What is probate and how does it work?
Probate is a legal process in Washington that is used when someone dies to recognize and carry out the wishes of the deceased person. Probate is the process through which the court oversees the distribution of assets from the deceased person’s estate. This includes recognizing the will of the deceased, if one is present, or assigning the estate’s assets according to the law if there is no will. In Washington, the probate process begins when a representative of the deceased’s estate submits a petition to the court. The petition includes information such as the name of the deceased, the value of the estate, and the beneficiaries named in the will. The court then reviews the petition and issues orders for the estate to be distributed according to the will, if one exists. If there is no will, the court assigns the estate’s assets in accordance with Washington state’s laws of inheritance. Once the estate has been distributed, the court reviews and closes the probate case. The estate’s representative receives a court order stating that the estate has been distributed according to the wishes of the deceased. This final court order is important because it serves as proof that the estate was distributed properly and that the will of the deceased was recognized.
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