How do I know if someone has made a valid will?

A valid will is one that meets the legal requirements of the state you live in. In Washington, a valid will must be in writing, signed by the testator (the person making the will) in front of two witnesses, and attested to by the witnesses in the presence of the testator. The witnesses must also sign the will in front of each other. The testator must have the mental capacity to understand what they are doing when writing the will and must sign it of their own free will. It is important to remember that if any part of the will-making process is not followed, the will may be found to be invalid. For example, if the testator signs the will without the presence of the witnesses, or if the witnesses do not sign it in front of each other, the will may not be considered valid. If you are unsure if a will is valid, you can check with the court that has jurisdiction over the estate. The court may require additional documentation and proof in order to determine the validity of the will. A probate lawyer can also help you determine if the will is valid or not.

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How do I know if someone has made a valid will?

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