FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6417

C 271 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Regarding the filing of wills in superior court.

Sponsors:  Senator Johnson.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Judiciary

Background:  There is concern that the wording of current law pertaining to the recording of wills leads people to believe the clerk of the superior court will accept wills of persons for "safe-keeping."  This practice was common early in the 20th century.

Any person having custody or control of a will is required, within 30 days of receiving knowledge of the death of the testator, to deliver the will to the court having jurisdiction or to the person named in the will as executor.  Wills are filed after a filing fee of $20 is paid and then it is assigned a case number.

Summary:  Wills filed with the clerk of the superior court are noted by the clerk in a record of wills.  A court order is required before they can be withdrawn from the record.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate480

House930

Effective:  June 13, 2002