Probate Law Attorney Tacoma

Probate comes from Latin and actually means something proved. In the context of estates, it means proof of a Will. Most people, and even many attorneys, discuss probate in the context of administering a person’s estate after they have passed away.

If a person dies and has a Will, probate will include the following:

• Proving in Court that a deceased person’s Will is valid.
• Appointment of the person designated in the Will to act as executor or executrix of the estate.
• Identifying and inventorying the deceased person’s property.
• Having property appraised, as necessary.
• Paying debts and taxes.
• Distributing the remaining property to the person’s designated in the Will to receive it.

If a person dies and does not have a Last Will & Testament, then rather than probate of the Will, that person will be determined to have died “intestate” and their estate will be administered through the Court. This will include:

• Filing of a Petition verifying there is no Last Will & Testament.
• Appointment of an Administrator of the estate.
• Identifying and inventorying the deceased person’s property.
• Having property appraised, as necessary.
• Paying debts and taxes.
• Distributing the remaining property according to the laws of the State of Washington.

In many instances, after interviewing the surviving family members and obtaining information concerning assets and debts, we are able process the payment of the decease person’s debts and to facilitate the transfer of the remaining property WITHOUT PROBATE/ESTATE ADMINISTRATION. This can result in significant savings.