Probate & Estate Administration
Ravenna Estate Law assists individuals and families in the probate process including filing all the necessary court documents to start and complete probate.
IS PROBATE NEEDED?
Opening probate is not always required in Washington. Sometimes the deceased assets are titled in a form where they will pass automatically to the decedent’s beneficiaries without the need for probate. Although probate in Washington is not expensive, you should talk to an attorney before you start the probate process. An attorney may determine that probate is not needed or whether there are other ways to pass transfer a decedent’s assets.
WHAT IS PROBATE?
In Washington State, probate is the legal process for transferring property from a dependent to their beneficiaries. The probate process requires:
(1) Determining the heirs and other potential beneficiaries of the estate
(2) Locating all of the assets of the deceased
(3) Paying any debts and taxes
(4) Distributing the proceeds to the beneficiaries
(5) Closing up the estate
WHAT ROLE DOES A LAWYER PLAY IN THE PROBATE PROCESS?
Ravenna Estate Law assists family members or other personal representatives in obtaining Letters Testamentary (Will) or Letters of Administration (No Will). We gather all the necessary information and petition the Court to acquire the necessary legal documents (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration) so you can quickly and efficiently administer the estate. Ravenna Estate Law continues to provide legal consultation throughout the probate process to ensure proper management and distribution of the estate assets.
WHAT IS THE COST OF PROBATE?
Our hourly rate is $250 an hour for probate work. After a free initial consultation we are usually able to provide you with an estimate of hours it will take to assist you in completing probate.