Can an intestate succession be contested in court?

Yes, an intestate succession can be contested in court. In Washington, intestate succession law is governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). According to RCW 11.04.015, anyone having a claim or interest in a decedent’s estate may file a complaint in the Superior Court to contest the distribution of the estate. The court will make a determination as to the validity of the claim, and if it is valid, the court will decide how the estate will be distributed among the possible heirs. The court will consider any evidence that is presented and arguments made by both parties involved in the dispute. Both parties will have an opportunity to present their case and make legal arguments to support their claims. After the court has made a decision, the estate will be distributed according to the court’s decision. Any heirs or interested parties who are not satisfied with the court’s decision may appeal it to the Court of Appeals. This is the highest court in Washington and the final decision rests with them. Contesting an intestate succession can be extremely complicated, so it is important to have proper legal representation. An experienced estate attorney can help navigate the intestate succession process and provide guidance throughout the process.

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