Divorce Following a Will
Unless a will specifically states
otherwise, Pennsylvania voids all will provisions in favor of an ex-spouse.
This includes all
testamentary gifts, as well as any
fiduciary appointments to roles such as
executor and
trustee.
These will provisions are simply interpreted as though the ex-spouse did not
survive the testator.
All testamentary gifts to the ex-spouse will be given to
alternate beneficiaries or, if none,
will pass by Pennsylvania's
intestacy laws. Similarly, any
alternate executor or alternate trustee named to follow the ex-spouse
for either of these roles will be appointed.
Divorce also removes the ex-spouse's right to claim an
elective share of the former spouse's
estate.
See: Marriage Following a Will;
Children Born After a Will;
Children Born Out of Wedlock
