Search Results for: probate
What Happens If a Washington Probate Estate Runs Out of Money?
When a Washington resident dies, their probate estate is responsible for paying any debts or expenses left by the decedent. The personal representative (executor) of the estate must pay any valid creditor claims using the estate’s available assets. These payments take priority over any gifts or bequests made under the decedent’s will. But what… Read More »
Can You Probate a Copy of a Will in Washington State?
Probate is a court administered process and there are a number of formalities you must observe when executing a will in Washington State. To be accepted, the will must be in writing and signed by you (as the “testator”) in the presence of at least two witnesses. The witnesses must also sign the will… Read More »
Could a Life Estate Deed Help You Keep Your House Out of Probate?
For many older and retired Spokane-area residents, their home is their most important asset. It is therefore understandable they wish to make plans for disposing of their residence after they die. While you can certainly bequeath your home as part of your last will and testament, that means putting your house through probate. Generally… Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate in Washington State
You have probably heard the term “probate” in connection with the death of a family member or close friend. But you may not fully understand what it means. In this article, we will look at some of the more frequently asked questions about probate here in Washington State, and what you need to know… Read More »
Tips for Avoiding Probate in Washington State
Going through the probate process in Washington State can be an expensive and time-consuming undertaking. The longer probate takes, the longer your beneficiaries will have to wait to receive the inheritance you left for them. However, not all estates in Washington have to go through the probate process and there are tips you can… Read More »
Do All Estates Have to Go Through Probate in Washington?
Probate is a legal process overseen by the courts that is sometimes required after a person passes away. Probate gives the personal representative of a person’s estate the authority to pay the taxes and debts of the deceased, collect their assets, and ultimately transfer assets to beneficiaries. The personal representative of the estate is… Read More »
What Are the Rights of a Committed Intimate Partner in a Washington Probate Estate?
Many Spokane Valley residents are in loving, committed, and long-term relationships yet never marry or register with the state as domestic partners. So, what does this mean when one partner dies? Does the survivor have any inheritance rights under Washington law? The answer to this question is, “Maybe.” While Washington does not have “common… Read More »
Kennewick Probate Lawyer
Kennewick Probate Lawyers Probate is a legal process supervised by the courts and it is sometimes required after a person passes away. During probate the law and any documents pertaining to a person’s estate, such as a will, dictate what will happen to the property of the deceased. The probate process also gives the… Read More »
Yakima Probate Lawyer
Yakima Probate Lawyers There are financial and legal issues that remain when a person dies, and these loose ends need to be wrapped up to get closure for the decedent’s life. The process for doing so is called probate, and a wide range of Washington State laws dictate how it works. Estate administration is… Read More »
Yakima Probate Avoidance Lawyer
Yakima Probate Avoidance Lawyer When a person passes away with or without a will in Washington, there are numerous financial and legal matters to wrap up through a process termed probate. Assets must be distributed according to the will or intestacy laws, required notices need to be sent, and creditors must be paid. The… Read More »