Creating a District of Columbia last will and testament is the best way to ensure that your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes. Your District of Columbia last will gives you the power to decide how you would like your most precious assets to be distributed.

In the District of Columbia, if you own a business or hold other investments, your will can facilitate the smooth transition of those assets to the ones you love. A valid District of Columbia last will and testament may also provide for friends, charitable and religious organizations, and academic institutions that would not otherwise inherit from you under the District of Columbia intestacy laws. The critical concept is the choice is yours. If you do not have a valid will, the District of Columbia’s probate court will apply local intestacy laws to determine who should receive your property. This can result in wasted time, money, and costly court fights.

What can I do with a valid District of Columbia Last Will?

• Provide for friends, family, charities, and loved ones
• Name a guardian for minor children under District of Columbia’s laws
• Name an executor for your estate to ensure the terms of your will are followed
• Appoint a trusted individual to oversee property left to minor children

Perhaps most importantly, however, a valid District of Columbia last will and testament will ensure that your minor children are taken care of after your passing. If you have minor children, your last will should name whom you would like to serve as a guardian for your minor children. Additionally, your District of Columbia last will can minimize tension amongst your surviving heirs and alleviate the possibility of your relatives battling over your possessions or lengthy court fights. Most people put off making a will due to inconvenience, lack of knowledge, or a fear of their own mortality. Creating your last will and testament is an important step in planning for your estate and failing to do so may result in undesired consequences after your death.

Do I need an estate planning lawyer in the District of Columbia to make my last will?

Simple answer, No. Using SimplyWilled.com, you can make your own District of Columbia valid last will. Using our cloud-based system, our will software or online will program will guide in making your will online in about 10 minutes. If you think your will might be contested, or if you want to disinherit your spouse, you might want to consult with a District of Columbia estate planning attorney first. 

What are the requirements for signing a will in the District of Columbia?

In order to make your District of Columbia will valid you need to do the following:

• You must sign your will in the presence of two witnesses who are over the age of 18
• Your witnesses must sign your will.