Handling Mortgage Payments and Utilities During Probate in Washington
Detailed Answer Short answer: While an estate goes through probate in Washington, the personal representative (executor or administrator) is responsible for protecting estate property. That generally means keeping mortgage payments and utility services current to avoid foreclosure, liens, damage, or loss of value — but the representative must use estate funds or court authority to […]
Read article →Washington: Which Assets to List on a Small Estate Affidavit
Understanding which assets to list on a Washington small estate affidavit Short answer: List only assets that were owned solely by the decedent at death and that are within the scope and dollar limit of Washington’s small estate affidavit law. Do not list property that passed automatically (joint tenancy, community property with right of survivorship), […]
Read article →How to Find a Missing Parent as Next-of-Kin During Probate in Washington
How to locate a missing parent as next-of-kin during probate in Washington Quick answer: Begin by collecting every scrap of identifying information you have, search public records (death indexes, property, voter, DMV, court records), contact likely relatives and agencies, and document all search steps. If you cannot locate the parent, ask the probate court for […]
Read article →Washington Probate: Handling Assets That Pass by Right of Survivorship
Short answer Under Washington law, assets that pass automatically to a surviving joint tenant (i.e., by right of survivorship) generally pass outside probate and are not part of the decedents probate estate, so they normally do not have to be listed on the probate inventory that the personal representative files with the court. However, you […]
Read article →Washington: How to Tell If a Bank Account Qualifies for the Small Estate (Affidavit) Process
Detailed answer Short answer: Under Washington law, you must compare the decedent’s total personal property subject to probate against the statutory small‑estate dollar limit. As of the current statute, Washington allows use of the small‑estate affidavit (affidavit for collection of personal property) when the personal property subject to administration does not exceed $100,000. See RCW […]
Read article →How to Use a Small-Estate Affidavit in Washington to Claim a Deceased Parent’s Bank Account
Detailed answer — Using Washington’s small-estate affidavit to collect a deceased parent’s bank account This answer explains, in plain language, how Washington law allows a person to use an affidavit to collect certain types of a decedent’s (your father’s) personal property — including funds in a bank account — without opening a full probate administration. […]
Read article →Washington: Does a Guardian of the Person Automatically Become Guardian of the Estate?
Detailed Answer Short answer: In Washington you do not automatically become guardian of the estate just because you are appointed guardian of the person. The court must make a separate appointment (or an express combined appointment) for estate powers. Guardianship of the person and guardianship of the estate are distinct roles with different duties, powers, […]
Read article →Washington — Federal Tax Filing for Estates with No Distributions
Understanding Federal Tax Filing for an Estate When No Distributions Were Made Short answer: Maybe. Whether you must file a federal tax return for an estate where no distributions were made depends on the type and amount of income the estate produced, beneficiary status, and whether the estate meets federal or Washington filing triggers. Detailed […]
Read article →Washington: Transferring Brokerage Account Assets into an Estate Checking Account
Detailed Answer This article explains the typical steps for moving brokerage account assets into an estate checking account under Washington law. It assumes no prior legal knowledge. It covers when probate is required, how brokers typically handle transfers, the paperwork you will need, and alternatives for small estates. 1. Figure out how the account is […]
Read article →How to Sell a Co‑Owned Property in Washington to Pay Funeral and Property Tax Costs
Selling a co‑owned property in Washington to cover funeral and property tax costs — clear steps Disclaimer: This article explains general Washington law and common procedures. It is educational only and not legal advice. For decisions that affect your rights, contact a Washington attorney. Short answer If you and others co‑own real property in Washington […]
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