I have a Living Will, but I don’t have a will. I have two adult children. I’ve been putting it off because it’s a hassle to get two witnesses together, as is required in Washington state. (I don’t necessarily need a notary, though it’d be nice because I’d like to have a self-proving will to speed up probate.) And how do you get two witnesses to witness a signature during the COVID crisis? I can’t exactly invite them into my apartment.
Surely I can’t be the only person in this position. Do I have any options?
*I’d been told that if I had those in place, I didn’t really need a will, as the state would divide my estate among my kids, but now I’d rather have a will.
How about having the witnesses stand or sit more than six feet away as they watch you sign the will? After you sign, you can slide it over to them to sign.
Hopefully in the next few weeks I’m finally going to be able to start the process of selling my mother’s house (she died Feb. 12). I have to have two Affidavit of Heirs forms notarized. My plan is to have the two people signing and the notary come to my house. I’m going to set up a table outside and have the forms on it ready to be signed. They can wear gloves and sign one at a time and then throw the gloves in the trash. I’ll wear gloves to pick them up and put them somewhere for a few days.
I’ll need to meet with a lawyer after that to get the house transferred to me. I’m hoping that that can be accomplished outside somewhere.
I have a realtor lined up so she can take it from there. Again, I hope to have the closing take place outside.
My first thought was having the witnesses come over, but even though my apartment is always clean, I’m not sure how safe people would feel coming in. I guess I should ask.
I love the idea of doing it outside, but I live in an apartment, and there’s really no place to do it here. My bank is open, with limits, and I know there’s a notary there. I’ll call and see if it’s possible to set it up there. If my witnesses don’t feel comfortable going there, maybe some bank workers could witness. Or something.
I’d call notaries for suggestions. A friend did a “safe closing” on a house she bought, where buyer and seller were in different rooms on camera. It took forever, but it was safe I guess.
Typically, witnesses to a will are supposed to be total strangers. So, yeah, use the bank notary and grab two people waiting in line (six feet apart) to witness your signature and then they can sign, too.
~VOW
My bank says they will do notary services at the drive thru. You sign the document while they watch through the window and then pass it to them to sign. One of the other bank employees could act as a witness if you need.