[WSBAPT] creditor claims filed in will only matter

[Eric Nelsen]

I'd say ignore them. If no probate has been started with a PR appointed, and no "notice agent" under Ch. 11.42 RCW has been created, then there is no basis for creditor claims. If they want to file a claim, they can go start a probate themselves. Claims sent to you are just recycle basket liner.

Frankly-and this is me being ornery-I also would not even respond to AmEx. If a company that big can't figure out what is and isn't proper, I see no reason to help them.

Sincerely,

Eric

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

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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Susan Donahue
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 2:19 PM
To: 'WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv' <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] creditor claims filed in will only matter

Hello friends,

I've written about this matter before.  This is the estate that is insolvent with $97,000 in debts.  After the last round of answers to my question about how to handle this estate, my client decided to ride out the 24 month period and ignore the claims.  Some of you gave me great answers and advice. However, American Express, in which the decedent had three accounts totally about $18.,44, has mailed me three creditor claims.  I filed the will as required as a Will Only case with a cover sheet that had my name on it.  (my first mistake).  So, American Express has sent me three creditor claims to the case number of the will only filing.  Am I required to answer these creditor claims?  Should I reject them and say that the case is insolvent?  But that would require filing the claims which implies that a probate has begun, wouldn't it?  Or, could I reject them saying that the estate is insolvent and no probate will be begun? Should I say that no probate has begun or will be begun in a letter to the agent who sent me the creditor claim?

As far as I can tell, the creditor claims have not be filed in the Will Only matter.  At least they are not on Odyssey Portal.   There is no filed stamp on them.

I could use some thoughts from any of you.

Thank you.

Susan

Susan Donahue
Law Office of Susan Donahue
125 West 2nd Avenue, Suite "B"
P.O. Box 81
Twisp, WA 98856
(509) 996-5944 (phone)
(509) 362-9692 (fax)
sdonahue at sdonahuelaw.com<mailto:sdonahue at sdonahuelaw.com>
www.sdonahuelaw.com<http://www.sdonahuelaw.com>

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