Planning for probate in Washington
Wenatchee World Business World
Author: Lindsey Weidenbach
Estate planning and probate is a tough subject for many people. No one wants to be reminded of their mortality. However, what ultimately arises out of these client meetings is one simple question: what is probate like in Washington?
Probate varies radically state-to-state. In certain states, the executor, and even the estate’s attorney, is entitled to receive a percentage of the estate’s net worth. In other states, a judge must approve every decision made by the executor.
These hurdles cause delays in the probate process and create tensions between family members. Many of us have heard horror stories about probate and the years it takes to complete. Family members fight and the attorneys fees seem endless.
Many years ago, Washington State recognized the need to streamline the probate process and did away with a great deal of the hurdles that have caused so much strife in the probate process elsewhere.