Easy Docs Notary & Independent Legal Service

09/27/2024

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09/26/2024

DID YOU KNOW?

Washington State law does require filing of the Will.
Washington law DOES REQUIRE any last Will of a deceased Washington Resident to be filed promptly following death. Regardless of whether or not the deceased person’s estate is probated, the Will should be filed within 40 Days of the person’s death in the county they resided in at the time of death.

09/26/2024

WHAT IS PROBATE?

Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone dies. It can occur whether there is a Will (testate) or if there is no Will (intestate). It usually includes:

Proving in court that the Will is valid (usually a routine matter);
Identifying and inventorying the deceased person’s property (both real and personal);
Having the property appraised (valued);
Paying the deceased person’s debts and taxes;
Distributing the remaining property as the will (or state law, if there’s no will) directs.
Typically, probate involves filing of paperwork and court appearances by the Personal Representative or Administrator of the Estate with the help of lawyers. The lawyer’s fees and court fees are paid from Estate property, along with other Estate debts prior to distributing the remaining property to the heirs.

09/25/2024

DO I NEED TO GO THROUGH PROBATE?

Washington State law DOES NOT REQUIRE Probate. Probate is discretionary. Practically speaking only a small percent of deaths in Washington result in a Probate being filed. It’s usually only filed if someone wants or needs to accomplish a specific task or exercise a legal claim that cannot be accomplished absent Probate. Some common reasons for Probate are:

Decedent died holding personal property exceeding $100,000 in Decedent’s own name;
Decedent died holding any real property titled in Decedent’s own name;
Someone wishing to contest the Will;
Someone contesting the authority or actions of the Personal Representative administering the Will;
To change or appoint a new Personal Representative;
To clear title on Joint Property held without Right of Survivorship;
If the deceased person owned real estate in another state, the Personal Representative may need to conduct a second probate proceeding in that state.
There may be many more specific reasons depending on specific facts and you should consult with a Probate Attorney to determine if Probate is needed.

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09/25/2024

DID YOU KNOW?

You can use a Health Care Directive, also known as a Living Will, to specify your wishes for end-of-life medical care

09/25/2024

WHAT IF I DIE WITHOUT A WILL?

If you die without a will, your assets will be distributed according to Washington's intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes. For example, if you don't have a spouse or children, your property will go to your grandchildren or parents.

09/25/2024

DO I NEED A WILL?

No, a will is not legally required in Washington state, but it is generally recommended. A will allows you to:

Direct asset distribution: Choose who will receive your assets after you die

Name a guardian: If you have minor children, you can name guardians to care for them

Make charitable gifts: You can include charitable gifts in your will
Avoid family arguments: A will can help prevent family disputes over who gets what