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District of Columbia Wills Laws
Explanation of Chart and More Information on Wills Laws
| Code Section | 18-102, et seq. |
| Age of Testator | 18 years or older and of sound and disposing mind and capable of executing a valid deed or contract |
| Number of Witnesses | Attested and subscribed in presence of testator by two credible witnesses. |
| Nuncupative (Oral Wills) | Oral will made after 1/1/1902 is not valid except that person in actual military or naval service or mariner at sea may create oral will if (a) oral will is proved by at least 2 individuals present at the making and were requested by the testator to bear witness that oral disposition was the last will and (b) will made during time of last illness of deceased and (c) substance of will reduced to writing 10 days after it was made |
| Holographic Wills | Attested and subscribed in the presence of testator by 2 witnesses, although they need not sign in each other's presence or physically observe each other's signature. |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law:
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Related Resources for Wills Laws:
FAQs
- Are there any special legal formalities required to make my will legally valid?
- Can I disinherit my spouse and children?
- What if the executor I choose can't serve when the time comes, or doesn't want to?
- In my will, can I leave my property to anyone I wish?
- Does it matter who my witnesses are?