Can probate be expedited?
Yes, probate can be expedited in the state of Washington. Probate is the process of ensuring that the assets of a deceased person are transferred to their rightful heirs, and it can be a lengthy process if it is not expedited. One way to expedite probate is to apply for an abbreviated probate process. This process is reserved for smaller estates that have few liabilities and no disputes among the beneficiaries. The abbreviated process involves fewer steps than a standard probate proceeding and is typically faster and less expensive. In Washington, estates with a value of $100,000 or less are subject to the abbreviated process. Another way to expedite probate in Washington is to file a petition for expedited probate. With this petition, the executor of the estate can ask the court to expedite the probate process because of special circumstances, such as the need for funds to pay for medical bills or funeral costs. Depending on the circumstances, the court may be willing to move forward with an expedited probate process. Finally, if the estate has been set up with a trust, probate can be avoided completely. A trust allows assets to be transferred directly to the designated beneficiaries without the involvement of a court. This can save time and money, and is the best way to avoid probate in Washington.
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