Walking You Through the Probate Process
There are a number of administrative and legal matters that must be settled after the death of a loved one. Having the help and guidance of an attorney during this difficult time can be a tremendous relief to individuals and families.
The law firm of Riach Gese Jacobs PLLC is located in Lynnwood, Washington, and represents clients in surrounding areas. If you need help during the probate process, we invite you to call us at 425-329-7857.
For a brief overview of the steps to take when someone dies, download our checklist here.
Probate and Trust Administration Services
Our goal is to make probate as simple as possible by minimizing the work that you have to do. In most cases, our clients never even have to appear in court. We can handle a wide variety of probate-related tasks:
- Marshalling of Assets
- Resolution of Any Creditor’s Claims
- Payment of any Final Expenses
- Distributing Assets According To Will and Trusts
- Community Property Clearance
If any disputes arise during the probate process, we can help you resolve them. Find out more about our probate and estate litigation practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate And Trust Administration In Washington
Want to learn more about probate and how to avoid it? Do you have any questions about how estate administration works? You can ask our attorneys any questions you have such as:
How is probate started in Washington state?
Not every estate goes through probate, but the process is initiated by filing a petition with the superior court of the county where the deceased lived. Several documents, including the will and death certificate, should be prepared before filing a petition. A filing fee is typically expected when submitting a petition. After the will is validated, the probate court can officially appoint the executor as the personal representative of the estate. The executor is then responsible for settling the estate.
What is the role of a personal representative in probate?
The personal representative in probate may include either the executor or state-appointed administrator. This is the person responsible for managing the deceased’s estate and ushering it through probate. The personal representative has a fiduciary duty to always act in the best interests of the estate and beneficiaries. This often includes identifying estate property, contacting beneficiaries, paying remaining debts and taxes and distributing the deceased’s remaining assets.
What assets are exempt from probate in Washington state?
In Washington, exempt assets include jointly held property, such as a savings account, vehicle or home with two listed owners. Assets included in a trust or those with a designated beneficiary generally also avoid the probate process.
What happens when there is no will?
When there is no valid will, then the deceased has died intestate, which put the state in charge of selecting an administrator. The administrator would then be responsible for executing the estate according to Washington state’s intestate succession laws. That can delay the probate process and cause assets to be distributed in a way that the deceased never intended. A will is critical to avoid these kinds of issues.
How long does probate usually take?
The probate process may take only a few months to over a year to settle depending on the complexity of the estate. Larger estates and legal complications can prolong the probate process. There are several ways to avoid probate, such as setting up a trust.
Contact Us for Probate and Trust Administration Help
To discuss your questions and concerns regarding the probate administration process and to learn how our lawyers can help you, please complete our online contact form.