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answered on Jan 2, 2018
Generally, no. Washington law requires personal representative to act in an effective manner in the best interests of everyone with a stake in the estate (creditors and heirs, alike).
RCW 11.48.010
General powers and duties.
It shall be the duty of every personal... View More 
My brother is the oldest and my dad believed that the oldest should take care of this. He didn't leave a will that I know of but it was known that we were to share the estate. There was three boys but one the sons passed away. Dad wanted the third sons share to go to his wife and kids. The... View More
answered on Jan 2, 2018
You can file a 'request for special notice' with him and the court where probate is opened. Request an estate inventory, at the same time. He is required to provide this to you within 10 days of request (if the probate has been opened 90 days). This will at least provide you a list of all... View More
answered on Jan 2, 2018
Washington law allows people to sign a "small estate affidavit" to settle estates that the value of the assets are below $100,000.00 AND there are no creditors (this is important), and, as you indicated, there are no additional heirs to be consulted. However, since there was a will, in... View More
DSHS asset recovery wants mine and my sisters SS numbers. We went into debt paying for her Cremation.
answered on Jan 2, 2018
There is no requirement for anyone to have to go through probate.
Probate would be for the purposes of settling debts and transferring ownership of assets of your mother's estate.
No one can "inherit" someone else's debt. They can accept to receive encumbered... View More
answered on Jan 2, 2018
These types of cases always prove interesting and answers really depend on the particular facts and circumstances-However, a general rule of thumb is 7 years.
If possible, you want to have the county coroner or medical examiner make a declaration of presumed death. We have been successful... View More
I am listed next on the will as co-executor and would be willing to act as executor.
answered on Jan 2, 2018
You would petition the court for appointment as personal representative(executor) seeking 'Letters of Administration.'
You would submit the petition with an order to that effect. If the will stipulates 'without bond' and with 'non-intervention powers', your... View More
How to keep property from probate?
answered on Jan 2, 2018
The best course to resolve these issues (i.e. transfer of real property and efficacy of lien) is to use the probate process. Depending on whether he was married at death, his spouse or an interested party may open probate by seeking appointment as the "Personal Representative" (executor)... View More
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