose Fiduciaries: Name executor and guardians, with alternates selected.
  • 03
    Draft Provisions: Specify gifts, residuary clause, and contingencies.
  • 04
    Execute Properly: Sign with required witnesses and notarization where law requires.

Customizing an Online Will Workflow

Configure a digital process that captures required fields, enforces witness steps, and records audit details for probate support.

Field Configuration
Signer Sequence Testator first, then witnesses in order
Authentication Email or SMS code for identity verification
Witness Fields Separate signature and contact fields for each witness
Audit Trail Capture IP, timestamps, and download history

Digital Signing and Submission Needs

Ensure your platform can export an audit log and a final signed PDF suitable for court filing or safe archival storage.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Connects with cloud storage and case management
  • Security: Encryption and compliance features

Where to File and How to Deliver the Will

Understand the typical destinations and delivery options for an executed will so the executor can locate and file it when needed.

  • Attorney Retention: Many testators leave the original with their attorney for safekeeping.
  • Safe Deposit Box: Store original will securely; ensure executor can access it after death.
  • Registrar/Clerk: Probate court receives the will when probate is opened.
  • Digital Archive: Keep a certified PDF copy and audit trail stored offsite.

Timing Considerations and Probate Windows

Timing matters for probate initiation, tax filings, and contest periods; executors should act promptly and follow statutory deadlines.

When to File Probate:

Open probate soon after death to preserve estate assets and creditor notice requirements.

Tax Filings:

Estate tax and final income tax deadlines depend on federal and state rules.

Will Contests:

Statute of limitations to contest varies by state; delays reduce contest viability.

Access to Assets:

Probate timing affects access to bank accounts, property transfers, and title changes.

Record Retention:

Keep probate records and signed will copies for the full statutory retention period.

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

  • Using nicknames or incomplete legal names that make beneficiary identification uncertain.
  • Failing to name alternate beneficiaries or executors, leaving gaps if primary choices cannot serve.
  • Mixing testamentary gifts with informal memos that lack formal language and create ambiguity.
  • Improper witness or notary procedures that render the will vulnerable to rejection in probate.

Risks If a Will Is Incorrect or Invalid

Will Void: Document may be rejected
Estate Delay: Probate timelines lengthen
Higher Costs: Increased legal fees
Family Disputes: Greater contest risk
Tax Consequences: Unplanned tax liabilities
Creditor Claims: Claims may reduce inheritances

Real-World Examples of Using Digital Workflows with Wills

Providers and organizations have used secure digital tools to manage documents and signatures while maintaining compliance and auditability.

Optica Ventures LLC

The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

  • Operational efficiency improved for remote signings.
  • The firm retained clear audit trails and faster document turnaround without sacrificing security or compliance.

Fertility Centers of Illinois

The airSlate SignNow team has been exceptional, responsive, the API has been great, and we're extremely happy that we chose airSlate SignNow as a company.

  • Integration with case systems simplified workflows.
  • The center consolidated signed records, improved access controls, and reduced paper handling for sensitive documents.

Pricing and Feature Comparison for eSignature Providers

Comparative view of starting prices and key capabilities for common eSignature vendors. signNow is listed first per platform naming conventions.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Contact vendor Contact vendor Contact vendor Contact vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Last Wills and Testaments

Answers to common legal and practical questions about preparing, executing, and storing Last Wills and Testaments.


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