You're Going to Kick the Bucket (Eventually): How to Make a Will in Washington State and Avoid Haunting Your Heirs
Let's face it, folks, none of us are getting out of here alive. While that may be a depressing downer, it does mean there's some pre-mortem planning to be done. Top of the list? A will. Because let's be honest, wouldn't you rather your favorite niece inherit your Beanie Baby collection than your estranged cousin Ernie (who never even liked Beanie Babies anyway)?
This guide will walk you through the not-so-scary world of wills in Washington State, ensuring your stuff ends up in the right hands – or paw prints, if you're bequeathing your fortune to Fluffy the cat.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
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| How To Do A Will In Washington State |
The Great Washington Will Rundown
Washington, bless its quirky heart, doesn't require a fancy lawyer-drafted will. You, my friend, can be your own legal eagle (or should that be legal raven?). But before you grab a crayon and scrawl your wishes on a napkin, there are a few things to consider:
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
- Who Gets the Goods? Make a list of your stuff – property, cash, that slightly creepy porcelain doll collection. Then, decide who gets to inherit what. Be specific! You wouldn't want your vintage record collection to accidentally end up with your tone-deaf nephew.
- Pick Your Positivity Patrol: Appoint an executor, the superhero who handles divvying up your stuff after you're, well, fertilizer. Choose someone responsible and organized (unlike your friend Tony who loses his keys more than a chameleon).
- Guardians of the Galaxy (Your Kids, That Is): If you have minor children, name a guardian to raise them if you're no longer around. This is super important, so choose wisely (and maybe give them a heads-up beforehand).
Pro Tip: Don't forget about your digital assets! Social media accounts, email, and even that online game where you're the mayor of a virtual frog island – decide who gets access to that too.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
Let's Make it Official: Signing and Witnessing
Once you've got your will drafted (even if it's in Comic Sans), it's time to make it official. Here's the down-low:
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
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- Sign on the dotted line: Put your John Hancock on that bad boy. You can even get fancy with a flourish if you want (just make sure it's still legible).
- Witness, Witness, Joy: Get two witnesses, 18 years or older and sound of mind (no, Fluffy the cat can't be a witness, sorry). They basically watch you sign and then sign themselves, swearing they saw the whole thing go down.
Did You Know? Washington allows for "self-proving" wills. This means you and your witnesses sign an affidavit in front of a notary, which can speed things up in probate court.
Storing Your Will: Don't Let it Become a Treasure Hunt
So you've got your spiffy will all signed and sealed. Great! Now what? Don't shove it in a dusty drawer and forget about it. Here are some storage tips:
- Lawyer Up (for Safekeeping): Ask your lawyer to keep a copy in their files. Safe and sound!
- Get Digital: Scan a copy and store it securely in the cloud (with a password, obviously).
- Tell a Trusted Friend: Let someone close know where the original is located. Just don't make it a cryptic riddle ("Follow the white rabbit and then take a left at the haunted mansion!").
Remember: Make sure your will is easy to find! The last thing your loved ones need during a difficult time is a scavenger hunt for your final wishes.
Will FAQs
How to Change My Will? Easy! Just write a new will and it automatically revokes the old one.How Much Does it Cost to Make a Will? It can be free (DIY style) or you can hire a lawyer (prices vary).What Happens if I Die Without a Will? The state decides who gets your stuff, which may not be what you wanted.Do I Need a New Will if I Move to Another State? Probably best to check with a lawyer in your new state.Can I Leave Something to My Pet? Yes, Washington allows you to leave money or property to your furry (or feathery)
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