Don’t Go Through Probate Without Seasoned Legal Help

Probate is a court process in Washington state that helps transfer assets from a decedent’s estate to their heirs. Your estate will go through probate if you have assets worth over $100,000.00 or if you have real property located in Washington state that needs to be transferred.

The probate process in Washington state is relatively painless. It can be completed in as little time as four months. It can be private without the filing of an Inventory. Still, the burden of serving as the personal representative can be too much for busy working people to handle on their own.

At Rehmke Andreve, PS, our team of attorneys has nearly 60 collective years of experience practicing probate law. We can help you fulfill your duties as executor in less time and with fewer delays than if you try handling it alone.

The Probate Process In Tacoma

Probate can involve a Will or not. Once a Personal Representative (or Executor) is appointed, a probate attorney can help both the Personal Representative or Executor of the will and the beneficiaries of the inheritance carry out the next steps. Before distributing any assets, there are legal documents that must be filed, creditors must be notified, estate and income taxes have to be carefully calculated and planned out with an accountant and any pending suits stemming from the death must be settled. The process usually is fairly simple and straightforward.

As the beneficiaries are identified, they must be made aware of specific assets they are inheriting, what tax implications there may be on these assets and any stipulations that may be placed on the inheritance. A probate attorney can also help file any objections or disputes stemming from the dissemination of the Will or estate.

Even when carried out perfectly, the Probate process can be time-consuming and frustrating for those without someone in their corner helping out. And if a conflict arises, Washington State’s Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA) system could come into play. With years of experience in both Estate Planning and Probate Law, our firm is well-versed on both sides of the table and can make this process less daunting for everyone involved.

Probate Is Not Inevitable For Your Estate

Avoiding probate is not as difficult as people may think. There are many non-probate alternatives, such as Joint tenancy bank accounts, pay-on-death accounts, transfer-on-death deeds and accounts, Revocable Living Trusts, and Community Property Agreements.

You need to be very careful if you decide you want to avoid probate. Sometimes, placing all your assets in non-probate accounts is advisable, but sometimes, you want to take advantage of Tax Trusts or Special Needs Trusts under your Will.

By placing your assets into nonprobate accounts, you could defeat all the tax or disability planning prepared for your spouse or your children. It could cost you thousands of dollars. Always consult with an attorney or your CPA before deciding to place your assets into any nonprobate accounts.

Contact Us Today

Call 253-642-4541 or email us to schedule a consultation with one of our probate lawyers. Our office is in Fircrest, and we serve clients throughout the Tacoma region.