Compassionate Spokane Probate Attorney

Comprehensive Probate Services in Spokane, Washington

The court-supervised process of distributing a decedent’s estate to named heirs is known as probate. In addition to asset distribution, probate includes paying off debts. Probate can drag on for months, and it is often costly. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent loved ones from having to go through this frustrating process. With proper estate planning, you can prevent your estate from going through probate. Speak with a Spokane probate attorney today to get started.

Certain assets, such as those that are jointly-held, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), items in a Revocable Trust, and some estates valued below $100,000, do not need to pass through probate. In Washington, bank accounts and real property may be protected from probate if the owner makes payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations.

An experienced Spokane probate attorney will review your unique situation to determine your probate exposure and how to reduce or eliminate the assets that must pass through this costly process.

What is the Affidavit Procedure?

Some estates can be administered by utilizing the Small Estate Affidavit procedure. For this process, the estate must be valued at less than $100,000.00, must not consist of real property, and forty days have to have passed since the date of death. This is a simple process that we can help you with.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate in Spokane, Washington

Is There Any Way You Can Avoid Probate?

Not all items need to pass through probate. For example, if you have items held in a revocable trust or with a specific beneficiary or designations like an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), these don’t need to be probated. Washington probate law also allows an individual to make payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations for many assets, including real property and bank account balances.

How Long Does Probate Typically Take?

The probate process in can vary anywhere from four months up to a year. However, it can take even longer than that for complicated or contested estates. Probate is a complicated process with many moving pieces. The process can take several years if family members challenge the estate or find themselves at odds with the bequests.

Who Is Responsible for Initiating Probate?

The executor of a will is responsible to initiate the probate process, retain an attorney, and take care of all financial obligations the deceased person left behind. An executor is usually named in a will, but the probate court will appoint a relative to handle the probate process if no will is available.

What Happens During the Probate Process?

The executor of a will, or an individual appointed by the probate court if there wasn’t a will, is responsible for dispersing real and personal property and collecting debts owed to the deceased. A list of assets in the estate is prepared and beneficiaries named in the will (or heirs-at-law if there isn’t a will) are notified of the probate proceedings. It’s up to the beneficiaries to file claims for any debts owed to them. State and federal taxes are paid from the estate. The title to the decedent’s property is cleared so that the property can be passed on to the beneficiaries or sold.

What Type of Assets Aren’t Subject to Probate?

Assets jointly held or held with a right of survivorship (ownership is transferred once someone passes away) are not subject to probate. Estates with assets valued below $100,000 and no real property can also avoid probate, depending on the complexity of the assets owned. Lastly, retirement accounts with beneficiary designations and life insurance policies are not subject to probate.

When Will Our Family Receive Property or Assets?

The probate court won’t allow the final distribution of property and assets until all debts have been paid, including court fees, estate taxes, and other debts. The dispersal timeline is dependent on many factors.

Why Should I Hire a Probate Attorney in Eastern Washington or Northern Washington?

While you aren’t legally required to retain a probate attorney in either area, it’s advisable due to the complexity of the court process. A dedicated probate attorney such as Evergreen Elder Law understands probate laws and regulations and how they apply to your situation. Many individuals don’t have the time to make court appearances, gather documents, and file the paperwork, let alone even have the knowledge and experience to ensure it’s done correctly. Contact us on your behalf!

When Can I Sell the House from an Estate?

If an estate contains property, it cannot be sold until probate is opened and an executor is appointed.

How Much Do Attorneys Charge for Probate Cases?

Legal fees will vary depending on the firm and the complexity of the estate. Attorneys often charge an hourly rate for the time spent on a case. Please contact Evergreen Elder Law to inquire about our rates.

What Is Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship?

Joint tenancy with the right of survivorship is the most common form of asset ownership between spouses. Joint tenancy assets have the advantage of avoiding probate at the death of the first spouse.

Why Should You Make Estate Planning Your Top Priority?

  • You can expose yourself, your family, and your assets to the lengthy and costly probate process and otherwise avoidable death taxes. Minor children may not end up with the guardians you want.
  • Without naming a legal guardian in your Estate Plan, friends and family could battle out custody in court. This can create unnecessary expenses and litigation for your estate and heirs.
  • If you don’t plan for the possibility of incapacity, you will have no say in who makes medical and financial decisions for you. The court will be forced to appoint a guardian, not of your choosing. This process can be very expensive and time-consuming.

Contact a Spokane Probate Lawyer Today

Contact our experienced and knowledgeable staff to avoid these serious mistakes. We can guide you each step of the way. Set up a free consultation in person at our Spokane location, or online, so we can apply our expertise and get a comprehensive plan in place.

FAQs

What Happens If There Is No Will?
When someone dies without a will, it is called dying intestate. There are statutes that govern how an estate is to be distributed when a decedent dies intestate. The law presumes that the decedent destroyed the will intentionally, because the terms of the missing will were no longer desired. However, if you believe that the will is lost rather than intentionally destroyed, you should consult with an attorney to discuss options. Proving that there was a valid will is a costly process, requiring an examination of how estate assets would be distributed through the laws of intestate succession, or according to the alleged terms of the missing will, as well as tax liability.

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Spokane Probate Attorney

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I did some research and exploration and came upon the offices of Evergreen Elder Law. From the moment I spoke with the receptionist I felt respected, valued and regarded as an important client. I made an appointment for March 20, 2018. When I presented to their offices I spoke with someone who was sympathetic for my loss, confident that their offices could help and exuded competence. I was heartened to note that they were recognized as “Client Choice “Estate Law Office” for 2016.” And my experience with their offices made me a believer.

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When my mother retired it became apparent we as a family needed help, Holland Mcburns was recommended by an acquaintance of the family. She was professional and very thorough and informative. I felt she was very up to date on the current opportunities that would best benefit my elderly mother, and make her retirement years worry free. After working with Mrs Mcburns, it was apparent that many people would benefit from her knowledge and dedication. I highly recommend her, and look forward to working with her on my estate planning.

ANONYMOUS

Holland is very attentive and detail oriented. I felt well cared for, she returned calls promptly, and was always very sensitive to my needs. Holland gave me very good advice. She is very ethical and has legal services personalized to your needs.

ANONYMOUS

Holland is a great listener and lawyer. When we came to her with our needs, she thoughtfully listened, was helpful with all our questions, and then explained our options. Her sense of humor helped us through some long waits with the system. In the end, we ended up with a surprisingly favorable settlement and a good friend in the courts.

NADINE AND MARK HUCK

Holland is truly one of the most sincere and professional attorneys I have come to know and over many years in the legal field. Her work is innovative in the complex area of estate planning and she strives to know the latest legal strategies to protect and represent her clients. Holland is dedicated to satisfying her clients’ needs and does it in a kind manner. She is a wonderful communicator both with her clients and with her colleagues. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal services.

LEESA VAN ZANDT

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The Evergreen Elder Law Team

Evergreen Elder Law is committed to helping you create comprehensive legal, financial, and physical security for you and your loved ones. Serving the Spokane, Tri Cities and Coeur d’Alene regions, we have the knowledge, compassion and professionalism to guide you in planning for the future, giving you peace of mind as you or a loved one makes important decisions for your family and future.

Let us provide you with a free 60-minute consultation. We are available throughout the week by phone and e-mail. Contact us now to set up the initial consultation, and we will make meeting with us easy. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to come up with the best plan to meet your needs. We are available in-person or via tele-conference.

Do you need support with Estate Planning & Elder Law?

Our attorneys at Evergreen Elder Law are ready to stand by you over the long term and work hard to protect your interests. Contact us to get started!