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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Sarah,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>My usual practice was to run off a new will with my document assembly program. That way I knew the will had the provisions I considered necessary in all wills, without having to spend time checking the boilerplate of the old will. However, having said that, and contrary to common presumption, I would also point out that the Washington wills statute does not specifically require that a testator sign his or her will in the presence of the witnesses, but only that the witnesses sign at the request of the testator and in his or her presence. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%'><tr><td valign=bottom style='padding:0in 3.75pt 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><font size=5 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold'>RCW 11.12.020<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><font size=6 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:24.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Requisites of wills — Foreign wills.<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p></td><td nowrap valign=top style='padding:0in 3.75pt 0in 0in'></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>(1) Every will shall be in writing signed by the testator or by some other person under the testator's direction in the testator's presence, and <span style='background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>shall be attested by two or more competent witnesses</span>, by subscribing their names to the will, or <span style='background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>by signing an affidavit that complies with RCW <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.20.020">11.20.020</a>(2), while in the presence of the testator and at the testator's direction or request</span>: ….<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Challenged wills have been upheld where the testator did not sign in the presence of the witnesses. <i><span style='font-style:italic'>See </span></i>Reutlinger, <i><span style='font-style:italic'>Washington Law of Wills and Intestate Succession, </span></i>2006 (which you should purchase for your library, and read). However, see Reutlinger, Sec. A.3.a, pp. 31-35, for a fuller discussion, which includes citation to one case in which the WA S. Ct. declared a will invalid because the testator did not sign in the presence of the witnesses, and to a subsequent holding in which the court said witnesses did not have to be present when the testator signed, without mentioning the prior holding. [As someone once declared, the Washington Supreme Court does not overrule prior decisions so much as simply ignore them.] <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Thus, you could utilize an affidavit to confirm both the will and the codicil by referring to both, IMO. Another option would be to have the testator re-sign the will when signing the codicil. It isn’t neat and looks a little cheap, but should work. For a nice, professional looking job, I recommend preparing a new will.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>S <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com [mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com] <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>On Behalf Of </span></b>Eric Nelsen<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Monday, June 01, 2015 2:29 PM<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Re: [WSBAPT] Effect of adding a notarized codicil to a will that is not self-proving<o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>That's my thought as well--cure the problem by doing a new Will rather than merely a Codicil.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Question though--Assuming the client just does not want to do a new Will and is adamant about a Codicil only--might it be possible to attach a copy of the Will to the Codicil, incorporate the copy by reference, assert that the Codicil re-publishes and ratifies each and every clause of the copy as set forth therein, except as expressly modified by the Codicil--and thereby avoid the necessity of tracking down the witnesses to the original Will? The Codicil would then more or less stand on its own as a Will, and the difference in terminology of calling it a "Codicil" as opposed to a "Will" shouldn't make a difference?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Eric<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Eric C. Nelsen<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>SAYRE LAW OFFICES, PLLC<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>1320 University St<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Seattle WA 98101-2837<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>phone 206-625-0092<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>fax 206-625-9040<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> <a href="mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com</a> [<a href="mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com">mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com</a>] <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>On Behalf Of </span></b>Paul Neumiller<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Monday, June 01, 2015 2:05 PM<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> 'WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv'<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Re: [WSBAPT] Effect of adding a notarized codicil to a will that is not self-proving<o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>With the magic of text processing, why not just replace the <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Will? <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=white face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#1f497d" face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> <a href="mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com</a> [<a href="mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com">mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com</a>] <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>On Behalf Of </span></b>Sarah Jael Dion<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Monday, June 1, 2015 1:45 PM<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> [WSBAPT] Effect of adding a notarized codicil to a will that is not self-proving<o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Hi Listmates!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>I am in need of guidance from more experienced estate planning attorneys! <o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>I have a client with a will that was not notarized, and is therefore not self-proving. I have been retained to draft a codicil to make some changes to her will. I was wondering whether, if I draft the codicil such that it republishes the will, I can cure the lack of notarization in the original document? Would this be effective? I looked at the RCW and didn’t see any guidance there. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Thanks in advance for any thoughts! <o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><div><div><div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 color=black face=Helvetica><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Sarah Jael Dion<o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 color=black face=Helvetica><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 color=black face=Helvetica><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Dion Law PLLC<span class=apple-tab-span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div><div><div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 color=black face=Helvetica><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>206-550-4005<o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 color=black face=Helvetica><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><a href="mailto:sarah@dionlaw.com">sarah@dionlaw.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 color=black face=Helvetica><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><a href="http://dionlaw.com">dionlaw.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 color=black face=Helvetica><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 color=black face=Helvetica><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>This message is private or privileged. If you are not the person for whom this message is intended, please notify me immediately and delete the message. Please do not copy or send this message to anyone else. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 color=black face=Helvetica><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 color=black face=Helvetica><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div></div></body></html>