Last Will and Testament of Thomas Peter burgess
This docuiment is intended to be the last will and testament of Thomas Peter Burgess, born 8th January 1940 in Preston, Lancashire, England.
Peter Burgess's current address is:
204 Seaham Court, Bushkill. PA 18324
I am of sound mind and writing this will voluntarily.
I revoke all previous wills and codicils
I name my daughter Philippa Rose Burgess as the executor.
I name Dahelia 'Dawn' Beverley as alternative executor.
The beneficiaries of my estate are:
- Dahelia 'Dawn' Beverley
- Philippa Rose Burgess
- Brendan John Burgess
- Shivonne Beverley-Burgess
Distribution of assets
The house at 204 Seaham Court, Bushkill, PA 18324 was originally built in the late 1980s by Peter Burgess and Dawn Beverley as a 'vacation home' when we were living together in Manhattan, New York City. When my active career ended in the early 2000s I spent almost all my time in PA at 204 Seaham Court. The house was rebuilt in 2004 after a serious house fire. Prior to this time, I transferred ownership of the house to Dahelia 'Dawn' Beverley. I have paid for home insruance since the house was originally built in the 1980s to the present time.
The contents of the house are of three categories
- 1. Regular furniture ... dining room, living room, bedroom 1, bedroom 2 and bedroon 3
- 2. Clothing, etc.... Peter Burgess
- 2. Clothing, etc.... Philippa Burgess
Last Will & Testament Template (General + PA Specific)
2 messages
Philippa Burgess Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 9:56 AM
To: Peter Burgess
For a handwritten will (holographic will) to be legal and useful, it should meet specific legal requirements depending on the state or country your dad is in. However, the general best practices include the following:
Essential Elements of a Handwritten Will
Title & Declaration
Start with a clear title, such as 'Last Will and Testament of [Full Name]'
A statement that this document is intended to be his last will and testament.
Personal Information
Full legal name
Date of birth
Address
Statement confirming he is of sound mind and writing this will voluntarily.
Revocation of Previous Wills
Include a sentence stating 'I revoke all previous wills and codicils.'
This ensures prior versions do not cause legal confusion.
Appointment of Executor
Name a trusted individual as the executor (the person responsible for handling the estate).
Provide an alternate executor in case the first choice cannot serve.
List of Beneficiaries
Full names and relationships of people (or organizations) who will receive assets.
Clearly specify who gets what (real estate, bank accounts, valuables, etc.).
Consider including backup beneficiaries in case the primary ones pass away before him.
Distribution of Assets
Describe each significant asset and who should receive it.
Example: 'I leave my house at [address] to my son, John Doe.'
Be specific with property descriptions to prevent disputes.
Guardianship for Minor Children (if applicable)
If your dad has minor children, he should name a guardian to take care of them.
Example: 'I name my sister, Jane Doe, as guardian of my minor children.'
Debts & Expenses
A statement that debts, funeral expenses, and taxes should be paid from the estate before distribution.
Example: 'I direct that all my just debts, funeral expenses, and any taxes be paid first before distributing my estate.'
Signatures & Date
He must sign and date the will at the end of the document.
Some states require handwritten wills to be entirely in his handwriting (not typed).
In some places, witnesses may be required for validity.
Additional Best Practices for a Handwritten Will
✅ Use plain language – avoid ambiguity.
✅ Write in ink on plain paper – do not use a template (as it should be fully handwritten).
✅ Store it in a safe place – inform the executor or a trusted individual of its location.
✅ Consider getting it notarized – while not always required, it can strengthen validity.
✅ Check local laws – some states/countries require witnesses for a handwritten will to be valid.
Would you like help checking specific state requirements for his will?
4o
You said:
Pennsylvania
ChatGPT said:
In Pennsylvania, a handwritten will (holographic will) is legal and valid as long as it meets certain requirements. Here’s what your dad needs to do to ensure it is legally binding:
Legal Requirements for a Handwritten Will in Pennsylvania
Must Be in Writing
Pennsylvania does not require the will to be handwritten specifically, but a handwritten will is valid if properly signed and executed.
Must Be Signed by the Testator
Your dad must sign the will at the end to confirm that it represents his wishes.
If he is physically unable to sign, he can direct someone else to sign for him in his presence.
Witnesses Are Not Required, But Recommended
Pennsylvania does not require witnesses for a will to be valid.
However, having two witnesses sign it can make it easier to prove in probate court.
If the will is challenged, witnesses can testify that your dad wrote it voluntarily and was of sound mind.
No Notarization Required (But Recommended for a Self-Proving Will)
Pennsylvania does not require wills to be notarized, but getting a self-proving affidavit notarized can speed up probate.
A self-proving will means the court won’t need witnesses to confirm it’s authentic.
To make it self-proving, he and two witnesses must sign an affidavit in front of a notary public.
Best Practices for a Pennsylvania Handwritten Will
To ensure the will is clear, enforceable, and easy to execute, include the following:
✅ Title: 'Last Will and Testament of [Full Name]'
✅ Personal Information: Full legal name, date of birth, address
✅ Revocation Clause: 'I revoke all previous wills and codicils.'
✅ Executor Appointment: Name an executor and an alternate
✅ List of Beneficiaries: Full names and what they inherit
✅ Specific Bequests: Clearly state who gets what (real estate, money, valuables)
✅ Guardianship (if applicable): Name a guardian for minor children
✅ Debts & Taxes Clause: Specify that debts, taxes, and funeral costs should be paid before distribution
✅ Date & Signature: Sign and date at the end of the document
✅ Optional Witnesses: Two witnesses should sign if possible (not required but helpful)
✅ Storage: Keep the will in a safe place and inform the executor of its location
How to Make the Will 'Self-Proving'
Since Pennsylvania does not require notarization, it can be helpful to create a self-proving will to avoid probate court delays. Here’s how:
Write the will and sign it.
Have two competent witnesses sign it in front of a notary public.
Attach a notarized affidavit, stating that your dad signed it willingly and was of sound mind.
Peter Burgess COMMENTARY
Peter Burgess
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