Estate Administration in Seattle, Washington

Find the right Estate Administration attorney in Seattle, WA

The process of distributing and maintaining the estate (the total accumulated property) of a person who dies is recognized 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 Seattle Washington will normally be carried out according to the instructions in the will.

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

The executor typically has at least some work cut out for them. This evidently raises the issue of compensation. The easiest way to ensure that the executor does his or her job is simply to appoint the person who has the most to gain from the will. That way, they cannot inherit until the process is finished.

What if The Will Does Not Name an Executor?

If the will in Seattle, 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.

This is usually the person who will benefit the most if the will is executed. If there is no will (a situation recognized as "intestacy"), Washington has a system of laws distributing the decedent's property to his or her closest living relative. In such a situation, the closest living relative has the most to gain from an orderly administration of the estate, so they will usually be appointed.

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 Seattle, Washington court to be the executor.

Whoever is appointed to serve as executor, it is their job to act as the representative of the estate. Among other jobs, they have to account for the decedent's debts and assets, and inform any beneficiaries who might be unaware of the situation.

Can a Seattle, 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 brilliant Seattle, Washington attorney, the process almost always goes pretty smoothly.

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

Life in Seattle

Known for its high level of annual rainfall, Washington state's largest city has much more to offer that just water. Seattle, Washington houses a population of close to 620,000 and it the 15th largest city in the United States. Located between Pudget Sound and Lake Washington, the city is a major gateway for travelers going to Asia and Alaska.

Seattle, which is the northernmost city with a big population in the United States is located just a couple hours away from the Canadian border. Seattle gets its name from its Indian heritage. Seattle was named after a famous Indian chief from the tribes that inhabited the area for over 4,000 years.

Seattle, which has been the site of the popular reality television show, The Real World has a growing arts and music scene. Originally the home of grunge music made popular by Nirvana, the city of Seattle now has many different music scenes and venues ranging in size to showcase them all. Seattle also has a big sports culture, with the many professional teams including: Seattle Sea Hawks, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sound, and Seattle Thunderbirds. The city's cool climate makes it ideal for outdoor activities all year round, and the city has many parks and trails to support the physical activities of its residents and visitors.

Education is also important in Seattle with top universities including University of Washington and Seattle University. Seattle has the highest percentage of college and university graduates than any other city in the U.S. The appreciation for higher education is seen in the many professionals that call the seaside city home. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, tech gurus all thrive in Seattle. The academic culture has produced top lawyers to help the growing city with any legal issue he or she encounters.

Seattle also has a growing tech culture...good thing it is also the home of Starbucks to help give a caffeine fuel to all the innovation!

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