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How to Make a Will in District of Columbia
What District of Columbia law requires for a valid will, how signing works, and the details that trip people up — in plain English.
District of Columbia will requirements at a glance
18+
You must be at least 18 and of sound mind.
2 witnesses
Two adult witnesses must watch you sign (or acknowledge) your will and sign it themselves. Witnesses generally should not be people who inherit under the will.
Not required for validity
A notary is not what makes the will valid.
Not recognized
The District has no self-proving-affidavit statute. In practice, abbreviated probate presumes due execution from a standard attestation clause (D.C. Code §20-312(b)) — but keep your witnesses' contact information with your documents in case proof is ever needed.
Not recognized
District of Columbia does not accept unwitnessed handwritten wills.
Signing your will in District of Columbia
- 1
Put your wishes in writing
Decide who inherits, who serves as your personal representative (executor), and who would care for minor children. Our guided questions walk you through every decision.
- 2
Gather two adult witnesses
Choose adults who don't inherit under the will. You sign (or acknowledge your signature) in front of them; they sign in front of you.
- 3
Store it well and tell your executor
Keep the signed original somewhere safe and findable — a fireproof box at home beats a bank safe-deposit box your family can't open. Tell your executor where it is.
District of Columbia specifics worth knowing
The District of Columbia has no self-proving-affidavit statute. That matters less than it sounds: in abbreviated probate, a standard attestation clause signed by your witnesses lets the court presume the will was properly executed (D.C. Code §20-312(b)). Still, record your witnesses' contact information with your will in case formal proof is ever required.
District of Columbia will FAQs
Does a will need to be notarized in District of Columbia?
No. In District of Columbia, a will is made valid by your signature and two witnesses — not by a notary. The District has no self-proving-affidavit statute. In practice, abbreviated probate presumes due execution from a standard attestation clause (D.C. Code §20-312(b)) — but keep your witnesses' contact information with your documents in case proof is ever needed.
Can I write my own will in District of Columbia?
You don't need a lawyer to make a valid will in District of Columbia, but it must be properly executed: in writing, signed by you, and signed by two witnesses. District of Columbia does not accept unwitnessed handwritten wills, so skipping the formalities means dying intestate — the state's default rules decide who inherits.
What happens if I die without a will in District of Columbia?
Your estate passes under District of Columbia's intestacy laws — a fixed priority list (usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings). Unmarried partners, stepchildren, friends, and charities receive nothing under these defaults, and the court chooses your estate's administrator and your minor children's guardian without your input.
How much does a will cost in District of Columbia?
An attorney-drafted will in District of Columbia typically runs several hundred to a few thousand dollars. With Plan Your After you build your complete estate plan — will, trust, powers of attorney, living will, and HIPAA authorization — free, and pay $149 only when you're ready to finalize and download, including a year of unlimited updates.
This page is general information about District of Columbia law, not legal advice, and laws change. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed District of Columbia attorney.
District of Columbia estate planning
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