[WSBAPT] Provide or Not Provide Notice to Creditors

[Eric Nelsen]

Agree. I would argue the PR has a duty to NOT publish a Notice to Creditors if at least 20 months after date of death have passed—that is, two years minus four months.

Per RCW 11.40.051(c)<https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.40.051>, if no notice is published then a creditor claim must be filed within two years or the claim is extinguished.

Per RCW 11.40.051(a) and (b), if a notice is published it opens a potential four-month window within which claims can be filed. Arguably that window could extend the two year deadline, which I think would be contrary to the PR’s duty to beneficiaries. I would say that the PR’s duty to treat potential claimants fairly does not include giving them more than the statutory two years within which to file a claim.

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 Jim Doran
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2022 11:26 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] Provide or Not Provide Notice to Creditors

The way I look at this is that if there are no creditors to your knowledge and the mail and other documents don't show any creditors, then no publication is necessary.

James R. Doran
Attorney at Law
100 E. Pine Street -  Suite 205
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360)393-9506
jim at doranlegal.com<mailto:jim at doranlegal.com>
www.doranlegal.com<http://www.doranlegal.com>


On Wed, May 25, 2022 at 11:21 AM <Jeff at bellanddavispllc.com<mailto:Jeff at bellanddavispllc.com>> wrote:
Listmates,

Decedent passed more than two years ago.  Probate is necessary to transfer real property.  Should notice to creditors, either actual or published, be provided since the 2 year claim period has passed?

Jeff

W. Jeff Davis
BELL & DAVIS PLLC
P.O. Box 510
720 E. Washington Street, Suite 105
Sequim WA 98382
Phone: (360) 683.1129
Fax: (360) 683.1258
email: jeff at bellanddavispllc.com<mailto:jeff at bellanddavispllc.com>
www.bellanddavispllc.com<http://www.bellanddavispllc.com/>

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