[WSBAPT] Client Liability for Property as Heir

[Heather de Vrieze]

Client's parents are the titled owners of real property in King County and are both deceased, father died more than 5 years ago, survived by his wife who died over 2 years ago. Client is one of mom's three heirs. She did not have a will.

Primary asset of the estate was a home, heavily mortgaged. Expectation is that bank would foreclose and there was no need to probate.

Property was in disrepair when parents died, and has gotten worse over the time since, including being used as a flophouse, drug-den, etc. Bank couldn't foreclose/evict because of COVID. Now client has received a summons and complaint alleging he is responsible for the code violations on the property as a "de-facto" owner and heir.

Does he need to be worried? Is there any easy way to get his name off of this lawsuit? He wants nothing to do with the property and is terrified of being named as a defendant in this lawsuit.

Thoughts? Anyone have any bright ideas for this client?

Heather

Heather S. de Vrieze
Attorney-at-Law
[cid:image001.jpg at 01D7F1CC.75FE6E30]
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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