Probate

As part our estate planning services crafting wills and trusts for clients in Olympia and throughout Thurston, Lewis, Pierce, Mason and Grays Harbor counties in western Washington, the attorneys at Budd Bay Law, P.S. engage in probate administration and litigation as necessary to meet the needs of our clients.

What is Probate?

Probate is the court-supervised legal process that settles the estate, making sure all debts and taxes are paid, and transferring assets to heirs and other beneficiaries according to the terms of a valid will, or if there is not a will, in accordance with Washington state law governing intestate succession. Since probate can be an extensive or time-consuming process, many estate plans seek to avoid or minimize probate by removing assets from the probate process. Some common ways to transfer property outside of probate include the following:

  • Revocable Living Trusts
  • Community Property Agreements
  • Jointly-Titled Property
  • Insurance Policies
  • Retirement Plans with Beneficiary Designations

Probate Administration and Litigation

Our experienced probate attorneys are capable of providing legal assistance in the administration of estates of all sizes and value. In addition, we represent parties in probate-related litigation, including challenges that the personal representative has failed to perform certain fiduciary duties, or will contests claiming that the testator lacked the capacity to make a will, or that the will was prepared under fraud, duress, or undue influence. We also handle cases in which there is more than one will in existence, and legal intervention is required to determine which will should be admitted to probate. We handle petitions under the Washington Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA) as well as general civil litigation.

Experienced Washington Probate Lawyers

For professional advice and representation in a Washington probate matter throughout the South Puget Sound area, contact Budd Bay Law, P.S.

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