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 !)


Asked on 8/10/08, 8:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Bruce Busch Bruce R. Busch, Attorney at Law

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.

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Answered on 8/16/08, 6:44 am


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