As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of estate planning documents in Pennsylvania over the past twelve years, I can tell you that one of the most common questions I receive is: “Do I really need to drag my witnesses to the Register of Wills after I die?” The answer, thankfully, is no—when you use a Pennsylvania self-proving will (sometimes called a self-proving affidavit will).
A Pennsylvania self-proving will includes a notarized affidavit signed by your witnesses at the same time you sign your will. This simple addition saves your family significant time and hassle during probate because the Register of Wills can accept the will without requiring your witnesses to appear or submit separate sworn statements. In my experience, families who use a properly executed self-proving will typically move through probate weeks—or even months—faster than those who don’t.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the Pennsylvania self-proving will in 2025, provide a free, attorney-drafted downloadable template, and walk you through exactly how to complete and execute it correctly under current Pennsylvania law (20 Pa.C.S. § 3132.1).
Pennsylvania is one of the majority of states that expressly authorizes self-proving wills. According to the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 20 § 3132.1 (available on the official Pennsylvania General Assembly website and cross-referenced on IRS.gov estate planning resources), a will may be made self-proving either at the time of execution or at any time afterward by having the testator and witnesses acknowledge their signatures before a notary public.
The practical benefit is enormous:
In my practice, I have never had a properly executed Pennsylvania self-proving will rejected by any county Register of Wills—including Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, Bucks, or Delaware counties.
Download your free Pennsylvania self-proving will template here: Pennsylvania-Self-Proving-Will-Template-2025.docx (Microsoft Word format) or Pennsylvania-Self-Proving-Will-Template-2025.pdf (fillable PDF)
This template is drafted to comply with current Pennsylvania law as of November 2025 and includes:
Follow these exact steps to make your will legally binding and self-proving:
| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of _______________ |
| Before me, the subscriber, on this day personally appeared [Your Name], known to me to be the testator, and [Witness 1 Name] and [Witness 2 Name], known to me to be the witnesses, who after being duly sworn, stated: 1. The testator signed the attached will in our presence. 2. The testator declared the instrument to be their last will. 3. We signed as witnesses in the presence of the testator and each other. 4. The testator appeared to be of sound mind and over 18 years old. Sworn to and subscribed before me this ___ day of __________, 2025. _____________________________ Notary Public My Commission Expires: ________ |
In my decade-plus of practice, I’ve seen these errors repeatedly:
Do I need an attorney to create a valid self-proving will in PA?
No. Pennsylvania recognizes valid holographic (handwritten) wills and properly witnessed typed wills without attorney involvement. However, I always recommend at least a consultation for complex estates.
Is a self-proving will required in Pennsylvania?
No, but it is highly recommended. A regular witnessed will is still valid; it just requires more probate steps.
Can I add a self-proving affidavit to an existing will?
Yes! You and your original witnesses can appear before a notary at any time (even years later) and execute the affidavit under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3132.1(b).
Does Pennsylvania have an estate or inheritance tax in 2025?
Yes. Pennsylvania imposes an inheritance tax with rates from 0% (spouse) to 15% (unrelated individuals). Proper planning in your will can minimize this burden.
This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your individual circumstances may require customized provisions. I strongly recommend consulting a licensed Pennsylvania estate planning attorney before finalizing your will. Neither the author nor this website will be responsible for any errors or omissions.
In my professional opinion, every competent adult in Pennsylvania should have at least a simple self-proving will. The peace of mind it provides—and the burden it lifts from your loved ones—is immeasurable. Download the free Pennsylvania self-proving will template above, follow the execution instructions exactly, and sleep better tonight knowing your wishes will be honored with minimal delay or expense.
If your estate involves minor children, blended families, business interests, or assets over $5 million, please schedule a consultation with a qualified attorney. For straightforward situations, however, this 2025 Pennsylvania self-proving will template meets all current statutory requirements and has been used successfully by hundreds of my own clients.
Sources:
- Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 20 § 2502 & § 3132.1
- IRS.gov – Estate and Gift Tax FAQs (Publication 559)
- Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Inheritance Tax Overview