In Washington State, a statutory will is a simplified legal document that allows individuals to outline their wishes regarding asset distribution after death. These templates are designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that even those without legal expertise can create a valid will. Below are three diverse examples of statutory will templates tailored for different scenarios in Washington.
This template is ideal for an individual who has no children and wishes to leave their assets to family members or friends. It provides a straightforward structure that can be easily filled out.
In this scenario, Jane, a 35-year-old single professional, wants to ensure her assets are distributed according to her wishes without complications.
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
OF
JANE DOE
Date: [Insert Date]
I, Jane Doe, residing at [Insert Address], being of sound mind and body, do hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.
Article I: Identification
I revoke all previous wills and codicils made by me.
Article II: Executor
I appoint [Name of Executor] as the Executor of this Will. If they are unable to serve, I appoint [Name of Alternate Executor].
Article III: Distribution of Assets
I give and bequeath my entire estate, including any personal property, real estate, and financial accounts, to:
Article IV: Signatures
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this [Insert Date].
Signature: _______________________
Witnesses:
Note: Ensure that the will is signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. This template can be modified to include specific gifts or other beneficiaries as needed.
This template suits a couple who wishes to outline how their assets should be divided among their children and each other. It reflects their mutual agreements and provides peace of mind.
In this example, John and Emily, a married couple with two children, want to ensure that their assets are passed down to their children while also providing for each other in the event of one’s passing.
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
OF
JOHN AND EMILY SMITH
Date: [Insert Date]
We, John Smith and Emily Smith, residing at [Insert Address], declare this to be our Last Will and Testament.
Article I: Revocation of Previous Wills
We revoke all prior wills and codicils made by us.
Article II: Executors
We appoint each other as Executors of this Will. If either of us is unable to serve, we appoint [Name of Alternate Executor].
Article III: Distribution of Assets
In the event of our joint demise, we leave our estate as follows:
Article IV: Signatures
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this [Insert Date].
Signatures:
John Smith: _______________________
Emily Smith: _______________________
Witnesses:
Note: This will should be signed in the presence of two witnesses not related to either spouse. Each spouse can modify their own will if needed to reflect personal wishes.
This template addresses the complexities of a blended family, ensuring that both biological and stepchildren are considered in the estate distribution.
For instance, Sarah, a widow with one child, has remarried Tom, who has two children from a previous marriage. They wish to create a statutory will that reflects their new family dynamics.
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
OF
SARAH AND TOM WILLIAMS
Date: [Insert Date]
We, Sarah Williams and Tom Williams, residing at [Insert Address], declare this to be our Last Will and Testament.
Article I: Revocation of Previous Wills
We revoke all prior wills and codicils made by us.
Article II: Executors
We appoint each other as Executors of this Will. If either of us is unable to serve, we appoint [Name of Alternate Executor].
Article III: Distribution of Assets
Upon our deaths, we direct that our estate be divided as follows:
Article IV: Signatures
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this [Insert Date].
Signatures:
Sarah Williams: _______________________
Tom Williams: _______________________
Witnesses:
Note: It is crucial to consider the specific needs and dynamics of a blended family when creating a will. This template can be adjusted to ensure all family members feel included and valued.
By using these examples of statutory will templates for Washington, individuals can ensure that their last wishes are clearly communicated and legally binding.