[WSBAPT] Parties Entitled to See a Will

[Eric Nelsen]

The Will is filed for public record, so if the PR/Estate wants to be ornery they can make the beneficiary go get a copy themselves from the court clerk. The PR does not have a duty to provide a copy of the Will—but, if the Will has trust provisions, would be best to provide a copy to Trust beneficiaries pursuant to RCW 11.98.072(1)<https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.98&full=true#11.98.072>.

I have gone both ways on this, depending on the personalities involved and the potential issues. Sometimes I advise PRs to just provide a copy of the Will if asked. But if there is one of those difficult types who bombards the PR with demands for this or that, or the person is otherwise a behavioral problem like a serial litigator, I might draw the line and tell them to go get the papers themselves.

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 Ryan P. Coon
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2020 11:07 AM
To: wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com
Subject: [WSBAPT] Parties Entitled to See a Will


Hey Listserve,

I'm trying to figure out who has a right to see or receive a copy of a will being probated in Washington. Specifically, I'm wondering if beneficiaries under the will are entitled to see or receive a copy. I've been pouring over the statutes and haven't been able to find anything, which leads me to believe that beneficiaries are not entitled to see the will but that sounds wrong to me for some reason.

Any help or direction would be appreciated.
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Very Truly Yours,
Ryan P. Coon
Law Office of Cole & Gilday, P.C.

10101 - 270th St. NW
Stanwood, WA 98292
(360) 629-2900 (Telephone)
(360) 629-0220 (Fax)

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