People hear stories about why they should avoid probate, but many are unfounded, especially here in Washington. Washington has a probate process that can be, in many cases, simple, straight-forward, quick and inexpensive.
What to Expect
Probate is simply a legal process where an individual (called a personal representative) is appointed to wrap up the affairs of the decedent, pay final bills, and distribute the estate to its beneficiaries. Going through probate can even reduce the amount of time that creditors have to collect on a debt of the decedent.
Probate is nothing to be scared of or avoided.
Douglas Kiger, Attorney at Law
Blado Kiger Bolan, Tacoma, Wash.