How to Make an Online Will In Pennsylvania

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legacy and your loved ones. In Pennsylvania, it’s possible to start and complete your will online—but it’s essential that your final document meets all Pennsylvania will requirements to be considered legally valid.

Unlike many decisions in life, you won’t be able to make adjustments to your will once you’re gone. That’s why it’s so important to get it right today. This guide will walk you through what you need to know about Pennsylvania wills online, from legal standards to costs and next steps.

How much does a will cost in Pennsylvania?

Thanks to modern digital platforms, creating a will in Pennsylvania doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars. At Trust & Will, our Will Plan starts at just $199 for individuals and $299 for couples, with optional payment plans available.

Our platform is designed by attorneys and tailored to Pennsylvania law, giving you the freedom to create your will at your own pace, on your own time, with expert support at every step.

Are online wills legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, online wills are legal in Pennsylvania—but with one important detail: At the writing of this article, Pennsylvania does not currently allow electronic wills. This means that while you can create your will online, you’ll need to print a physical copy and sign it in the presence of two valid witnesses.

Witnesses:

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Must be of sound mind

• Cannot be listed as a beneficiary or executor in the will

Once signed and witnessed, your will becomes legally binding under state law. Storing a digital copy for reference is helpful—but only the signed physical version is enforceable.

What makes a will official in Pennsylvania?

To be valid in Pennsylvania, a will must meet the following requirements:

• Must be in writing (not oral or electronic-only)

• Signed by the testator (the person making the will)

• Signed in the presence of two competent, disinterested witnesses

• The testator and witnesses must be of sound mind and legal age

While notarization is not required, it’s often recommended as an extra layer of protection and verification.

Can you write your own last will and testament in Pennsylvania?

Yes, you can legally write your own last will and testament in Pennsylvania. However, it’s important to understand the risks. If you miss key details or fail to follow the legal format, your will could be deemed invalid.

Rather than guessing what to include, consider using an online estate planning platform like Trust & Will. We guide you step-by-step, prompting the right questions to ensure your will includes everything needed—without the high cost of working with an attorney.

It’s a smart, cost-effective way to maintain control over your future and your family’s well-being.

Do you need a lawyer for a will in Pennsylvania?

No, a lawyer is not legally required to make a valid Pennsylvania will. However, professional guidance can help you avoid common mistakes that could delay probate or cause legal disputes.

That’s why we built Trust & Will—to give you access to affordable, legally valid estate planning tools without expensive legal fees. You’ll benefit from:

• Personalized prompts based on your assets and family structure

• Step-by-step instructions

• Unlimited chat support

• Documents built to comply with Pennsylvania will requirements

Does a will in Pennsylvania need to be notarized?

No, a will does not have to be notarized in Pennsylvania to be valid. But notarizing your will can strengthen its legitimacy and simplify the probate process later.

More important than notarization is having two valid witnesses present during the signing. Witnesses should not be named as beneficiaries or executors in your will. All parties must be of sound mind and at least 18 years old.

How much does it cost to get a will notarized in Pennsylvania?

Notary fees in Pennsylvania are among the lowest in the country. A basic acknowledgment typically costs $5, with an additional $2 per extra signature.

You can access notary services through:

• Local UPS stores

• Mobile notaries

• Online notary platforms (for certain other legal documents)

Even though notarization isn’t required, it can offer peace of mind—and it’s a low-cost way to protect your estate plan.

Do you have to file a will with the court in Pennsylvania?

Yes, but only after the testator has passed away.

In Pennsylvania, a will becomes legally enforceable when it is filed with the Register of Wills in the county where the deceased lived. The executor—named in the will—is responsible for filing it.

Once filed, the court will verify the will and begin the probate process if needed. Filing ensures the will is reviewed and that assets can be distributed according to the testator’s wishes.

Does a will need to be recorded in Pennsylvania?

Not always. In Pennsylvania, a will is only recorded (and becomes public record) if it goes through probate.

Whether probate is required depends on:

• The type and value of the assets

• How assets are titled (individually owned vs. joint ownership)

• Whether a Trust or other estate planning tool is in place

All wills must be filed with the court, but only those that enter probate are officially recorded.

How do you make a will in Pennsylvania online?

With Trust & Will, making your Pennsylvania will online is simple, secure, and guided by professionals. We take the guesswork out of estate planning by providing:

• Step-by-step instructions

• Smart prompts based on Pennsylvania law

• Legal formatting that meets state standards

• Optional document storage and update services

Here’s how it works:

1. Answer a few simple questions about your assets, family, and wishes

2. Download or ship your will for review and signature

3. Sign and witness your will following Pennsylvania requirements

4. Store it safely—and update as needed over time

Unlock trusted Pennsylvania estate planning.

Get started with your online will in Pennsylvania for as little as $199 with our Will Plan. Designed to fit your life—and your legacy.

At Trust & Will, we keep things simple. You can create a fully customizable, state-specific estate plan from the comfort of your own home. Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement  options today!

Is there a question here we didn’t answer? Browse more topics in our learn center, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page,  or chat with our member support!

Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.