.2603121035430.png)
-
$31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
-
$11 Million Police Shooting Victims
-
$1 Million Assault Injury
-
$11 Million Police Shooting Victims
-
$2.4 Million Pedestrian Accident
-
$4.8 Million Bicycle Accident
-
$4.25 Million Tractor-Trailer Collision
-
$1 Million Truck Accident
-
$3.25 Million Cement Truck Accident
-
$625K Premises Liability
-
$1.25 Million Premises Liability
-
$1 Million Falling Object Injury
-
Maximum Compensation Bus Accident
-
$1.5 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident
-
$1.65 Million Car Accident
-
$10 Million Tractor-Trailer Accident
-
$1.35 Million Drunk Driving Accident
-
$31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
Philadelphia Wills Lawyer
Wills and Estates Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Drafting Clear, Enforceable Distributions Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
Everyone should have a will regardless of age or physical health. Wills are an essential part of estate planning, and an experienced Philadelphia wills attorney can help you to draft a valid will and to ensure that it will be enforceable.
A will, which is also known as a last will and testament, is a document that a person can use to leave property to family members, friends, organizations, and other entities. According to Pennsylvania law, the following are requirements for making a will:
- Person is 18 years or older; and
- Person is of sound mind.
In order for a will to be valid, it must be in writing, and it must be signed by the testator (i.e., the person making the will) at the end of the will. If a testator cannot physically sign the will, she or he can make a mark that can validly take the place of a signature if the mark is made in the presence of two witnesses who then sign their names to the will. If a testator cannot make a mark but is still 18 years or older and of sound mind, another party can sign the will on the testator’s behalf if it is done in the presence of the testator, at the testator’s express direction, and in the presence of two witnesses who sign their names to the will.
Holographic wills, which are handwritten wills, can only be valid in Pennsylvania if all other requirements described above are met. However, holographic wills can get tricky, and it is better to have a will typed and properly signed to ensure its validity. Pennsylvania does not permit orally made wills, which are known as nuncupative wills.
Find Out What Your Case is Worth
We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.
-
“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”- Former Client
-
“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”- Sewall M. Jr.
-
“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”- Frank A.
-
“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”- Leslie L.
-
“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”- Ninel B.
-
“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”- Bennie H.
-
“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”- Quiana
-
“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”- RB
Benefits of Having a Will in Philadelphia
In addition to knowing that your property will pass to your intended heirs according to your wishes, working with a Philadelphia estate law attorney can help to ensure that your last will and testament will be enforceable and that you will not die intestate. When a person dies without a valid will, or without any kind of will, that person is said to die “intestate.” When a person dies intestate, Pennsylvania’s intestacy law will determine who property is passed.
When a person passes away and has a will, probate will occur, and the assets can be distributed according to the deceased’s wishes. If you want to learn more about options for leaving property to your loved ones in a manner that avoids probate, you should speak with your estate planning lawyer about creating a trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills and Estates in Philadelphia, PA
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!
-
Yes. A will is important regardless of how large or small your estate is. Without one, Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws decide who receives your assets, which may not match your wishes or your family dynamics. Even a modest estate can include bank accounts, personal belongings, vehicles, or digital assets you’d like to see go to specific people or charities. A will also helps reduce confusion and conflict among your loved ones, because they have clear instructions directly from you instead of guessing what you “would have wanted.”
-
To be valid in Pennsylvania, the person making the will must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. The will must be in writing and signed at the end by the testator (the person making the will). If the testator cannot physically sign, they may make a mark in the presence of two witnesses, who must then sign their names. If the testator cannot even make a mark, another person may sign the will on the testator’s behalf, but only in the testator’s presence, at the testator’s direction, and in the presence of two witnesses who sign as well. Handwritten (holographic) wills are only valid if they still meet these same requirements; oral (nuncupative) wills are not recognized in Pennsylvania.
-
When a person dies without a valid will, they are said to die “intestate.” In that situation, Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws control who receives their property. The law creates a hierarchy of heirs—typically starting with a surviving spouse and children, then moving to parents, siblings, and more distant relatives if necessary. The court does not consider personal wishes that were never put into a valid will, and friends, unmarried partners, charities, and other important people in the decedent’s life may receive nothing. Having a properly drafted will allows you to decide who inherits, rather than leaving it up to the statutory formula.
-
Yes. You can change your will at any time as long as you are 18 or older and of sound mind. Changes are typically made either by creating a new will or by executing a codicil (a formal amendment) that meets the same signing and witnessing requirements as a will. You should review and consider updating your will after major life events—such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, a significant change in assets, or the death of a named beneficiary or executor. Working with an estate planning attorney to revise your will helps ensure that the new version is legally enforceable and clearly reflects your current wishes.
in their own words
Clients share their experiences and results firsthand
-
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
-
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
-
"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
-
"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
.2601131429515.png "Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys"){kind=logo}
the complete coverage advantage
-
Full-Spectrum
LawFrom criminal defense to personal injury and beyond, clients gain seamless, strategic support from a full-service law firm built to handle every legal challenge under one roof.
-
Values-Driven
PracticeFrom pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.
-
Human-Centered
AdvocacyWe stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.
-
High-Caliber
ResultsOur attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.