As a Pennsylvania estate-planning attorney with over 12 years of drafting wills for families across the Commonwealth, I’ve helped hundreds of clients create legally valid last wills and testaments. One of the most common questions I hear is “Can I write my own will in Pennsylvania without paying thousands in legal fees?” The answer is yes—Pennsylvania law allows you to create your own will if you follow the correct requirements. Below you’ll find a completely free, downloadable, printable last will and testament template for Pennsylvania residents that I personally use as a starting point for many clients, along with step-by-step instructions on how to write a will in Pennsylvania in 2025.
Important Disclaimer: This free will template Pennsylvania residents can download is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have complexities (minor children, blended families, large estates, etc.). Always consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney before finalizing any legal document.
Click here to download your free printable will form Pennsylvania 2025 (PDF & Word)
Under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 20 (§ 2501–2502), a valid will in PA must meet these core requirements:
Source: 20 Pa.C.S. § 2502 – Official Pennsylvania General Assembly website (current as of 2025).
Unlike some states, Pennsylvania does NOT accept holographic (entirely handwritten and unwitnessed) wills if they were created in PA. However, a holographic will written in another state where it is valid may be admitted here.
Here is the exact template I provide to clients who want a simple will when their estate is straightforward:
Download Free Last Will and Testament Template Pennsylvania (2025 Updated)
The downloadable package includes:
Before you open the template, collect:
This automatically cancels any older wills you made.
Clearly state if you are married, single, divorced, or widowed and list all children (biological and legally adopted).
Name your primary executor and at least one alternate. Pennsylvania courts strongly prefer residents, but non-residents can serve.
The template already includes standard language required by PA law.
This is where you say who gets what. You can leave percentage shares, dollar amounts, or specific items.
Only include this section if you have children under 18.
Sign at the very end of the document. Initial every page if you want to be extra safe.
Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries in the will (20 Pa.C.S. § 2504.1). Good choices: neighbors, coworkers, or friends who are not receiving anything.
Take the signed will and witnesses to a Pennsylvania notary. Everyone signs the affidavit page. This allows your will to be probated without calling witnesses later—saves your family months and hundreds of dollars.
Source: IRS.gov cross-references estate matters, but primary authority is Pennsylvania Title 20.
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Only one witness | Will is invalid in PA |
| Beneficiary acts as witness | That gift may be void |
| No self-proving affidavit | Witnesses must be located years later |
| Handwritten changes after signing | May invalidate entire will |
| Forgetting to update after marriage/divorce | PA automatically revokes gifts to ex-spouse, but can cause confusion |
Skip the DIY route and hire an attorney if you have:
Do I need to file my will with the county in Pennsylvania?
No. Keep it in a safe place and tell your executor where it is. Some counties offer “will registry” services for a small fee.
Does Pennsylvania have an inheritance tax?
Yes—0% for spouse, 4.5% for children, 12% for siblings, 15% for others (2025 rates).
Can I disinherit my spouse in PA?
No. Your surviving spouse can elect against the will and take approximately 1/3 (elective share).
Is a video will valid in Pennsylvania?
No. Only written wills meeting the statutory requirements are recognized.
Having drafted thousands of wills in my career, I can tell you that the majority of Pennsylvania families have straightforward needs that a properly executed free last will and testament PA template can handle perfectly. Taking 30 minutes today to download, complete, sign, and witness the template above can save your loved ones tens of thousands of dollars and endless heartache tomorrow.
Again, download your completely free, attorney-drafted template here:
Free Printable Last Will and Testament Pennsylvania 2025 – Instant Download
Remember: This is not legal advice. If you have any doubt, schedule a consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania estate attorney. Peace of mind is priceless.
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