King & Snohomish County Intestate Probate Attorneys
When your loved one passes away, their estate must go through the probate process whether or not they had a last will and testament. When someone does not have a will, their estate will be subject to the intestate laws of Washington State. The probate process can be more complicated and drawn out when someone does not have a will, and it can be beneficial for the family to seek help from an intestate probate lawyer who handles cases in Snohomish County probate court.
Intestate Estates
Every estate must be administered and distributed, even if someone did not have a will. With an intestate estate, the following must occur:
- The probate judge will determine who to appoint to serve as the personal representative, who is the individual in charge of estate administration.
- The probate court will oversee the payment of debts
- The estate will need to be distributed in accordance with Washington’s intestate laws, which dictate who gets what share of the assets and property.
In some cases, a loved one might leave behind a will that is invalid for one reason or another. In this case, if the court invalidates the will, the estate will proceed through intestate probate.
Intestate laws are complex, and personal representatives must ensure that heirs receive the proper inheritance. If you believe you should inherit through an intestate estate, but the personal representative disagrees, you should seek a legal consultation with our firm as soon as possible.
Speak with an Intestate Probate Lawyer Right Away
Dying without a will can complicate the probate process, and family members should not have to navigate this legal process while they are grieving. Instead, put your case in the hands of Bountiful Law. Contact us for more information about how we can assist with intestate probate cases and other probate concerns.