Estate Administration in Lakewood, Washington

Find the right Estate Administration attorney in Lakewood, WA

The process of distributing and maintaining the estate (the total accumulated property) of a person who dies is identified as "estate administration." It is carried out either through the provisions of a will, or local laws addressing the problem of a person who dies without a will.

If the decedent (the person who died) left a will, the process of estate administration in Lakewood Washington will typically be carried out according to the instructions in the will.

Wills normally name an executor. The executor's role revolves around ensuring that the instructions in the will are implemented.

The executor is frequently the person who will get the most money or property out of the will if it is given effect, because this is the person who will have the greatest incentive to see that the probate process goes as quickly as possible.

What if The Will Does Not Name an Executor?

If the will in Lakewood, Washington does not name an executor, or the decedent left no will to be found, the court has to appoint a person to serve as the administrator of the estate.

Typically, the person chosen to be executor is the one who would benefit most under the will, or under Washington's intestacy laws. "Intestacy" refers to a situation in which a person dies without a will, or "dies intestate." Every state has laws to address this situation, and there isn't a lot of variation from state to state. Typically, the decedent's property will go to his or her closest relative, and if absolutely no living relatives can be found, it will go to the state.

If the will doesn't name a person who is to serve as executor, or the person named is no longer alive or cannot be found, anyone with a direct interest in the will can apply to the Lakewood, Washington court to be the executor.

Once an executor is appointed (whether by being named in the will, or on the application of another person), they "step into the shoes" of the estate, and are expected to protect its interests to the fullest extent possible. They also are required to accurately inventory the estate's debts and assets, as well as notify potential beneficiaries.

Can a Lakewood, Washington Estate Administration Attorney Help?

Some people are surprised when they find out they've been named the executor of a relative's estate. The responsibilities can seem daunting, but with the help of a knowledgeable Lakewood, Washington attorney, the process almost always goes pretty smoothly.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Lakewood

Lakewood is a city in Pierce County, Washington. It is home to approximately 59,000 people. Popular media publications include The Suburban Times, The News Tribune, Lakewood Press and Lakewood Journal.

Popular sites in Lakewood are Fort Steilacoom, Lakewold Gardens, Lakewood Towne Center, Lakewood Playhouse, and Thornewood.

The top employers include Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base.

Some Lakewood residents include attorneys who have either stopped practicing or currently practice. Residents turn to these attorneys for their legal needs. If these attorneys cannot handle the cases, then they refer residents to attorneys in nearby locations. Such a system ensures that the legal needs of Lakewood residents will be taken care of.

All in all, Lakewood is a charming place to visit and a must-see when in Washington!

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