Doing your Family a Favor
Published on Friday, 05 August 2011 20:43 Written by Lawrence D. Brudy & Associates, Inc
A person’s last Will affects families and loved ones for years and so may be the most important legal document anyone can ever produce. Yet so many put off making a Will, thus almost certainly creating difficult problems. There are two fundamental things to know about “quick-fix” Wills.
The belief persists that the oral or verbal deathbed Will, legally known as a “nuncupative” Will, is a good one. As solemn as the circumstances are, the nuncupative Will is no longer valid in Pennsylvania. A “holographic” Will is one that is written and executed entirely in the handwriting of the testator (the person making it). If executed properly, the holographic Will might well serve the purpose. But it very likely will give rise to unnecessary questions.
For both of these reasons, we always recommend – whether it’s through us or not -- that people have an attorney prepare their Last Will and Testament conforming to Pennsylvania law.
Requirements for a Will
- The Will should be "In writing"
- Signed by the testator at the end of the Will
- Signed in the presence of two (2) witnesses, who also sign it
Contact Darcy M. Dayton, Esquire toll free at (855)935-1400 for more information