RCW 11.12.260
Separate writing may direct disposition of tangible personal property—Requirements.
(1) A will or a trust of which the decedent is a grantor and which by its terms becomes irrevocable upon or before the grantor's death may refer to a writing that directs disposition of tangible personal property not otherwise specifically disposed of by the will or trust other than property used primarily in trade or business. Such a writing shall not be effective unless: (a) An unrevoked will or trust refers to the writing, (b) the writing is either in the handwriting of, or signed by, the testator or grantor, and (c) the writing describes the items and the recipients of the property with reasonable certainty.
(2) The writing may be written or signed before or after the execution of the will or trust and need not have significance apart from its effect upon the dispositions of property made by the will or trust. A writing that meets the requirements of this section shall be given effect as if it were actually contained in the will or trust itself, except that if any person designated to receive property in the writing dies before the testator or grantor, the property shall pass as further directed in the writing and in the absence of any further directions, the disposition shall lapse and, in the case of a will, RCW 11.12.110 shall not apply to such lapse.
(3) The testator or grantor may make subsequent handwritten or signed changes to any writing. If there is an inconsistent disposition of tangible personal property as between writings, the most recent writing controls.
(4) As used in this section "tangible personal property" means articles of personal or household use or ornament, for example, furniture, furnishings, automobiles, boats, airplanes, and jewelry, as well as precious metals in any tangible form, for example, bullion or coins. The term includes articles even if held for investment purposes and encompasses tangible property that is not real property. The term does not include mobile homes or intangible property, for example, money that is normal currency or normal legal tender, evidences of indebtedness, bank accounts or other monetary deposits, documents of title, or securities.
[ 2007 c 475 § 3; 1985 c 23 § 4. Prior: 1984 c 149 § 7.]
NOTES:
Short title—Application—1985 c 30: See RCW 11.02.900 through 11.02.903.
Purpose—Application—Severability—1985 c 23: See notes following RCW 11.12.250.
Severability—Effective dates—1984 c 149: See notes following RCW 11.02.005.
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 11 - Probate and Trust Law
11.12.010 - Who may make a will.
11.12.020 - Requisites of wills—Foreign wills—Electronic presence.
11.12.025 - Nuncupative wills.
11.12.030 - Signature of testator at his or her direction—Signature by mark.
11.12.040 - Revocation of will—How effected—Effect on codicils.
11.12.051 - Dissolution, invalidation, or termination of marriage or domestic partnership.
11.12.060 - Agreement to convey does not revoke.
11.12.070 - Devise or bequeathal of property subject to encumbrance.
11.12.080 - Revocation of later will or codicil—Effect—Evidence.
11.12.095 - Omitted spouse or omitted domestic partner.
11.12.110 - Death of grandparent's issue before grantor.
11.12.120 - Lapsed gift—Procedure and proof.
11.12.160 - Interested witness—Effect on will.
11.12.170 - Devise of land, what passes.
11.12.180 - Rule in Shelley's Case abolished—Future distribution or interest to heirs.
11.12.185 - Doctrine of Worthier Title abolished—Exception.
11.12.190 - Will to operate on after-acquired property.
11.12.220 - No interest on devise unless will so provides.
11.12.230 - Intent of testator controlling.
11.12.255 - Incorporation by reference.
11.12.260 - Separate writing may direct disposition of tangible personal property—Requirements.
11.12.265 - Filing of original will with court before death of testator.
11.12.400 - Electronic wills—Short title.
11.12.410 - Electronic wills—Definition.
11.12.420 - Electronic wills—Applicable law.
11.12.430 - Electronic wills—Execution—Choice of law.
11.12.440 - Electronic wills—Execution—Procedure.
11.12.450 - Electronic wills—Self-proving.
11.12.460 - Electronic wills—Qualified custodians—Eligibility.
11.12.470 - Electronic wills—Qualified custodians—Duties.
11.12.480 - Electronic wills—Certified paper copies.
11.12.490 - Electronic wills—Uniformity of application and construction.