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Washington Probate Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Washington on
Q: When someone passes away and an executor is assigned to the estate. Can a beneficiary just give himself an assignment

Does the beneficiary need an assignee?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 18, 2023

When someone passes away and an executor is assigned to handle the estate, it's important to follow the proper legal procedures in Washington. As a beneficiary, you can't simply assign assets to yourself without going through the appropriate channels.

The executor is responsible...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: Is someone dies without a will and only has 1 son who cant be found what paperwork would i need to sell house b4 forclos

Iv been living at the house for a few years now but my friends dad died here without a will and my friend wont do anythjng.. like nothing. Its been 2 years now and the house is being forclosed on but i think the bank even thinks hes still alive.. what paper work do i need to be able to sell the... View More

Vincent Gallo
Vincent Gallo
answered on Jul 1, 2023

Living in a house for a few years in and of itself unfortunately does not entitle you to ownership of the house.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: Wa st. I own 2/3 of a property. The other 1/3 owner died, and left huge bill for nursing home. The estate went probate.

Dshs came forward when notice to creditors was recieved. The executor/representative of the will then withdrew. How do i obtain the other 1/3 of property thats in limbo? There is not a lien filed in the county of said property. Also no mortgage exists land is free and clear. Taxes are current.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on May 16, 2023

If no will was probated, then hire a WA attorney to determine deceased's heirs. Then get heirs to quit claim their interest over to you, probably for money. Partition would be the last resort.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: What constitutes a insolvent estate? My father passed away leaving his property to with a attached mortgage.

He also left a life insurance to me that was to go to pay off mortgage. The Life insurance claim was denied. He has a large amount of money in bank acct he left to another family member. Can that money be used to help payoff mortgage?

Brent Bowden
Brent Bowden
answered on May 4, 2023

An insolvent estate is an estate where the debts exceed the assets. In other words, the estate is not going to have the ability to pay all of its creditors.

The question of whether money left to a specific beneficiary can be used to pay the debts of the estate (like the mortgage) is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Washington on
Q: The executor of an estate is stating that the beneficiary of an annuity is not who it states on the annuity what can Ido
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on May 4, 2023

The named beneficiary of the annuity death benefit needs to make a claim with the insurance co. directly. Usually annuities are not estate assets but an estate fiduciary will administer them as additional duties since they have letters. If no results quickly,then sue the ins. co. for the money... View More

2 Answers | Asked in International Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: My mother lives in Sydney, AU with my brother but is also a legal resident of WA state. We need to file a will. How?

She lives in Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Is a US citizen and has a home in Mill Creek, WA.

Need a will.

How to file? Foreign will and file in WA or have WA will and will a JP suffice as a notary?

Keith Armstrong
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Keith Armstrong
answered on May 1, 2023

Your mother can file her Last Will & Testament in Washington State under RCW CW 11.12.265 prior to her death. The cost is $20. Your mother or proper attorney-in-fact or guardian can withdraw that Will anytime with proper identification. Having it witnessed with two persons makes it legal,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Washington on
Q: Can my mom lose her home to medicaid if she gifts it to her minor grandchild before apply for assisted living or HH?

My mom doesn't want to lose her home but wants to avoid a trust. She needs to apply for home health or assisted living but they told her she will need to sign her home over to them. Her home is paid off. If she can how should this be done with her miner grandson being under 18?

Thank... View More

Keith Armstrong
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Keith Armstrong
answered on Apr 12, 2023

More than likely you mom's home will be vulnerable to Medicaid attachment. If she keeps the home, they can require her to turn it over to pay for her future care. If she transfers it, sells, quit claims it to her grandson, Medicaid will have a "lookback period" either 3 years or 5... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: I am seeking information on how to handle a probate concerning an estate, wills for my family.

I am seeking information on how to handle a probate concerning an estate, wills for my family. This involves a brother who passed on 2/5/2023 leaving without a will, a partner of 20 years and two sisters.

All will need wills and one a will update.

Sincerely

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

Consult with a WA attorney. Determine whether Probate is necessary first, then proceed .

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Washington on
Q: the deed of the house has my name and wife. She passed away. Is the house goes to me without any paperwork?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 15, 2023

Maybe, but not necessarily. It depends on whether the deed was joint only, or joint with right of survivorship.

The property might still legally go to you under probate law depending on other facts.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: If I add my life partner to the title of my house and I die, will the house go directly to him without probate?

Also, will the house be assessed at the time of my death so he won’t have to pay capital gains taxes, if he sells it?

Renee Louise Roman
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answered on Dec 31, 2022

The answer to your first question is yes, but ONLY IF the proper deed is executed and recorded. There are several types of deeds in Washington, so please consult an attorney who can explain the differences, so you can decide what is best for you and your partner.

The answer to the second...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: Mother-in-law died a year ago- left me $50,000 I'm having a hard time receiving and I need to know what I need

The executor which is her brother Everett lawyer says the house needs to sell before I receive my money I don't think this is correct it doesn't state that in the will -will currently in Probate

Keith Armstrong
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Keith Armstrong
answered on Sep 22, 2022

Hello estate heir. The probate attorney and executor may be correct. If the estate does not have liquid cash, may have to sell hard assets to fund the inheritance. But more important is the priority of distributions. First, creditors and claims, expenses, legal, accounting fees and bills.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Washington on
Q: Does my dad's wife have the right to his house

My dad has will that states upon his death his wife is allowed reside in the house for one year. About a month ago she left him. She moved out and got her own apartment. My dad was then put in a home. She was his main caregiver. She is now quoting the will saying she has the right to the house for... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Jul 26, 2022

The answer does depend entirely on the wording of the will and also on whether the will is accepted for probate. If the will is accepted for probate and says what she says it does then, yes, she has the right to occupy the house for a year. Some attorneys draft rights of occupancy in such a way... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Collections, Estate Planning and Probate for Washington on
Q: I am the creditor to a court ordered instalment plan where the debtor has died. Most likely no will

His partner at time of debts til present, knew he was borrowing money from me and also benefited from it. She also helped in lying about his living arrangements and conditions of bail for his 5criminal charges dealing with a minor. How do I collect this debt?

Keith Armstrong
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Keith Armstrong
answered on May 4, 2022

Creditor, you may want to make a claim against the estate of the debtor and send written notice to the surviving partner. If the debt was in the company capacity, then the company should be responsible for paying. If the debt was made in his personal capacity, then his estate should pay for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Washington on
Q: Grandmother passed in WA 2013. Executor never contacted me but siblings and cousins inherited. How do I see the will?

Executor is in AK, where I also live. I do not know if I should have been contacted or if I should have inherited. There was a will and I would like to see it. Executor has always been unresponsive.

Keith Armstrong
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Keith Armstrong
answered on Apr 27, 2022

Alaska Native. It would depend on what your grandmother's Will says to determine if you should have received notice or inheritance. If no Will, then her heir (her children/spouse) would inherit under intestate laws. No grandchildren would automatically be included, could be, but not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Washington on
Q: Dad passed away with no will, Do I have to go through probate?

The only heirs are me and my sister, she's in another state and cannot come down to washington. my dads house is paid off and I want to keep the house. my sister has agreed to sign a waiver to give me the house. Do I have to still go through probate? If I do, do I have to go through personal... View More

Keith Armstrong
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Keith Armstrong
answered on Mar 16, 2022

Hi, Washington resident. Since this estate has real estate, you will have to go through probate. You make arrangements to keep the house, but there needs to be some funds to pay for the probate costs and possible tax return. Something has to be sold from the estate to proceed with paying for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Washington on
Q: I’m on my moms bank account. She just passed away, she has no will or power of attorney. Who gets that money?

Mom has just two daughters. Legally separated. Sister is trying to go to court to fight for the account.

Renee Louise Roman
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answered on Mar 7, 2022

This may depend on how the bank account was set up. If it was a joint bank account with right of survivorship, you may be entitled to the funds. However, there may also be other factors that determine who would inherit this money. It is best to consult a probate attorney who can explain the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: How do I start the process to be the person to make my mother's decisions? She is not mentally able to make decisions.

I am not able to care for her, and she is needing care daily whether it have to be 24/7 or just a person during the day. She has nothing, no home, and did receive SSI until she mentally couldn't remember to do her reviews, paperwork etc they won't allow me to speak for her. She need... View More

Renee Louise Roman
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answered on Feb 26, 2022

In order to make decisions for your mother, you will need to be appointed as her guardian, unless she has an existing power of attorney naming you as her attorney in fact. If she previously executed a power of attorney, you should have this reviewed to see what decisions you are able to make on her... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Washington on
Q: Does surviving spouse need to contest will to receive money from sale of home and property ?

Married 17 years in state of washington he passed April 8, 2021. Probate still not closed being handled by his daughters.

Keith Armstrong
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Keith Armstrong
answered on Jan 28, 2022

Portland Spouse: Under WA law, you, the surviving spouse would inherit 1/2 of the estate regardless of what the Will says. The deceased spouse only has the right to Will 50% of his estate. You get the other half without question. If there are children as your case, they would inherit the other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Washington on
Q: Owner of a property died. What paper does his living son need to file in Probate court to put the property in his name

I purchased a property in Tokeland saying that it had a private Well to supply water my water. 3 1/2 years after the sale it has been determined that my water actually comes from an Artesian Well on someone else's property, ( not disclosed in the real estate documents ). The owner of this... View More

Keith Armstrong
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Keith Armstrong
answered on Jan 25, 2022

Hi, Aberdeen resident. This is a tricky situation because it deals with who has authority and who has not. First, your access to the water may need some thought so that you can continue water access. There is a good chance you can continue with an agreement with the deceased's estate.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Washington on
Q: My mom passed away and owned a house where she had a roommate but we need to sell the house. How do we handle this?

The roommate doesn't have a lease or anything in writing. We're concerned she may not leave because she doesn't have the means but we need to be able to access the house to prepare it for sale. We need to know what our rights are as the estate administrators.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Dec 28, 2021

It is your duty as an Estate Fiduciary to file the eviction action for possession of the Beneficiaries' real property. Hire a competent WA attorney to file suit.

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