Last Will and Testament in Washington
A simple will form for straightforward estates. A will is valid only if it is signed and witnessed exactly as your state requires (below); one that is not executed correctly may be ignored by the court. Larger estates, blended families, trusts for minor children or business interests are worth a lawyer's review.
What Washington law says
| Requirements for a valid will | Any person of sound mind who is 18 or older may make a will. The will must be in writing and signed by the testator, or by another person at the testator's direction in the testator's presence or electronic presence, and must be attested by two or more competent witnesses who sign their names to the will. A will executed in another place in the manner required by that place's law is also treated as validly executed. Washington also allows electronic wills, including signing and witnessing through electronic presence. The electronic will provisions apply to people who die on or after January 1, 2022. |
|---|---|
| Self-proving affidavit | Yes. Attesting witnesses may sign an affidavit, sworn before any person authorized to administer oaths, stating the facts they would otherwise testify to in court to prove the will. It may be made at the testator's request, or after death at the request of the executor or an interested person, and may be written on or attached to the will (or logically associated with an electronic will). The court accepts it as if the testimony had been taken in court. Source: RCW 11.20.020 |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | Washington does not recognize handwritten, unwitnessed (holographic) wills; every will must be signed and attested by at least two witnesses. A limited oral (nuncupative) will is allowed only to dispose of personal property worth up to $1,000, proved by two witnesses who were present, and offered for probate within six months; real estate cannot pass by an oral will. Special oral-will rules apply to certain members of the armed forces and merchant marine. Source: RCW 11.12.020; RCW 11.12.025 |
Fill it in
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [your full name]
I, [your full name], of [city, county and state], being of sound mind, make this my will and revoke all earlier wills and codicils.
1. Executor. I name [executor name] as personal representative (executor). If they cannot serve, I name [alternate executor name].
2. Specific gifts. I give [item or amount] to [beneficiary name].
3. Everything else. I give the rest of my property to [beneficiaries and shares]. If a beneficiary does not survive me by 30 days, their share goes to [alternate beneficiary].
4. Guardian. If I have minor children, I name [guardian name] as guardian, and [alternate guardian name] as alternate.
Signed on [date signed] at [city and state]. Signature: ____________________
Witnesses: we signed below in the presence of the person making this will and of each other, as required by state law. Witness 1: [witness 1 name and address] ____________ Witness 2: [witness 2 name and address] ____________
[Notary or self-proving affidavit, if your state provides one]
Last Will and Testament for other states · Washington tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.