[WSBAPT] Requirement for Death Cert in Probate

Thu Feb 10 10:10:41 PST 2022

I have never provided a Death Certificate to open a probate. The Petition form is verified by the Personal Representative before it is filed. It is my practice to keep a photocopy (scanned) in my client’s file, but I have never been asked to provide it to the Court.
Jane.

Jane G. Bitz
Of Counsel | Wolff, Hislop & Crockett, PLLC
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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Dalynne Singleton
Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2022 8:33 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Requirement for Death Cert in Probate

This is true but you do need proof of death which has usually been to provide the death certificate with redacted SSN.  It is a negative rule – most local court rules do not require death certificates to open probate.

But, given the slow nature and difficulty of receiving WA death certificates of late, I now prepare a Declaration and provide the court with proof of death in another way – cremation receipt, funeral home/memorial confirmation/receipt, newspaper or obituary, etc.  If none of those, a Declaration of next of kin as to the death can usually suffice.

Dalynne Singleton
Gourley Law Group
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The Exchange Connection
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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 Tom Westbrook
Sent: Wednesday, February 9, 2022 12:56 PM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Requirement for Death Cert in Probate

Greetings all, it is my understanding that we no longer have a state wide requirement to have a death certificate to open a probate proceeding. Can someone please confirm this and point me in the right direction for authority.

Sincerely,

Tom

Thomas J. Westbrook

Attorney at Law

<<...>>

324 West Bay Drive NW, Suite 201

Olympia, WA 98502

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