What mechanisms ensure estate administrators comply with duties and bond requirements in WA?
Detailed Answer Under Washington law, the estate administrator (also called personal representative) must follow court-supervised procedures and post a bond to protect heirs and creditors. Key mechanisms include: 1. Court-Approved Bond • Before acting, the administrator typically must post a bond unless waived by heirs or the will. See RCW 11.18.020 for bond requirements and […]
Read article →Can a Personal Representative Seek a Commission on Estate Assets and Sale Proceeds in Washington?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Statutory Commissions for Personal Representatives Under Washington law, a personal representative may recover statutory commissions on the value of estate assets and on sale proceeds. RCW 11.36.100 sets a tiered schedule: • 4% on the first $100,000 • 3% […]
Read article →What steps are required to locate, inventory, and distribute estate assets and settle debts in Washington?
Detailed Answer This article explains the probate process in Washington. It covers locating and securing assets, inventorying property, notifying creditors, settling debts, and distributing the estate. Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Open Probate and Appoint a Personal RepresentativeFile a petition in superior court where the decedent lived. The court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters […]
Read article →How Do Intestacy Rules Apply If No Valid Will Is Found in Washington?
Disclaimer: This post provides general information about Washington intestate succession. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer When a person dies without a valid will in Washington, their assets pass under the state’s intestacy rules found in the Washington Probate Code (RCW 11.04). Intestate succession […]
Read article →Which court or county office handles estate administration and unclaimed property claims in Washington?
Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney or appropriate official for guidance. Estate Administration In Washington, probate and estate administration matters are handled by the Superior Court in the county where the decedent resided at the time of death or owned real property. […]
Read article →What steps are required to open an estate proceeding when no probate case exists in WA?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Washington for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer When no probate case exists, you must initiate a new estate proceeding in Washington Superior Court. Follow these core steps: 1. Gather Key Documents and Information Obtain […]
Read article →What documentation is required to apply for letters of administration in WA?
Detailed Answer In Washington, applying for letters of administration requires filing a petition with the superior court. Letters of administration grant authority to a personal representative when a decedent dies without a valid will (intestate) or if no executor is named. The process follows the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 11. Core Documents Required […]
Read article →How to Determine if a Probate Estate Has Been Opened for a Decedent in Washington
Detailed Answer When a person dies in Washington, a probate estate opens only after a personal representative files a petition in the Superior Court of the county where the decedent lived. See RCW 11.28.010. To confirm whether probate has begun, follow these steps: Gather decedent details. Obtain the decedent’s full legal name, date of death, […]
Read article →What Information Is Needed to Request Estate Files From a County Probate Division in Washington?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer In Washington, probate estate files are generally open to the public under the Uniform Probate Code (see RCW 11.96.008) and the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). Each county’s […]
Read article →What steps are needed to include real property into the estate successfully in Washington?
Steps to Include Real Property in an Estate in Washington Detailed Answer When someone dies owning real property in Washington, you must follow certain legal steps to transfer that property into the decedent’s estate and ultimately to heirs or beneficiaries. Below is a clear roadmap under Washington law. 1. Identify Ownership and Title Status Begin […]
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