[WSBAPT] Ex Parte in King County

Wed Dec 27 17:09:14 PST 2023

Just a reminder that a probate can be opened in any county under the RCWs.  Spokane is still walk in and walk out in most instances – sometimes 2 days and getting more busy.  That being said, I have opened probates for residence in other counties here and just add language to my petition that shows the court the basis for its authority and note where the decedent died.  Then, my notice to creditors is filed in the location where real property exists.  So, for example, I have a Spokane case now where we filed the notice in King County.

Diane J. Kiepe
Douglas Eden, P.S.
717 W. Sprague Ave., Suite 1500
Spokane, WA  99201
djkiepe at depdslaw.com<mailto:djkiepe at depdslaw.com>
509-455-5300

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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Shannon Jones
Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2023 10:32 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] Ex Parte in King County

I open probates which do not require a hearing in Pierce County completely online. Open the case by filing your petition online thru LINX, then mail original Will to clerk for filing with the new case cause number. As soon as Will is filed, submit your order “exparte through the clerk” for a nominal fee and you’ll have the order electronically signed and emailed to you usually the very same day. Then you can purchase Letters online that are mailed to you by the clerk - Shannon

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
Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2023 10:24 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <WSBAPT at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:WSBAPT at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Ex Parte in King County

Greetings List members who practice in King County -

I just discovered that there is NO MORE option for a drop-in probate opening. The only way you get in front of a commissioner is through Ex Parte Via the Clerk OR with a scheduled hearing.

Prior to COVID, I would just drop into the Courthouse to open probates, walk out with a signed order and Letters Testamentary. No more.

ALSO - the cut-off deadline for expedited is 3:30 p.m.  Also to know about the expedited offerings, that is just the promise from the Clerk's office that they will take it to a Commissioner/Judge but no guarantee that it will actually be seen that day or the next.  Current record for an "expedited" case was five court days before the letters and signed order showed up in my inbox.

Considering that opening a probate in King County, with expedited and getting two letters is now more than $300 - I am curious if Pierce County allows for drop-in ex parte openings. I am more than happy to take my money to another county.

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

Office/Scheduling Phone: (253) 285-7751

Direct: (253) 285-7453

e-mail<mailto:Brent at Williams-RuthLaw.com> / website<http://www.williams-ruthlaw.com/> / facebook<http://www.facebook.com/bwrlaw> /
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