Following the death of a loved one, whether expected or unexpected, it is likely a stressful and emotional time. Along with grieving, there is legal and financial business to take care of, and it can be hard to know where to start.  The process for settling an estate can differ in each situation, but the law provides a roadmap to follow.

​

One decision that needs to be made is whether the estate will require a formal probate. Probate is the structured court process for settling and distributing the property of a decedent. In Washington this starts with filing a petition with the Court, gathering together the decedent's property, notifying creditors and settling their claims, and finally distributing property to the beneficiaries or heirs. This can take from six months to a year or more. 

 

Whether probate is required in your particular situation will depend on the type and amount of property in the estate and the complexity of the issues that need to be worked out. In general probate is required in Washington State if the assets are over $100,000 or real estate is involved, unless some form of non-probate transfer for the property was set up before death. 

 

Pathway Law can assist with the following:

​

• Initial assessment and advice

• Administration of probate from filing the petition to completion

• Representation of Personal Representatives , beneficiaries, and heirs

• Small estate affidavits

• Lack of probate affidavits

• Transfer of non-probate assets. 

​