[WSBAPT] Abandoned Mobile Home

[jbdolan at jbdolan.com]

I once had a similar probate with several abandoned RVs on the estate property.  At least in Island County, a Sheriff’s Deputy will come out to the property, run the VIN,  and complete some simple paperwork that the PR sends to the registered owner by registered mail.  I believe it was called a “Junk Vehicle Affidavit” or something similar.  If the registered owner does not respond in a certain amount of time (I seem to recall 10 or 15 days) then a salvage yard can take it.  Not sure if the same applies in Whatcom County.  Hauling it away can be expensive, especially if there is asbestos insulation, which most of the old mobile homes have.  Not sure what to say about the lien.  The lien holder (I’m guessing the original lender) should be a public record, no?  If so, has the lien expired?  If not, is the lien holder an ascertainable creditor?

 

Jim Dolan

 

=========================

 

Jones Butler Dolan, PS

P.O. Box 458

10027 SR 532

Stanwood, WA 98292

(tel) 360-336-2939

(fax) 360-336-2949

 

 

 

 

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Jamia Burns
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 12:11 PM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Abandoned Mobile Home

 

Hello probate experts,

 

I have a probate where there is a mobile home on the land that needs to be removed and destroyed (not livable). It has been there for like 50 years and my client assumed her grandfather owned it and then her father. It turns out that it is owned by someone else, but the Auditor's office cannot disclose the owner. The Auditor also indicated there is a lien on it, but again they will not disclose who has a lien. The Auditor said if the client can remove it from the land, then they can just notify the auditor. The problem is that all of the demo/removal companies require a title. Even if we get a title, it is unlikely we can find the old owner from over 50 years ago. Any suggestions? Can we do a motion in the Probate asking the judge for an order to allow the Auditor to disclose ownership information or an order to allow the abandoned property to be removed? 

 

Respectfully,




Jamia S. Burns
Attorney at Law
(360) 739-6379

Office: 1200 Dupont St., Suite 1-D

Bellingham, WA 98225 (By Appointment Only)

jamia at jamiaburnslaw.com <mailto:jamia at jamiaburnslaw.com> 

www.jamiaburnslaw.com <http://www.jamiaburnslaw.com> 

 

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