[WSBAPT] Redacting Original Will or Filing under Seal

[Eric Nelsen]

An attorney at my firm just did that in the last month - filed an unredacted Will under seal, while filing for public record one with the sensitive information redacted. In our case, it was a Social Security number rather than financial account numbers, but those are definitely protected too under GR 31(e). I think she walked it in rather than submitting electronically, to make sure the commissioner could ask questions if needed.

I don't see another solution. We can't possibly alter the original Will so the only way to protect the sensitive information is to file it under seal and file a redacted copy for public record.

Sincerely,

Eric

Eric C. Nelsen
Sayre Law Offices, PLLC
1417 31st Ave South
Seattle WA 98144-3909
206-625-0092
eric at sayrelawoffices.com

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Heather de Vrieze
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2020 12:36 PM
To: 'wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com' <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Redacting Original Will or Filing under Seal

I have a new probate where the Will includes full account numbers of multiple accounts at various financial institutions, including several joint accounts held with surviving spouse.

It has been a couple of years since I last requested the filing of an original unredacted Will under seal (with a redacted one public in the file). In that case it was social security numbers of all the beneficiaries, and the Court was reluctant to sign my order, but did after some persuasion. Anyone with more recent experience with such a request, or other ideas for how to handle this sensitive information?

Heather

Heather S. de Vrieze
Attorney-at-Law
[cid:image003.jpg at 01D5CC6D.EC9EA860]
3909 California Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98116-3705
(206)938-5500
heatherd at westseattlelaw.com<mailto:heatherd at westseattlelaw.com>
www.westseattlelaw.com<http://www.westseattlelaw.com/>
Click here to connect with de Vrieze | Carney on Facebook:   [FB Logo] <https://www.facebook.com/DeVriezeCarney>

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