Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Hi Can you tell me if I just write done my last wishes and get it notrized it is legal and binding or must I have a legal will


Asked on 4/28/10, 2:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

You are confusing a will with a living will.

The living will says what kind of medical treatment you do or do not want at end of life. A will says who you want to get the "stuff" of all kind that you own.

Although some people try to write these themselves or use forms they find online or in stores, they run the risk that the documents won't say what they really want, or won't be properly executed. There may be situations where you'd really need legal advice beyond who should get stuff. The DIY result would be as bad, and possibly even worse, than having no will or living will. Also, just having something notarized doesn't make it effective for the purpose you want.

For both of those documents, you should be appointing the people who will take care of carrying out your wishes.

You are better off writing down a list of what you want, thinking about who you would appoint to act, and then consulting with a lawyer who will prepare the documents and make sure that they are properly signed.

Read more
Answered on 5/03/10, 3:08 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in Pennsylvania