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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: I am Prep. for my father's estate and I am selling home, I sign my name instead of his on contract is it legally binding

House is in washington state

Janta Steele
Janta Steele
answered on Sep 9, 2024

Good afternoon,

Is it a mobile home? Is there land being sold? What does "Prep." stand for?

You need to start a probate and be appointed by the court to get the authority to sign your name instead of your deceased father's name on a contract to sell his land. If it...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Washington on
Q: In WA State what information does the trustee have to legally disclose to a legal heir on their dad's trust account?

I'm a legal heir in my dad's will. The trustee overseeing his trust account won't provide me with any information on my dad's trust as far as the contents, terms, bank and investments accounts, property and any creditors that have been paid out of my dad's trust account. Thank you

Janta Steele
Janta Steele
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Hello,

RCW 11.98.072 says that a trustee is required to keep beneficiaries of a trust reasonably informed about the administration of the trust. Have you received a copy of the entire trust document yet? Have you sent your request for information to the trustee by letter or email? If so, I...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: I would like the process of filing an Ancillary Probate/TERDA in Washington State and possible scenarios.

I am trying to find out what COULD happen if I file in Washington. Thank you for your time.

Janta Steele
Janta Steele
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Good morning!

An ancillary probate in Washington is usually needed if the deceased lived in another state and owned property in his or her name in Washington state. A TEDRA action allows you enforce your rights when it comes to a Washington trust, estate, or probate.

Can you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Washington on
Q: If the (non-lawyer) executor of an estate seems not to be doing enough to complete his duties, what can the heirs do?

My wife is one of six siblings who are heirs to their mother's estate. One of the siblings is the executor. The inventory of assets filed 2 years ago, shows it's worth around $2 million, consisting of a house worth around $1 million and about the same value in cash, in one or more bank... View More

Janta Steele
Janta Steele
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Unfortunately, this sounds like a situation where the other heirs would significantly benefit from hiring a lawyer. Under RCW 11.68.065, the heirs can ask the court to order the executor to provide a report of the affairs of the estate. Anybody living in a residence owned by an estate needs to pay... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: If my mother is named on the deed and was not married to my currently deceased father, can my siblings fight the sale?

My father and mother were never married. My grandparents transferred the deed to the house to both of them. My father passed before 2000 with no Will in the PR. My parents had split, and my father had other children. My mother is finally going to sell the house. We know about the inheritance law... View More

Janta Steele
Janta Steele
answered on Sep 9, 2024

No, that is not accurate. If someone other than your mother could inherit money from the sale of the house, then the house cannot be sold by your mother alone, and there has to be a probate to sell it. However it's still possible that only your mother inherits the house, and nobody else.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Washington on
Q: In WA does a legal heir have a right to a full accounting from the executor of where the estate's money is going?

I'm a legal heir in my deceased dad’s estate that is currently going through probate in Washington State. Under Washington State law does a legal heir have any legal rights to request from the estate's executor an itimized inventory of the estate's liabilities showing who the... View More

Janta Steele
Janta Steele
answered on May 1, 2024

Good afternoon,

Yes, it is possible to request an accounting from the the executor (aka "Personal Representative") of the estate under RCW 11.68.065 if your situation meets all of the following criteria:

a) you are a beneficiary with an interest in the estate;

b)...
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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: Do I need to file probate… Mom passed in July, old will in her papers. Attorney no longer around, what do I need to do?

Mom passed 2 mos ago, found 25+year old will in her papers. Attorney no longer around, what do I do? I’m not sure if she had possessions in her name but looking to find the next steps. We live in King County.

Janta Steele
Janta Steele
answered on Sep 10, 2024

First, I'm so sorry for your loss.

A probate is necessary in Washington state if your mom owned land or if what she owned when she passed is worth more than 100,000.

I assist clients with probates from across Washington state, and I would be happy to offer a free 30-minute...
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