Lynnwood, Bellevue, and Seattle-Area Probate and Estate Administration Lawyers
When a resident of the state of Washington passes away, their estate must be administered and disposed of according to law. It is possible to arrange one's affairs in a way that all assets have been disposed of before death, thus leaving no estate subject to probate. This can be accomplished through gifting, living trusts, and other means. You will not escape estate taxation, but you will avoid probate. On the other hand, probate in Washington is, in the vast majority of cases, a simple, efficient, and common-sense process. Bill and Jacob will be happy to advise you about these matters. Contact us for help with probate and estate administration.
When probate is required, there are two ways an estate may be administered. When an estate is small, it is sometimes possible to bypass probate by use of an affidavit. If the decedent signed a proper will, the estate will be distributed to those named in the will. If the decedent did not leave a will, then that person has died "intestate" and the estate will be distributed in accordance with the laws of the state of Washington. In either case, the estate will go through a special probate court.
At Hickman Menashe, P.S., we will review the assets of the estate with you to determine whether probate is necessary, and if so, what steps are required. Probate in Washington usually requires minimal court involvement. We will walk you through the court requirements toward a smooth and timely completion of the probate process and distribution of the estate assets. Specific services may include:
- education regarding the probate process in Washington state
- assessment of the estate and an outline of the necessary steps for probate or for transferring assets without probate
- production and filing of the necessary court documents
- direction regarding the preparation and filing of a federal estate tax return if necessary
- help with disbursement of the estate assets and closing of the probate
When you probate an estate with our guidance, you will find it to be a very efficient process. We will prepare all the papers, and explain all the steps. We will help you pull in additional professional help, such as accountants and appraisers, when necessary. When all the decedent's debts and taxes have been paid, we will help you to distribute the net estate to the beneficiaries and close out the proceeding.
Contact us if you need counsel in probating an estate in the state of Washington.
Hickman Menashe, P.S.Phone: 425-744-5658 | Fax: 425-744-6078 | |
Main Office:4211 Alderwood Mall Boulevard | Satellite Office: |
The law firm of Hickman Menashe, P.S., provides representation with regard to estate and incapacity planning, long-term care and Medicaid planning, special needs trusts, probate and estate administration, and guardianships and trust administration. We serve clients from Snohomish, King, and Skagit counties and elsewhere from across Washington from a main office in Lynnwood, which is close to Seattle, Shoreline, Lake Stevens, Edmonds, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, Monroe, Snohomish, and Marysville, and a satellite office in Bellevue, which is close to Mercer Island, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, Renton, and Tukwila. | |