[WSBAPT] Will Formalities - clients out of country

[Lisa Schuchman]

I have done what Melinda suggests with clients who are in WA but can't come in for some reason (they live in the San Juans, for example).  Here is my cover letter language:
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Enclosed are your original unsigned will and powers of attorney.  Here are signing instructions:

1. Will: you initial and date at the bottom of pages one through three.  On page three, date and sign in the presence of two witnesses.  The witnesses then sign, including their addresses.  The witnesses also sign the Affidavit of Witnesses (attached to the will) in the presence of a notary public, who notarizes the affidavit.

2. Power of attorney regarding property:  Date and sign page four in front of a notary, who notarizes your signature.  The last page is for a physician to use if you become disabled.

3. Power of attorney for health care: You date and sign on page five in front of two witness and a notary public.  The witnesses sign and the notary notarizes your signature.

Please let me know if you have questions.  I'd appreciate having copies (not originals) of the signed documents for my file.
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Lisa E. Schuchman
206-325-2801, ext. 104
www.lisaschuchman.com<http://www.lisaschuchman.com/>

Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid. -Albert Schweitzer

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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com [mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com] On Behalf Of Melinda Grout
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2016 9:20 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] Will Formalities - clients out of country

Hi Gus,

You can send them very clear, step-by-step instructions.  I would also create an expanded Declaration for the Witnesses (see attached for example), and also include a place at each statement for each witness to initial, to show that all involved were aware and doing it appropriately.

Regards,

Melinda Grout
Law Office of Melinda K Grout, PS
17325 W. Main Street / P.O. Box 1360
Monroe, WA  98272
360-794-4322  / Fax: 425-744-6745

Emphasizing Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law
mkgroutlaw.com<http://mkgroutlaw.com>

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