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Pennsylvania Estate Law Library

Wills, Photocopy
When anything other than an original will is offered for probate, it is presumed that the testator destroyed the original with the intent to revoke it.  A photocopy of an executed will is not accepted for probate before a hearing with the Orphans' Court proves that the testator did not intend to revoke the original will.

This hearing requires the will's proponents to provide evidence showing why the original will cannot be provided. The proponents must also prove when and where the original will was executed.

See: Will Validity, Generally; Will Contests, Generally; Will Contests, Who May Contest