Whatcom County, WA Wills & Probate Lawyers

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Includes: Estate Administration, Living Wills, Wills

Katti Telstad Esp

Wills, Estate Planning, Estate, Elder Law
Status:  In Good Standing *Status is reviewed annually. For latest information visit here           

Dennis R. Williams

Wills, Estate Planning, Estate, Corporate
Status:  Inactive *Status is reviewed annually. For latest information visit here           Licensed:  44 Years

Thomas Eric Stuen

Wills, Estate Planning, Estate, Family Law
Status:  Inactive *Status is reviewed annually. For latest information visit here           Licensed:  51 Years

J. Bruce Smith

Wills, Estate Planning, Estate
Status:  Deceased *Status is reviewed annually. For latest information visit here           Licensed:  45 Years

G. Dennis Archer

International Tax, Estate Planning, Estate, Wills
Status:  Deceased *Status is reviewed annually. For latest information visit here           Licensed:  51 Years

Andrew W Heinz

Wills, Estate Planning, Estate, Business
Status:  In Good Standing *Status is reviewed annually. For latest information visit here           Licensed:  20 Years

Mark Allen Boyson

Wills, Estate Planning, Estate
Status:  In Good Standing *Status is reviewed annually. For latest information visit here           Licensed:  49 Years

Matt Beaty

Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, Estate, Wills
Status:  In Good Standing *Status is reviewed annually. For latest information visit here           Licensed:  18 Years

Jamia Burns

Estate Planning, Wills & Probate
Status:  In Good Standing *Status is reviewed annually. For latest information visit here           Licensed:  16 Years

Julie Estelle Jansen

Other, Wills, Estate Planning, Estate
Status:  In Good Standing *Status is reviewed annually. For latest information visit here           Licensed:  15 Years

Free Help: Use This Form or Call 800-814-6700

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LEGAL TERMS

DOWER AND CURTESY

A surviving spouse's right to receive a set portion of the deceased spouse's estate -- usually one-third to one-half. Dower (not to be confused with a 'dowry') ... (more...)
A surviving spouse's right to receive a set portion of the deceased spouse's estate -- usually one-third to one-half. Dower (not to be confused with a 'dowry') refers to the portion to which a surviving wife is entitled, while curtesy refers to what a man may claim. Until recently, these amounts differed in a number of states. However, because discrimination on the basis of sex is now illegal in most cases, most states have abolished dower and curtesy and generally provide the same benefits regardless of sex -- and this amount is often known simply as the statutory share. Under certain circumstances, a living spouse may not be able to sell or convey property that is subject to the other spouse's dower and curtesy or statutory share rights.

STATUTORY SHARE

The portion of a deceased person's estate that a spouse is entitled to claim under state law. The statutory share is usually one-third or one-half of the deceas... (more...)
The portion of a deceased person's estate that a spouse is entitled to claim under state law. The statutory share is usually one-third or one-half of the deceased spouse's property, but in some states the exact amount of the spouse's share depends on whether or not the couple has young children and, in a few states, on how long the couple was married. In most states, if the deceased spouse left a will, the surviving spouse must choose either what the will provides or the statutory share. Sometimes the statutory share is known by its more arcane legal name, dower and curtesy, or as a forced or elective share.

ADMINISTRATRIX

An outdated term for a female administrator -- the person appointed by a court to handle probate on behalf of someone who died without a will. Now, whether male... (more...)
An outdated term for a female administrator -- the person appointed by a court to handle probate on behalf of someone who died without a will. Now, whether male or female, this person is called the administrator.

SWEARING MATCH

A case that turns on the word of one witness versus another. The outcome of a swearing match usually depends on whom the jury finds most trustworthy.

GENERATION-SKIPPING TRUST

A trust designed to save on estate tax. The trust principal is preserved for the trust maker's grandchildren, with his or her children receiving only income fro... (more...)
A trust designed to save on estate tax. The trust principal is preserved for the trust maker's grandchildren, with his or her children receiving only income from the trust. Because the children (the middle generation) never legally own the property, it isn't subject to estate tax at their death. See generation-skipping transfer tax.

PROVING A WILL

Convincing a probate court that a document is truly the deceased person's will. Usually this is a simple formality that the executor or administrator easily sat... (more...)
Convincing a probate court that a document is truly the deceased person's will. Usually this is a simple formality that the executor or administrator easily satisfies by showing that the will was signed and dated by the deceased person in front of two or more witnesses. When the will is holographic -- that is, completely handwritten by the deceased and not witnessed, it is still valid in many states if the executor can produce relatives and friends to testify that the handwriting is that of the deceased.

PROBATE COURT

A specialized court or division of a state trial court that considers only cases concerning the distribution of deceased persons' estate. Called 'surrogate cour... (more...)
A specialized court or division of a state trial court that considers only cases concerning the distribution of deceased persons' estate. Called 'surrogate court' in New York and several other states, this court normally examines the authenticity of a will -- or if a person dies intestate, figures out who receives her property under state law. It then oversees a procedure to pay the deceased person's debts and to distribute her assets to the proper inheritors. See probate.

SUMMARY PROBATE

A relatively simple probate proceeding available for 'small estates,' as that term is defined by state law. Every state's definition is different, and many are ... (more...)
A relatively simple probate proceeding available for 'small estates,' as that term is defined by state law. Every state's definition is different, and many are complicated, but a few examples include estates worth up to $100,000 in California; New York estates where property, excluding real estate and amounts that must be set aside for surviving family members, is worth $20,000 or less; and Texas estates where the value of property doesn't exceed what is needed to pay a family allowance and certain creditors.

DISCHARGE (OF PROBATE ADMINISTRATOR)

A court order releasing the administrator or executor from any further duties connected with the probate of an estate. This typically occurs when the duties hav... (more...)
A court order releasing the administrator or executor from any further duties connected with the probate of an estate. This typically occurs when the duties have been completed but may happen sooner if the executor or administrator wishes to withdraw or is dismissed.

SAMPLE LEGAL CASES

In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Stansfield

... 4 According to Stansfield, he was retained solely to probate the estate to facilitate collection of the Farmers insurance money. ... It is uncontested that Stansfield promptly filed the probate in Grant County Superior Court and Urquilla was appointed personal representative. ...

Perrin v. Stensland

... 7 On August 15, 2006, the Van Weerdhuizens' son, Dale, was appointed personal representative of Gordon's estate in a probate opened in Whatcom County. The probate file included Gordon's will, in which Hattie was the first nominee for personal representative. ...

IN RE ESTATE OF PALMER

... [7]. ¶ 13 Under RCW 11.24.010, an interested party must contest a will within four months following probate. The trial court admitted the Palmers' wills to probate on June 22, 2004. ... If no person shall appear within the time under this section, the probate ... ...

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