Washington — Estate Rights When Divorce Was Not Final: Can an Estranged Spouse Claim Under an Estate?
Estate rights when a divorce was not finalized in Washington Short answer: If a person dies before the divorce is final in Washington, the surviving spouse is still legally the spouse. That status generally preserves the surviving spouse’s rights to inherit, to claim an elective share or family allowance, and to take community-property interests. A […]
Read article →Recovering Funeral and Pre‑Administration Expenses From an Estate in Washington
Short Answer Often yes. In Washington, people who pay a decedent's funeral costs or other necessary expenses before an estate is administered may be able to recover those amounts from the estate. Recovery depends on whether an executor or personal representative is appointed, whether the estate has sufficient assets, and whether you present your claim […]
Read article →What steps do I need to take to re-record or update a joint survivorship deed after co-owners died? – WA
Detailed answer — How to re-record or update a joint survivorship deed in Washington (WA) Short answer: if a deed created a joint tenancy with right of survivorship, ownership of the property automatically vests in the surviving joint tenant(s) at death. To update public records you typically record a certified death certificate together with an […]
Read article →What can I do if the personal representative sends me a payment without explaining how he calculated my share of the estate? — WA
Detailed Answer — What to do when you receive a payment from a personal representative without an explanation When a personal representative (also called an executor or administrator) sends you money from an estate but does not explain how they calculated your share, you have clear, practical options under Washington law. Beneficiaries and heirs generally […]
Read article →What documentation proves I'm the next of kin and qualify as administrator in a reopened Washington (WA) estate?
Documentation required to prove next of kin and qualify as administrator in a reopened Washington estate Short answer: To convince a Washington court you are the decedent’s next of kin and should be appointed administrator of a reopened estate, you must file a petition to reopen probate and assemble primary identity and family-relationship documents (certified […]
Read article →How can I reopen my father's closed estate in Washington (WA) so I can be appointed as administrator?
Reopening a Closed Probate in Washington: How to Seek Appointment as Administrator Detailed answer — what reopening a closed probate means under Washington law When a Washington probate estate has been closed, the court has entered final orders and the personal representative (executor/administrator) was discharged. Reopening the estate is the court process that reverses or […]
Read article →What steps should I take if the original estate administrator dies before completing probate in Washington (WA)?
When the original estate administrator dies before completing probate in Washington (WA): FAQ and step-by-step guide Short answer: If the original personal representative (administrator or executor) dies before closing the estate, the probate court in Washington will appoint a successor personal representative. Interested parties (named alternates in the will, beneficiaries, or heirs) may petition the […]
Read article →How long does it usually take to get an out-of-state will approved in Washington (WA) probate?
Overview If you need to have a will that was executed in another state admitted to probate in Washington, the time it takes can vary widely. This article explains the typical timelines under Washington law, the factors that speed up or slow down the process, and steps you can take to move things along. This […]
Read article →What happens if the survey shows the property was conveyed out of my mother’s estate decades ago and I have no interest? (WA)
Understanding what it means if a recorded deed shows the property left your mother’s estate decades ago (Washington) Short answer: If a valid deed was properly executed and recorded decades ago, the property most likely left your mother’s estate and you generally no longer have an interest. However, there are limited situations (fraud, forgery, lack […]
Read article →How do I get the probate court’s permission to sell the property when the clerk’s office won’t explain the filing requirements? (WA)
How to get the probate court’s permission to sell estate property when the clerk’s office won’t explain the filing requirements Short answer If you are the personal representative (executor or administrator) of an estate in Washington, you must ask the Superior Court that is handling the probate to authorize the sale of real property or […]
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