PROBATE
IN WASHINGTON
Probate is the
legal process required to transfer ownership of
property after a person dies. Usually it is
only necessary to probate an estate if there are
assets subject to probate. In the State of
Washington, the probate proceeding is relatively
simple. It requires the preparation and
filing of legal documents and may require one or
more Court hearings. It is difficult to
predict the time required to settle an estate
because each situation is so unique.
The procedure
usually begins with submitting the original will
to the Court and the appointment of a personal
representative (PR) to collect, manage and settle
the estate. The PR, with the guidance of a
lawyer, is responsible for the proper handling
and settlement of the decedent's estate.
The PR is required to notify heirs and creditors
of the probate proceedings; take possession of
property; inventory and preserve the decedent's
assets; collect all income; determine the names
and relationship of all heirs; complete any
pending lawsuits; prepare and pay any applicable
state and federal estate and income taxes; pay
the valid claims of creditors; transfer title to
real property and certain personal property to
the heirs; and file a Declaration of Completion
of Probate with the Court to complete the
probate.
If someone
close to you has died, the surviving spouse or a
close relative should contact a lawyer. A
lawyer can provide advice, determine if probate
is required and explain any necessary procedures.
Our firm consist of three lawyers,
Peter W. Mogren, Ronald E. Glessner, and Ruth
A. Roti. Our emphasis is in family law,
wills and probate, and personal injury.
Please click on the topics above for details
about these areas of practice, including
wills, Community Property Agreements, Durable
Power of Attorney, and probate.
Our firm is conveniently located in
Renton, King County, Washington, just off the
freeway at the intersection of I-405 and
I-167. Our attorneys represent clients
throughout the State of Washington, including
the communities of Renton, Kent, Tukwila,
Seattle, Bellevue, Auburn, Maple Valley,
Federal Way, Des Moines, Burien, SeaTac,
Enumclaw and most of south King County.
The free information contained in
these pages is not
intended to be legal advice, and does not
create an attorney-client relationship. You
should always consult with an attorney before
taking any action.
