Washington — Confirming Whether a Will Is an Original or a Copy
Can you confirm whether a will you were given is the original or only a copy? Short answer: There are practical, documentary, and legal clues you can check. In Washington the safest route when a will’s authenticity matters is to preserve the document, avoid altering it, and contact a probate attorney or the local superior […]
Read article →Washington — How to Get Court Approval to Sell an Inherited Home When Co-Owners Include Minors
Detailed Answer — Court Approval to Sell an Inherited Home When Co-Owners Include Minors (Washington) If a house is owned by multiple heirs and one or more heirs are minors, Washington courts often must approve a sale before the property can be transferred. The exact path depends on how title passed (will, probate, joint tenancy, […]
Read article →What to do in Washington if an original will is lost or damaged in the mail
What to do if an original will is lost or damaged in the mail before probate in Washington Disclaimer: This is educational information only and is not legal advice. For decisions about a real case, consult a licensed Washington attorney. Detailed answer — how Washington handles lost or damaged wills When the original will cannot […]
Read article →Recovering Surplus Funds After a Tax Sale in Washington
Recovering Surplus Funds After a Tax Sale in Washington Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article provides general information about Washington law and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, consult a Washington attorney or the county treasurer. Detailed answer: How surplus funds are handled and how to claim them […]
Read article →Washington: What Powers Does a Financial Power of Attorney Grant Your Agent?
Detailed Answer A financial power of attorney (often called a POA) lets a person you name—the agent or attorney‑in‑fact—handle your financial and legal affairs if you cannot or choose not to do so. Under Washington law, the rules governing powers of attorney are in the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, chapter 11.125 RCW. See the […]
Read article →How to Secure Wrongful Death Settlement Proceeds with the Court Clerk in Washington
How to Secure Wrongful Death Settlement Proceeds Through the Court Clerk in Washington Short answer: In Washington you can ask the settling parties or the insurer to pay settlement funds into the court registry (the clerk of the court) or ask the court to hold funds under a stipulated order. When beneficiaries or claimants are […]
Read article →Washington: Releasing Escrow or Trust Funds Before a Deed Is Recorded
When money is held in escrow for a real estate sale and the deed has not yet been recorded: what you need to know under Washington law Short answer: Whether funds held in trust or escrow can be released before a deed is recorded depends on the escrow instructions, the parties’ agreement, and the duties […]
Read article →Washington: Becoming the Personal Representative When the Named Executor Refuses
Can I become the personal representative if the person named in the will refuses to serve? Short answer: Yes. If the person your parent named as the personal representative (executor) declines or refuses to serve, Washington law allows the court to appoint another qualified person. That person can be an alternate named in the will, […]
Read article →Washington: Do I Need to Attend the Court Hearing for a Minor Settlement?
Will I need to attend the court hearing for a minor settlement, and what should I expect? Short answer: In Washington, most settlements that resolve a claim on behalf of a minor require court approval. Attendance requirements vary: the court usually wants the petitioner (parent, guardian, or attorney), the minor’s attorney or guardian ad litem […]
Read article →Guardian ad Litem for Minor Injury Settlements in Washington: Role, Appointment, and When a Parent Can Serve
Understanding Guardians ad Litem in Washington Minor Injury Settlements Short answer: A guardian ad litem (GAL) is a court-appointed adult who protects a minor’s legal interests in a lawsuit or settlement. Washington courts routinely use CR 17(c) to appoint a GAL when a minor’s claim, settlement, or potential conflict requires independent protection. A parent can […]
Read article →