Washington Last Will and Testament Package
What is this form package?
The Washington Last Will and Testament Package is designed to help you create a legally binding last will and testament, along with other essential estate planning forms specific to Washington state. This package stands out because it includes a completed sample of a will, allowing you to see a properly filled-out example. With detailed forms customized for various personal situations, this package ensures you have the right tools to safeguard your assets and provide clear instructions for your wishes after your passing.
Documents contained in this package
Common use cases
Utilize the Washington Last Will and Testament Package in the following situations:
- When you need to designate beneficiaries for your assets.
- If you want to appoint a guardian for your minor children.
- When you wish to specify your funeral arrangements.
- If you have recent life changes such as marriage, divorce, or having children.
Who can use this document
- Residents of Washington state looking to draft their last will and testament.
- Individuals with children and dependents needing guardianship provisions.
- People intending to ensure their estate is distributed according to their preferences.
- Those who have specific wishes regarding their healthcare and funeral arrangements.
Instructions for completing these forms
- Review all included forms to understand their purpose.
- Fill out the Estate Planning Questionnaire to gather necessary information.
- Complete the Personal Planning Information and Document Inventory Worksheets.
- Select the appropriate Will form based on your personal situation.
- Enter your details, and ensure all signatures are appropriately filled out.
Notarization guidance for this package
Forms in this package usually don’t need notarization, but certain jurisdictions or signing circumstances may require it. US Legal Forms provides a secure online notarization option powered by Notarize, accessible 24/7 from anywhere.
Avoid these common issues
- Failing to sign the will in the presence of witnesses.
- Neglecting to update the will after major life changes.
- Leaving out essential beneficiary information.
- Using vague language that can lead to confusion.
Why complete this package online
- Convenient access to downloadable forms from anywhere.
- Editable documents that can be customized to fit your needs.
- Client support and guidance, providing peace of mind during the process.
- Save time and money compared to hiring an attorney for basic estate planning.
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FAQ
Bank accounts. Brokerage or investment accounts. Retirement accounts and pension plans. A life insurance policy.
In the state of Washington, handwritten wills may be accepted for probate, provided the handwritten will meets all other requirements under Washington law.
A person's last will and testament outlines what to do with possessions, whether the deceased will leave them to another person, a group or donate them to charity, and what happens to other things that they are responsible for, such as custody of dependents and management of accounts and financial interests.
No, in Washington, you do not need to notarize your will to make it legal. However, Washington allows you to make your will "self-proving" and you'll need to go to a notary if you want to do that. A self-proving will speeds up probate because the court can accept the will without contacting the witnesses who signed it.
No, you aren't required to hire a lawyer to prepare your will, though an experienced lawyer can provide useful advice on estate-planning strategies such as living trusts.
Washington doesn't recognize holographic, or handwritten Wills, signed only by the testator. A valid Will in Washington needs to be signed by the testator in the presence of two disinterested witnesses who also sign.
Age: The testator must be at least 18 years old. Capacity: The testator must be of sound mind. Signature: The will must be signed by the testator or by someone else in the testator's name in his presence, by his direction.
To file the will, you should go to the Superior Court Clerk's office in any Washington Superior Court and file it there. In King County, the Clerk will require you to pay $20 to do this. Bring the original will and a copy, along with a completed Case Designation Coversheet (check Will Only on the second page).