No Will but a signed peice of paper...

[JustFacts Pleas]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania

Uncle Arnie recently died. A piece of paper was found with a statement written by Uncle Arnie that said that his house is to go to Moe {his nephew] when he dies. The statement is signed and dated but not witnessed or notorized.

Uncle Arnie did not have a will. Is the peice of paper "legal" in any way entitling Moe to Uncle Arnie's house?

Uncle Arnie was a resident of Pennsylvania and died in Pennsylvania. He never married, had no children, and both of his parents are deceased. His only heirs are his brothers and sisters.

 

[Ohiogal]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania

Uncle Arnie recently died. A piece of paper was found with a statement written by Uncle Arnie that said that his house is to go to Moe {his nephew] when he dies. The statement is signed and dated but not witnessed or notorized.

Uncle Arnie did not have a will. Is the peice of paper "legal" in any way entitling Moe to Uncle Arnie's house?

Uncle Arnie was a resident of Pennsylvania and died in Pennsylvania. He never married, had no children, and both of his parents are deceased. His only heirs are his brothers and sisters.

That piece of paper which is not witnessed would not meet the specifications of a basic holographic will -- I could be wrong but as far as I know you need witnesses in order to have a will. No witnesses, no will. He died intestate. Intestate succession rules. His brothers and sisters inherit whatever is in the estate -- he should have made a transfer on death deed to insure Moe got the house -- if PA even has those.

 

[Dandy Don]

With a matter of this importance you need to be taking it to a local attorney for review, and finding out your options to see whether you would inherit if that document is voided and instead an intestate probate is done.

 

[Betty]

Sometimes a "paper will" written in the handwriting of the deceased & dated/signed (even though not witnessed) will be accepted by the courts if the handwriting of the "will" & signature can be verified by someone familiar with the deceased's handwriting. It does not have to be witnessed but that would have been better.