Pennsylvania · Through 2026-03-18 (Statute Update stamp, 20 Pa.C.S.)

20 Pa.C.S. § 3132: Manner of probate.

All wills shall be proved by the oaths or affirmations of two competent witnesses and
(1) Will signed by testator.--In the case of a will to which the testator signed his name, proof by subscribing witnesses, if there are such, shall be preferred to the extent that they are readily available, and proof of the signature of the testator shall be preferred to proof of the signature of a subscribing witness.
(2) Will signed by mark or by another.--In the case of a will signed by mark or by another in behalf of the testator, the proof must be by subscribing witnesses, except to the extent that the register is satisfied that such proof cannot be adduced by the exercise of reasonable diligence. In that event other proof of the execution of the will, including proof of the subscribers' signatures, may be accepted, and proof of the signature of a witness who has subscribed to an attestation clause shall be prima facie proof that the facts recited in the attestation clause are true.
(3) Nuncupative will.--(Repealed).

Where this section sits in the code

Title 20 - DECEDENTS, ESTATES AND FIDUCIARIES
CHAPTER 31 DISPOSITIONS INDEPENDENT OF LETTERS; FAMILY EXEMPTION; PROBATE OF WILLS AND GRANT OF LETTERS
SUBCHAPTER C PROBATE

All wills shall be proved by the oaths or affirmations of two competent witnesses and

(1) Will signed by testator.--In the case of a will to which the testator signed his name, proof by subscribing witnesses, if there are such, shall be preferred to the extent that they are readily available, and proof of the signature of the testator shall be preferred to proof of the signature of a subscribing witness.

(2) Will signed by mark or by another.--In the case of a will signed by mark or by another in behalf of the testator, the proof must be by subscribing witnesses, except to the extent that the register is satisfied that such proof cannot be adduced by the exercise of reasonable diligence. In that event other proof of the execution of the will, including proof of the subscribers' signatures, may be accepted, and proof of the signature of a witness who has subscribed to an attestation clause shall be prima facie proof that the facts recited in the attestation clause are true.

(3) Nuncupative will.--(Repealed).

Collected 2026-09-02T16:31:33Z. Source file · JSON

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