[WSBAPT] Ordering Death Certificate - New Snag

Tue Dec 21 10:53:35 PST 2021

You have to "prove" someone died because we have had cases where probates have been opened for the estate of person that are still alive.  Causes great confusion at the funeral.

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G. Geoffrey Gibbs
Anderson Hunter Law Firm
2707 Colby Avenue #1001 | Everett, WA  98201
P.  (425) 252-5161 | F.  (425) 258-3345 |
ggibbs at andersonhunterlaw<https://www.facebook.com/AndersonHunterLaw/>
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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Jahnis Abelite
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 10:41 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] Ordering Death Certificate - New Snag

What is the reason you have to prove someone has died? Look under the Instructions For Authorized representative Form as to Short Form Death Certificates as to who can order such a certificate. That is the only "catch-all" condition under which a certified death certificate can be issued. Otherwise, you can purchase a non-certified informational death certificate copy or go to the Washington State Digital Archives.

Best regards,
Jahnis J. Abelite, WSBA #11644
ABELITE LAW OFFICES P.S.
16710 Smokey Point Blvd., Suite 200
Arlington WA 98223-8435
Office: 360-657-3886
Facsimile: 360-657-3719

________________________________
From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com>> on behalf of Rod Harmon <rodharmon at msn.com<mailto:rodharmon at msn.com>>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 10:16
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] Ordering Death Certificate - New Snag

What if you don't represent a next of kin but need a death certificate to prove that someone is dead.  Does the law allow a subpoena to the health dept?

Rod Harmon

RODNEY T. HARMON

       Attorney at Law

         P.O. Box 1066

      Bothell, WA   98041

     Tel:   (425) 402-7800

     Fax:  (425) 458-9096

    www.rodharmon.com<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rodharmon.com%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cggibbs%40andersonhunterlaw.com%7C67980f371f8c49b739c008d9c4b18853%7Ccfd348433b124bd6850ebd6b59fd6f90%7C0%7C0%7C637757089481996812%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&sdata=vl2VVWcIoi8XDuUZ%2FAC747Ilb7m7i17G98Q1ovMPPF8%3D&reserved=0>

   rodharmon at msn.com<mailto:rodharmon at msn.com>

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Jahnis Abelite
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 9:59 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] Ordering Death Certificate - New Snag

Yes, effective 01/01/2021, Washington is a closed record state. Attorneys can still obtain death certificates but must submit certain forms to show they have the authority to act on behalf of the nex-of-kin. Check the web page of the County Health Department and you will see the documentary requirements for attorneys who are acting on behalf of their clients.

Best regards,

Jahnis J. Abelite, WSBA #11644
ABELITE LAW OFFICES P.S.
16710 Smokey Point Blvd., Suite 200
Arlington WA 98223-8435
Office: 360-657-3886
Facsimile: 360-657-3719

________________________________

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com>> on behalf of Brent Williams-Ruth <brent at williams-ruthlaw.com<mailto:brent at williams-ruthlaw.com>>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 09:18
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <WSBAPT at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:WSBAPT at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Ordering Death Certificate - New Snag

Today i was informed that I am not eligible to place an order for a death certificate for my client's parent.

This is a first since the new law has come into play. Has anyone else been told that they cannot do this and that my client, herself, has to be the one who places the order?

Brent Williams-Ruth (pronouns: he/him)
Attorney-At-Law

Law Offices of Brent Williams-Ruth, a division of BWR Consulting, PLLC

Physical Address: 500 S 336th Street, Suite 214; Federal Way, WA 98003

**EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY** All mail sent through the USPS should be sent to the following address: PO BOX 3319; Federal Way, WA 98063

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Direct: (253) 285-7453

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