Washington § 11.12.020 - Requisites of wills — Foreign wills — Electronic presence.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 11.12.020 — Requisites of wills — Foreign wills — Electronic presence., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 11.12.020. Requisites of wills — Foreign wills — Electronic presence.

(1) Except as provided in RCW 11.12.400 through 11.12.491, 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 or electronic presence, and shall be attested by two or more competent witnesses, by subscribing their names to the will, or by signing an affidavit that complies with RCW 11.20.020(2), while in the presence or electronic presence of the testator and at the testator's direction or request: PROVIDED, That a last will and testament, executed in the mode prescribed by the law of the place where executed or of the testator's domicile, either at the time of the will's execution or at the time of the testator's death, shall be deemed to be legally executed, and shall be of the same force and effect as if executed in the mode prescribed by the laws of this state. Any will executed by a testator and witnesses who are not in the same physical location but in the electronic presence of one another in accordance with this section may be executed, attested, or acknowledged in counterparts, which together shall be considered a single document.
(2) This section shall be applied to all wills, whenever executed, including those subject to pending probate proceedings.
[ 2021 c 140 s 1013; 1990 c 79 s 1; 1965 c 145 s 11.12.020. Prior: 1929 c 21 s 1; 1917 c 156 s 25; RRS s 1395; prior: Code 1881 s 1319; 1863 p 207 ss 53, 54; 1860 p 170 ss 20, 21. FORMER PART OF SECTION; re nuncupative wills, now codified as RCW 11.12.025.]

Notes

Effective date—2021 c 140 ss 1001-1016: See note following RCW 11.12.400.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Related Washington Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 11.12.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 11.12.020 cover?

Section 11.12.020 ("Requisites of wills — Foreign wills — Electronic presence.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. 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 Washington § 11.12.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 11.12.020" (Washington). 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 Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 11.12.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington 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 Washington.