Washington § 11.20.070 - Proof of lost or destroyed will.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 11.20.070 — Proof of lost or destroyed will., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 11.20.070. Proof of lost or destroyed will.

(1) If a will has been lost or destroyed under circumstances such that the loss or destruction does not have the effect of revoking the will, or is an electronic will, custody of which has not been maintained by a qualified custodian, the court may take proof of the execution and validity of the will and establish it, notice to all persons interested having been first given. The proof must be reduced to writing and signed by any witnesses who have testified as to the execution and validity, and must be filed with the clerk of the court.
(2) The provisions of a lost or destroyed will, or an electronic will, custody of which has not been maintained by a qualified custodian, must be proved by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence, consisting at least in part of a witness to either its contents or the authenticity of a copy of the will.
(3) When a lost or destroyed will, or an electronic will, custody of which has not been maintained by a qualified custodian, is established under subsections (1) and (2) of this section, its provisions must be distinctly stated in the judgment establishing it, and the judgment must be recorded as wills are required to be recorded. A personal representative may be appointed by the court in the same manner as is herein provided with reference to original wills presented to the court for probate.
[ 2021 c 140 s 1016; 1994 c 221 s 20; 1965 c 145 s 11.20.070. Prior: 1955 c 205 s 1; 1917 c 156 s 20; RRS s 1390; prior: Code 1881 s 1367; 1860 p 177 s 70.]

Notes

Effective date—2021 c 140 ss 1001-1016: See note following RCW 11.12.400.
Effective dates—1994 c 221: See note following RCW 11.100.035.
Replacement of lost or destroyed probate records: RCW 5.48.060.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 11.20.070

What does Revised Code of Washington § 11.20.070 cover?

Section 11.20.070 ("Proof of lost or destroyed will.") 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 § 11.20.070?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 11.20.070" (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.

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