Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania
Legal Wills
Can a handwritten document, written by a person before they died bequeathing property to a relative, but not signed by the deceased, be considered a valid will?
Asked on 3/23/01, 11:15 pm
2 Answers from Attorneys
Jonathan Chester
The Law Office of Jonathan S. Chester, Esq., LLC
Re: Legal Wills
It depends..In NJ, a will that does not comply with the technical requirements of the will statute, can be valid, even if not witnessed, if the signature and the material provisions are in the handwriting of the testator (i.e. the person who made the will).
Without a signature, it will be difficult to admit this document to probate.
Answered on 3/26/01, 8:21 am
Ronald Cappuccio
Ronald J. Cappuccio, J.D., LL.M.(Tax)
Re: Legal Wills
It depends upon the exact wording of the document and the state where the decedent was a resident. You should immediately go to a lawyer in the state of decedent's death for specific advice.
Answered on 3/24/01, 7:43 pm
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
