[WSBAPT] Notarized Will required to admit to probate vs valid Will

[Timothy Lehr]

All,

I have what is likely a dumb question, but have not came across this before. PC filed a Petition to admit decedent's Will and open probate, pro se. The Will was signed by two witnesses but not notarized. The court denied the petition and stated that the Will needs to be notarized and cannot be admitted.

My office always notarizes our Wills but I did not think that was required to admit a Will to probate. My research found that a Will does not need to be notarized to be a valid Will under RCW 11.12.020, but a notarized Will creates a self-proving Will. Does a Will need to be notarized to admit to probate or if not notarized, are there additional requirements to admit the un-notarized Will to probate?

Timothy C. Lehr
Attorney & Partner

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