Will Laws
Washington
Will Laws
Washington
Overview
Here you will find what is required by state when making a living will. You will also find whether or not this specific state accepts oral or written wills.
Some key terms to keep in mind:
Testator: One who makes or has made a will; one who dies leaving a will.
Holographic Will: A will and testament that has been entirely handwritten and signed by the testator.
Oral Will: An oral will (or "nuncupative" will) is a will that has been delivered orally (that is, in speech) to witnesses, as opposed to the usual form of wills, which is written and according to a proper format.
State Requirements and Will Type Recognition
Code Section
11.12.010, et seq
Operative Facts
- May be created by any adult
- document must be signed by declarant
- presence of 2 witnesses
- suggested form: ยง70.122.030.
- Witnesses must not be related to declarer
Age of Testator
18 years or older and of sound mind
Number of Witnesses Required
Attested by two or more competent witnesses by subscribing their names to the will or by signing an affidavit (2) while in the presence of and at the direction of the testator.
Oral Will Recognition
No real estate; personal property not more than $1000; members of U.S. Armed Forces and persons employed on U.S. Merchant Marine vessels may dispose of wages and personal property; must be made with two witnesses present at time of making that testator requested person to bear witness to will and that it was made at time of last sickness; must be reduced to writing, proof offered within 6 months of words spoken, and citation issued to widows and heirs-at-law that they might contest.