[WSBAPT] Frustated with getting death certificates

Mon Mar 8 14:43:08 PST 2021

Hi Dalynne:

Hmm, weird. When they don't readily come via a funeral home, I will sometimes walk into the ME's office next to Harborview (https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/examiner.aspx) and order one. I've never had any problem, and they usually generate it while you wait.

-James

James W. Spencer
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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Dalynne Singleton
Sent: Monday, March 8, 2021 2:34 PM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Frustated with getting death certificates

I am frustrated with the new rules to get a death certificate, basically making it impossible to get one before opening an estate in Washington.
Here is my current scenario:

  *   Mr. M dies as a result of a collision in which an officer was later charged with vehicular homicide.
  *   Mr. M didn't die at scene but later at hospital.
  *   Attempt to order death certificate to open estate.  Told need court order to get a cert copy.  Can't order as an attorney.  I ordered informal one and was told it will be 4-6 weeks before that will be provided.  Told to contact King County ME and see if they have a death certificate
  *   Decided to order medical records from hospital where he died thinking the chart note will say, died.  Told no, not without court order appointing Administrator of Estate.
  *   King County Medical Examiner's office won't talk to me about death without a signed authorization from next of kin.  Difficult to reach son in remote area with everything by mail.  I am waiting for the authorization but I was told son could call the KCME at 206-731-3232 to find out why the death certificate has not been finalized.  My client hired me to assist with this death and take stress from him not ask him to make phone calls about his father's death.

I will be opening estate with a copy attached to a declaration of myself of the news article indicating officer charged with vehicular homicide.  I guess "homicide" would mean person died so hopefully Court will accept that proof of death.

Dalynne Singleton
Gourley Law Group
Snohomish Escrow
The Exchange Connection
1002 10th Street / PO Box 1091
Snohomish, WA 98291
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