Q: Does a grandson qualify as heir in WA probate case without a will?
My mother's estate in Washington is being handled through probate without a will. She had seven children, two of whom, including my brother, passed away before her. My brother has a child, who is my mother's grandson. Does he qualify as an heir and receive my deceased brother's share from the home sale, even though the attorney said he does not?
A:
Yes, if your mother's estate is being probated without a will and any of her children passed away before her but leaving their own children (i.e. if your brother died before your mother but had kids), then any grandchild by a pre-deceased child inherits under RCW 11.04.015(2)(a).
A probate guardian ad litem should be appointed for the grandchild(ren) if they are under 18 years old.
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