Estate Planning Laws in Pennsylvania.

After death, a Pennsylvania will is generally offered for probate through the county Register of Wills, and the personal representative must obtain letters before administering most estate assets.

In Pennsylvania, a person who is 18 or older and of sound mind may make a will. A will must be in writing and signed by the testator at the end, with special execution rules if the testator signs by mark or directs another person to sign.

Pennsylvania allows an attested will to be made self-proved by acknowledgment and witness affidavits, which can make probate smoother when there is no will contest.

Pennsylvania powers of attorney are presumed durable unless the document says otherwise, and the state code sets out execution requirements, notices, and agent acknowledgments that must be handled carefully.