Renton, WA asked in Estate Planning for Washington

Q: My sister is dying very quickly and she wants to give her house to her son. She has no will. Is there something we can

have her sign real quick before she dies?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Keith Armstrong
PREMIUM
Keith Armstrong
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Spanaway, WA
  • Licensed in Washington

A: Yes, she can gift the house to her son with a Quit Claim Deed. She can also do a Transfer on Death Deed. Lastly, she can create a living trust with her son as beneficiary. All of these will avoid probate, but the Transfer on Death Deed gives you the most bang for the buck. I would seek an experience estate planning attorney in your county to help you along. There many attorney who can do this quickly, which appears to be the point. Best regards to your sister. Enjoy the memories.

Nicole Betts
Nicole Betts
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Edmonds, WA
  • Licensed in Washington

A: Hi there,

I would recommend that she have a call with an attorney. However, the laws of intestacy - or what happens when someone dies without a Will, may be helpful depending on her particular situation. If your sister is not married, then the house will be distributed to her children/child. The next question, of course, is whether her son is her only child. If there are multiple children, then a Will, transfer on death deed, or quit claim deed could be used.

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