District Of Columbia § 18-104 - Devises, legacies, etc., to attesting witnesses.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 18-104 — Devises, legacies, etc., to attesting witnesses., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-104. Devises, legacies, etc., to attesting witnesses.
18-104A beneficial devise, legacy, estate, interest, gift, or power of appointment of or affecting real or personal estate, given or made to an attesting witness to a will or codicil is void as to him and persons claiming under him, except as provided by subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
Where an interested witness to a will or codicil, referred to in subsection (a) of this section, would be entitled to a share of the estate of the testator in case the will or codicil were not established, he or persons claiming under him shall take such portion of the devise or bequest made to him in the will or codicil as does not exceed the share of the estate which would be distributed to him or persons claiming under him in case of intestacy.
The voidance provided for by subsection (a) of this section does not apply to charges on real estate for the payment of debts.
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, an interested witness referred to therein, whether an heir at law or not, is not disqualified as a competent witness to the execution of the will or codicil by reason of his interest.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 18-104
What does D.C. Code § 18-104 cover?
Section 18-104 ("Devises, legacies, etc., to attesting witnesses.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 18-104?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 18-104" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 18-104 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.