STATE OF WASHINGTON DC-LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A WILL
In Washington, DC, the laws regarding the valid execution and witnessing of a Will are set forth in the District of Columbia Code Annotated, Division 3 Decedents’ Estates and Fiduciary Relations, Title 18 Wills, Chapter 1 General Provisions, Sections 18-102 through 18-104. In DC, any person eighteen (18) or more years of age who is of sound mind may make a Will. (See: Section 18-102) “Sound mind” generally means someone who has not been deemed incompetent in a prior legal proceeding. A Will must be in writing, signed by the testator and by two witnesses. If the testator cannot physically sign his name he may direct another party to do so. This party may not be one of the witnesses. Each witness must sign the Will in the testator’s presence. (See: Section 18-103) In DC, any person who is credible may be a witness to a Will. Generally, it is recommended that the witnesses to the Will be “disinterested”, which means that they are not beneficiaries of the Will. In DC, a Will is not made invalid because of an interested witness, but any gift to a witness is void, unless the interested witness is an heir to the testator. The interested witness then must forfeit the portion of the gift that exceeds the value they would have received if the testator had died intestate. (See: Section 18-104) At this time Washington, DC does not allow a Will to be made self-proven.
***This information is provided as a general reference and has not been complied by any attorney
having a valid bar or practicing license within the State listed on this document or any State within the USA. If you need any help or if you get stuck while attempting to make a Will document, seek the help of a Licensed Attorney near where you live that handles Probate and Wills etc. Any mistake or error within the Will document or the manner in which it used for, may or may not cause the Will to become null and void.
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