To create a will in the Philippines, you must choose a valid type of will, clearly list your assets and beneficiaries, and follow legal requirements for signing, witnessing, or notarization.
Doing this ensures your estate is distributed according to your wishes and reduces the risk of disputes among heirs.
This article covers:
- Which is better, holographic will or notarial will?
- Is a handwritten will legal in the Philippines?
- Does Last Will need to be notarized in the Philippines?
- How much is a will in the Philippines?
- What’s the best way to store a will?
- Do all wills have to go to probate?
Key Takeaways:
- A notarial will in the Philippines is the safest and most legally enforceable type.
- Probate in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) is usually required to legally transfer assets to heirs.
- Philippine estate tax is 6% of the net estate; beneficiaries generally do not pay additional tax.
- Keep your will in a secure, accessible place, such as a bank safety deposit box, lawyer’s office, or with your executor.
My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp +44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions. We also offer bespoke structuring solutions tailored to your situation.
The information in this article is for general guidance only, does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and may have changed since the time of writing.
What are the two types of wills in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, there are two main types of wills recognized by law: notarial wills and holographic wills.
A notarial will is executed before a notary public and signed by at least three witnesses, which makes it the most legally secure option.
This type of will is widely used because it provides strong proof in court and reduces the likelihood of disputes among heirs.
On the other hand, a holographic will is entirely handwritten, signed, and dated by the testator and does not require witnesses or notarization.
While it is simpler and less costly to create, a holographic will can be more easily challenged in court if its authenticity is questioned.
What is the best type of will to have?
While both types of wills are legally valid in the Philippines, a notarial will is generally considered the best choice.
It provides strong legal proof and is much less likely to be contested, making it ideal for individuals with multiple beneficiaries or substantial assets.
A holographic will, on the other hand, can be useful in urgent situations, such as when you need to make a will immediately without access to a lawyer or notary.
Ultimately, a notarial will offers the most protection and clarity, while a holographic will serves as a temporary or simple solution when time or resources are limited.
How to make a will in the Philippines?
Creating a will in the Philippines starts with choosing the type of will and continues with documenting your assets and following legal requirements.
The process generally involves the following steps:
1. Choose type: Decide whether to create a notarial will or a holographic will, based on your estate size, urgency, and need for legal protection.
2. List assets: Clearly list all your assets and specify which beneficiaries will receive each item or portion.
3. Appoint executor: Select a trusted person to serve as your executor, responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will.
4. Sign and date: Sign and date the will to confirm that it reflects your intentions at the time of creation.
5. Notarize if required: For a notarial will, have it notarized and signed by the required witnesses to ensure full legal validity.
Do you need a lawyer to make a will in the Philippines?
You do not strictly need a lawyer to create a will, particularly if you are making a holographic will.
However, consulting a lawyer is highly recommended to ensure that your will complies with Philippine laws and clearly reflects your intentions.
A lawyer can help avoid legal errors, such as improper wording, missing signatures, or failure to follow required formalities, which could render a will invalid.
Additionally, for notarial wills, a lawyer can guide you through the notarization process, coordinate with witnesses, and help structure your estate planning for maximum clarity and protection.
Where is the best place to put a will?
The best place to keep a will in the Philippines is in a secure location that is easily accessible, such as a safety deposit box at a bank.
It offers strong security but may require the executor to present proper documentation to access it after your death.
Many Filipinos also keep their wills with a trusted lawyer’s office, where the document can be safely stored and formally notarized.
Alternatively, some testators keep the will with their executor or a responsible family member, especially if the estate is small or there is a need for quick access.
Some individuals also choose to store estate planning documents with their wealth manager or financial advisor as part of a broader estate planning file.
This is particularly common when the advisor is coordinating assets, beneficiary designations, and succession planning with legal professionals.
Regardless of where it is stored, it is crucial that your executor knows exactly where the will is and how to access it when needed.
How to file a will in the Philippines?
Filing a will is done through probate proceedings in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) where the deceased last resided.
During probate, the court validates the will, confirms its authenticity, and ensures that the executor properly distributes the estate according to the testator’s wishes.
The process typically involves submitting the will, a petition for probate, and supporting documents, such as death certificates and proof of heirship.
Once the court approves the probate, it issues an order allowing the executor to manage and distribute the estate, providing legal protection for both the executor and the beneficiaries.
How much does a will cost in the Philippines?
Creating a will in the Philippines can range from virtually free for a simple holographic will to PHP 5,000–PHP 15,000 for a notarial will.
A holographic will mainly involves your time and materials such as paper, pen, and optionally a copy for safekeeping, but may incur small costs if you choose to store it in a safety deposit box or lawyer’s office.
A notarial will requires lawyer fees, notarization, and administrative charges, which make it more expensive but legally stronger.
Additional costs, such as secure storage or filing fees, should also be considered, especially for larger estates or long-term safekeeping.
How much is the probate fee in the Philippines?
Probate fees in the Philippines usually range from 2% to 5% of the estate’s total value, plus additional court and legal costs.
In addition to these fees, heirs must also pay court filing fees, legal fees for the executor or lawyer, and administrative costs, which can vary by region and the specific Regional Trial Court handling the case.
Smaller estates may qualify for reduced fees under summary or simplified probate proceedings, while larger estates may incur higher legal costs due to more complex documentation and verification requirements.
Planning ahead can help estimate the total costs and ensure that the probate process proceeds smoothly without unexpected financial surprises.
Is probate mandatory in the Philippines?
Yes, probate is generally mandatory to legally transfer the property of a deceased person to their beneficiaries.
Probate proceedings are governed by the Civil Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 386) and the Rules of Court, which ensure the will is validated, the executor is authorized, and the distribution of assets complies with the law.
For small estates, simplified or summary proceedings may be available, allowing heirs to settle the estate more quickly and at lower cost.
Without probate, heirs may face legal challenges in claiming property, and banks or government agencies may refuse to release assets, making probate a crucial step for larger or more complex estates.
Key Considerations for a Strong Philippine Will
When creating a will, one of the most important steps is to choose the right executor—someone trustworthy who can manage your estate, follow your instructions faithfully, and handle legal obligations without conflict.
It’s best to select a person who understands your wishes, can communicate effectively with beneficiaries, and is willing to take on the responsibility over time.
You should also plan to update your will over time, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or acquiring new assets, to ensure that your wishes remain accurate and legally enforceable.
Modern estates often include digital and intangible assets, such as online accounts, cryptocurrency, intellectual property, or investments, which should be explicitly mentioned to avoid confusion or disputes.
Another consideration is clarity and organization: clearly listing assets, beneficiaries, and specific instructions helps prevent misinterpretation or challenges in court.
Including instructions on storage and access ensures that your executor can easily locate and present the will when needed.
Taking all these steps together strengthens the enforceability of your will, protects your heirs, and gives you confidence that your estate will be handled according to your intentions.
Conclusion
A will is not just a legal document but a tool for strategic estate planning and family harmony.
How you choose your executor, update your will over time, and account for both tangible and digital assets can prevent disputes and reduce stress for your heirs.
Thoughtful decisions today can save your loved ones from costly legal battles, confusion, and uncertainty tomorrow.
Ultimately, creating a will is about turning intentions into actionable plans that safeguard both your assets and your family’s peace of mind.
FAQs
Where to file probate proceedings?
Probate proceedings are filed in the Regional Trial Court of the city or municipality where the deceased had their residence.
In which circumstances will a will be invalid?
A will in the Philippines may be invalid if it was made under duress, fraud, or undue influence, is unsigned or improperly witnessed, or violates Philippine law, such as disinheriting compulsory heirs.
How much is inheritance tax in the Philippines?
Inheritance is subject to the Estate Tax, currently at 6% of the net estate under the TRAIN law.
Do beneficiaries pay tax on their inheritance?
Beneficiaries in the Philippines do not pay separate tax on their inheritance.
The estate tax is paid by the estate before the assets are distributed to the heirs.
Who is first in line for inheritance?
Under Philippine law, legitimate children inherit first, and the surviving spouse shares in the estate equally with them.
If there are no children, the legitimate parents or ascendants inherit next.
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