Washington Estate Planning Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make a secret will that my husband will not know about until my death?
Brent Bowden's answer
There is no requirement that your husband be aware of your will. But there are risks to a secret or surprise will. In the event you died and your husband survived you, he would be likely to open a probate assuming your old will or as if you didn't have one. If nobody brings the secret will to court, it would be like you never had it. Wills that are surprises are also potentially more likely to result in challenges to their validity. And, lastly, Washington is a community property state, so that...
There is no requirement that your husband be aware of your will. But there are risks to a secret or surprise will. In the event you died and your husband survived you, he would be likely to open a probate assuming your old will or as if you didn't have one. If nobody brings the secret will to court, it would be like you never had it. Wills that are surprises are also potentially more likely to result in challenges to their validity. And, lastly, Washington is a community property state, so that...
Q: My mom passed away without a will. Her and my dad were married for 49 years. They lived in a house on land that she
Brent Bowden's answer
When somebody passes away without a will, their heirs are determined by what are called the laws of intestacy. Washington's can be found at RCW 11.04.015 (http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.04.015).
There will be a question about whether the home is separate or community property or some mix of both. Generally, an inheritance is separate property. But community funds were possibly used to pay the mortgage, taxes, upkeep, etc, which can complicate things.
I am not...
When somebody passes away without a will, their heirs are determined by what are called the laws of intestacy. Washington's can be found at RCW 11.04.015 (http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.04.015).
There will be a question about whether the home is separate or community property or some mix of both. Generally, an inheritance is separate property. But community funds were possibly used to pay the mortgage, taxes, upkeep, etc, which can complicate things.
I am not...
Q: How many witnesses do I need present when I sign my will?
Brent Bowden's answer
Two. See RCW 11.12.020 http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.12.020
Self-proving wills are easier to probate, but slightly more complicated to execute, as they require specific language and a notary. RCW 11.20.020(2). http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.20.020
Two. See RCW 11.12.020 http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.12.020
Self-proving wills are easier to probate, but slightly more complicated to execute, as they require specific language and a notary. RCW 11.20.020(2). http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.20.020
Q: My friend died in the State of Washington without a will. How must her estate be divided?
Brent Bowden's answer
Every state has a set of laws that dictate how property is distributed if there is no will. Washington's can be found at RCW 11.04.015 ( http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.04.015 ). The exact distribution would depend on who the parents of the surviving grandchildren were (i.e, are they the children of the surviving child, a deceased child, or two different deceased children). Washington's laws of intestacy dictate a distribution by representation, so each of those possibilities has...
Every state has a set of laws that dictate how property is distributed if there is no will. Washington's can be found at RCW 11.04.015 ( http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.04.015 ). The exact distribution would depend on who the parents of the surviving grandchildren were (i.e, are they the children of the surviving child, a deceased child, or two different deceased children). Washington's laws of intestacy dictate a distribution by representation, so each of those possibilities has...
Q: My parents just willed me some land and mineral royalties in Louisiana. I want to leave 50% of the royalties to my wife.
Brent Bowden's answer
You can draft a will without a lawyer, but it is important to follow the formalities required by Washington Law (I am assuming you live in WA). Merely having it notarized is not sufficient to create a will in Washington State.
RCW 11.12.020 contains the requirements for witnesses.
http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.12.020
This post is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney client relationship
You can draft a will without a lawyer, but it is important to follow the formalities required by Washington Law (I am assuming you live in WA). Merely having it notarized is not sufficient to create a will in Washington State.
RCW 11.12.020 contains the requirements for witnesses.
http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.12.020
This post is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney client relationship
Q: Revocable Trust and can I ask for all account of monies.
Brent Bowden's answer
If you got a letter from an attorney representing the trust or your sister as trustee, I would try reaching out to that lawyer to check on the status or hiring a lawyer to do it for you. There are any number of reasons it could be taking this long.
If you got a letter from an attorney representing the trust or your sister as trustee, I would try reaching out to that lawyer to check on the status or hiring a lawyer to do it for you. There are any number of reasons it could be taking this long.
Q: Who gets property after death.
Brent Bowden's answer
Under Washington intestacy laws (which govern in the absence of a will), your surviving spouse inherits all of your community property and half of your separate property if you have surviving children.
Your situation is somewhat complicated. The first question is who inherited her previous husband's share of the house. If it was community property, it would have gone entirely to your mother. If not, it would have been split between your mother and his children or parents, if he had any...
Under Washington intestacy laws (which govern in the absence of a will), your surviving spouse inherits all of your community property and half of your separate property if you have surviving children.
Your situation is somewhat complicated. The first question is who inherited her previous husband's share of the house. If it was community property, it would have gone entirely to your mother. If not, it would have been split between your mother and his children or parents, if he had any...
Q: My mother in-law wasnt informed about her father's death. Found out through Google. She was his only child. What to do?
2 Answers
| Asked
in
Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate
for
Washington
on
Answered on Mar 7, 2018
Answered on Mar 7, 2018
Brent Bowden's answer
I would suggest that the first thing she do is try to figure out if her father's estate was probated and whether he had a will.
I would suggest that the first thing she do is try to figure out if her father's estate was probated and whether he had a will.
Q: What does a reconveyance mean? A mortgage trustee recorded a reconveyance with us as grantees.
Brent Bowden's answer
Did you recently pay off your mortgage or refinance? That is the document the bank files to release their lien on the property.
Did you recently pay off your mortgage or refinance? That is the document the bank files to release their lien on the property.
Q: If there are two beneficiary's on a will, and one is also the executor, can said executor keep all the money?
Brent Bowden's answer
The executor has to follow the will. So it would depend on what the will said. It would be very strange for the will to not specify the share of the estate that each of you were to receive.
For example, wills commonly say something to the effect of: "to my children, but if my children do not survive me to my grandchildren." In that case your mom would be the only beneficiary, even though you were both technically named in the will.
To really answer this question an attorney...
The executor has to follow the will. So it would depend on what the will said. It would be very strange for the will to not specify the share of the estate that each of you were to receive.
For example, wills commonly say something to the effect of: "to my children, but if my children do not survive me to my grandchildren." In that case your mom would be the only beneficiary, even though you were both technically named in the will.
To really answer this question an attorney...
Q: Trust to protect primary residence?
Brent Bowden's answer
I think a little more information is necessary to answer this question. Most importantly, what is it that you are hoping to protect the property from?
I think a little more information is necessary to answer this question. Most importantly, what is it that you are hoping to protect the property from?
Q: The estate of my mother (me-only child) is being sued regarding her real estate , there is no estate, what do I do?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate
for
Washington
on
Answered on Mar 6, 2018
Answered on Mar 6, 2018
Brent Bowden's answer
There is not enough information provided to really answer this question, I would recommend speaking to a probate attorney. They are going to need to know at least whether there was a probate, who the personal representative was, whether this creditor was known or notified of probate, whether there was a published notice to creditors, and the nature of the court papers you were served with.
There is not enough information provided to really answer this question, I would recommend speaking to a probate attorney. They are going to need to know at least whether there was a probate, who the personal representative was, whether this creditor was known or notified of probate, whether there was a published notice to creditors, and the nature of the court papers you were served with.
Q: My roommate passed away, left an 8 year old daughter and no will. Does the guardian have right to assets?
Brent Bowden's answer
It isn't clear from the question whether the father was still married to your roommate. If he was, he would be first preference for Personal Representative if he wanted to be, but, if not, the mother is likely the first preference. RCW 11.28.120 (http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.28.120).
That being said, the personal representative has to distribute the assets according to the laws of intestacy. If there was no spouse, everything goes to the child(ren). RCW 11.04.015...
It isn't clear from the question whether the father was still married to your roommate. If he was, he would be first preference for Personal Representative if he wanted to be, but, if not, the mother is likely the first preference. RCW 11.28.120 (http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.28.120).
That being said, the personal representative has to distribute the assets according to the laws of intestacy. If there was no spouse, everything goes to the child(ren). RCW 11.04.015...
Q: If a person named in a will legally changes their name are they still eligible to be able to collect?
Kenneth V Zichi's answer
First of all you don't 'inherit' debt. If there is more debt than asset I generally recommend against bothering with probate, and let the creditors scrabble for the scraps.
Secondly, the fact that someone has legally changed their name doesn't impact the bequest in a will. If I name a daughter and she gets married she still is my beneficiary so long as she is CLEARLY identified in the document. "My Son x" works even if the son changes his name. If son x were ADOPTED by someone else,...
First of all you don't 'inherit' debt. If there is more debt than asset I generally recommend against bothering with probate, and let the creditors scrabble for the scraps.
Secondly, the fact that someone has legally changed their name doesn't impact the bequest in a will. If I name a daughter and she gets married she still is my beneficiary so long as she is CLEARLY identified in the document. "My Son x" works even if the son changes his name. If son x were ADOPTED by someone else,...
Q: I downloaded a will template from eForms, Washington Last Will and Testament Template. Can I change some of the words?
Kenneth V Zichi's answer
Sure you can change it.
The problem is that it might not do what you WANT it to do. The only way to know for sure is to consult with a LOCAL ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY and SHOW him/her the language. That will cost as much as having the lawyer just prepare the document, but it really is the only way to know if the changes you want to make are significant and may or may not cause a problem.
Don't be penny wise and pound foolish about this. The cost of a professionally drafted will...
Sure you can change it.
The problem is that it might not do what you WANT it to do. The only way to know for sure is to consult with a LOCAL ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY and SHOW him/her the language. That will cost as much as having the lawyer just prepare the document, but it really is the only way to know if the changes you want to make are significant and may or may not cause a problem.
Don't be penny wise and pound foolish about this. The cost of a professionally drafted will...
Q: My grandmother passed & willed everything to my aunt is it OK for her to go down & get the money out of My grandma bank
Michael D. Whipple's answer
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 this case, state probate law requires the will to be filed within 30 days and she can open probate, at the same time.
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 this case, state probate law requires the will to be filed within 30 days and she can open probate, at the same time.
Q: If my sister is assigned as executor on my father's will and doesn't wish to do it, what do I need to do to be assigned?
Michael D. Whipple's answer
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 petition and order would reflect that. If it does not, you would need to be prepared to post bond.
If the will has not been filed with the court clerk, do so right away.
A death certificate is not necessary to open...
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 petition and order would reflect that. If it does not, you would need to be prepared to post bond.
If the will has not been filed with the court clerk, do so right away.
A death certificate is not necessary to open...
Q: My husband & I have lived with my husband's grandparents for 4 years. The house is willed to their son.
Ben F Meek III's answer
Probably not. The only way I can think of would be if they conveyed some real property interest in the house to you during their lives. This could be a lease agreement (written) or a term of years or a life estate or several other types of interest. Other than a lease, these other arrangements are a little out of the ordinary. So you probably have no right or interest that would be enforceable against the other family. You should speak with an experienced probate or real estate lawyer in...
Probably not. The only way I can think of would be if they conveyed some real property interest in the house to you during their lives. This could be a lease agreement (written) or a term of years or a life estate or several other types of interest. Other than a lease, these other arrangements are a little out of the ordinary. So you probably have no right or interest that would be enforceable against the other family. You should speak with an experienced probate or real estate lawyer in...
Q: We live in WA and would like to add adult children to two mortgaged homes. We live in one home. Do we need a Life Estate
Inna Fershteyn's answer
You need to do Estate planning and set up Revocable living trust (feel free to read more info on how Revocable trust operates on my website below it has comprehensive tutorials).
The best thing to do is to do a Triest, transfer all your real estate and bank accounts into such trust and leave it to your children after your death. The trust will avoid probate.
Feel free to call with additional questions.
Sincerely,
Inna Fershteyn
Law Office of Inna...
You need to do Estate planning and set up Revocable living trust (feel free to read more info on how Revocable trust operates on my website below it has comprehensive tutorials).
The best thing to do is to do a Triest, transfer all your real estate and bank accounts into such trust and leave it to your children after your death. The trust will avoid probate.
Feel free to call with additional questions.
Sincerely,
Inna Fershteyn
Law Office of Inna...
Q: Iam not the executor of the estate can i file a lein on house to make sure i will get my proceeds
Kenneth V Zichi's answer
You shouldn't need to do that, and filing liens inappropriately can get you into trouble.
You should seek local legal representation to determine whether or not you need to file a claim against the estate, but more likely if you are an heir you don't even need to do that. Without full details however, it is impossible to say what you SHOULD do.
Seek local help asap
-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create...
You shouldn't need to do that, and filing liens inappropriately can get you into trouble.
You should seek local legal representation to determine whether or not you need to file a claim against the estate, but more likely if you are an heir you don't even need to do that. Without full details however, it is impossible to say what you SHOULD do.
Seek local help asap
-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create...
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