How to Be Appointed Administrator (Personal Representative) of a Sibling’s Intestate Estate in Washington
Getting appointed to administer an intestate estate in Washington: what to expect and how to proceed Disclaimer This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It explains how appointment of a personal representative (often called an administrator) typically works under Washington law. For guidance about a specific situation, speak with […]
Read article →Notifying Heirs When Opening Probate in Washington: Required Notices and Checklist
Notifying heirs and interested persons when starting probate in Washington Short answer: When you open probate in Washington you must give formal notice to the people and entities who have legal interest in the estate. At minimum that typically includes: (1) the decedent’s heirs and devisees (people named in the will and those who would […]
Read article →How to Finalize Probate and Get Authority to Sell Estate Property in Washington
Final Steps to Close an Estate and Sell Estate Property in Washington: FAQ-style Guide Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This is general information, not legal advice. For decisions about your specific situation, contact a licensed Washington attorney. Detailed Answer This answer explains, in plain language, how to complete probate in Washington when a decedent’s […]
Read article →Washington: Selling a Home with a Reverse Mortgage When the Lender Asks for Renunciation Letters
Selling a House with a Reverse Mortgage in Washington When Heirs Get Asked to Sign Renunciation Letters Disclaimer: This is educational information only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Washington attorney about your specific situation before signing documents or listing a property for sale. Detailed Answer — What to do and why lenders […]
Read article →Washington: Steps to Take When a Relative Refuses to Sign a Renunciation So You Can Become Personal Representative
Detailed Answer Short version: If a relative who would normally sign a written renunciation refuses, you may still pursue appointment as personal representative in Washington by (1) asking the relative to sign or document a refusal, (2) showing the court why the renunciation isn’t required or why the relative’s refusal should not block your appointment, […]
Read article →How to Include an Out‑of‑State House in Your Washington Will
Including Real Estate Located Outside Washington in a Washington Will Detailed Answer — How to leave an out-of-state house when you live in Washington Short answer: Yes. You can name an out-of-state house in a Washington will, but the law that actually controls title to that real property is the law of the state where […]
Read article →Washington: First Steps to Confirm Who Owns a Portion of Family Land
How to begin confirming legal ownership of a family parcel in Washington This FAQ-style guide explains the first practical steps to identify the recorded owner of a piece of land that may have once belonged to a relative. It assumes no prior legal knowledge and focuses on Washington state procedures and public records. Detailed answer […]
Read article →How Washington Handles Joint Bank Accounts and Jointly Owned Property When Someone Dies Intestate
Note: This is general information about Washington law and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance about a specific situation. Detailed answer — what happens under Washington law This article explains how jointly held bank accounts and jointly owned property are treated when a person dies without a will (intestate) under Washington […]
Read article →How to Get Appointed as an Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator in Washington
Detailed Answer This section explains, in plain language, the usual steps to be appointed as a personal representative (commonly called an administrator when there is no will, or an executor/administrator when there is a will) or as a co-administrator under Washington law. This is a general guide—not legal advice—and describes common court procedures, documents, and […]
Read article →Avoiding Probate in Washington: Wills, Beneficiary Designations, and Other Options
Planning to Avoid Probate in Washington: Wills, Beneficiary Designations, and Other Tools Disclaimer: This is educational information only and is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Washington attorney. Detailed answer: How wills and beneficiary designations work in Washington and ways to avoid probate In […]
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