Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington
Gravely ill person having signature notarized
My wife's mother is bedridden and gravely ill. Her will was never notarized, and I believe we have to have two witnesses and a notary present to witness all signatures. She has no current driver's license so she has to find a notary who knows her. Can this process be made easier given the fact that she is confined to her bed and has no current valid I.D.? (thank you !)
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Gravely ill person having signature notarized
Technically, she doesn't need a notary, only two witnesses that know her. But the notary creates a "self-proving" will which simplifies the probate process somewhat. However, if the witnesses are easily found upon your mother-in-law's death, the value of the notary is only nominal. The notary is of great value if there is the chance of a will contest due to some unequal division of property or disinheritance.