A Will, Trust, and other estate planning vehicles can clearly direct what happens to your assets and how they are distributed after you pass away. But that doesn’t happen automatically. The legal process involved in effectuating your wishes and ensuring that things go according to plan is called probate. It is a court proceeding focused on identifying, gathering, and distributing your assets and addressing any of your outstanding liabilities after you die.
If you have a valid Will, the probate process is still required in most cases to pass ownership of probate assets to your heirs and beneficiaries. For individuals who die without a Will, probate is needed to legally convey assets under Washington’s and Idaho's laws of intestate succession.
Even with the best estate planning documents and harmonious relationships between beneficiaries, probate can still be a confusing and lengthy process for those unfamiliar with the law or who lack experience managing complex portfolios of assets. If your Personal Representative (or PR, formerly called an "Executor") doesn’t know what they are doing or if disputes arise among family members, creditors, or others, the process can descend into a costly and frustrating ordeal.
PRs and families who have recently lost a loved one can hire our law firm to guide them through the probate process with efficiency, thoroughness, and finality. We assist with the preparation and filing of initial petitions and other necessary documents with the court and provide accessible and responsive counsel to those given the responsibility of managing an estate. Our extensive experience allows us to bring matters to a conclusion as quickly and cost-effectively as possible so family members can move forward with their lives
Our comprehensive probate representation includes:
* Gathering assets and information about beneficiaries
* Determining debts and other claims against the estate, and paying legitimate claims
* Distributing the estate to beneficiaries under established directions
* Assisting with the calculation and payment of all taxes and preparation estate tax returns
* Managing the estate’s assets
* Overseeing payment of funeral and related expenses
* Locating next of kin
* Working with retirement benefits administrators
The last thing grieving families need after a loved one’s passing is the burden of navigating an unfamiliar and intimidating court process. We'll help take that weight off their shoulders, providing them with the compassionate and clear counsel that can help them through a difficult time.
If you or a loved one is looking for legal advice and representation in the administration of an estate or are involved in a probate dispute, we welcome the opportunity to be of service. Please call us at 253.858.5434 or contact us online to arrange for a consultation.