[WSBAPT] Notice to Heirs to Refuse to Provide Contact Information

[Dalynne Singleton]

I have published a notice of hearing before BUT what I usually do is this - the statute and the Judges usually want proof that you mailed to last known address so that notice was given.
I run a whitepages.com report and also a TLO for last known address.  That usually provides a valid last known address to provide notice.  I send cert. mail return address requested and also USPS regular mail to be safe.
If you get a signed cert mail, file it with the court with a cover sheet.  If it is returned, be sure to let the court know if asked if Notice was provided.

In addition, in your case if this "uncle" wants to accept service or has permission for that - make sure it is in writing with a document that is notarized from the person to be served to the uncle.  Maybe a limited POA?
If you file a declaration of service or mailing - attach proof of this address protection program or the TLO page which provided a last known address, redacting SSN, DOB of course.

Dalynne Singleton
Dalynne Singleton
Gourley Law Group
Snohomish Escrow/The Exchange Connection
1002 10th Street / PO Box 1091
Snohomish, WA 98291
360.568.5065
360.568.8092  fax
dalynne at glgmail.com<mailto:dalynne at glgmail.com>  Website:  www.glglawgroup.com<http://www.glglawgroup.com/>
Attorney/client meetings will be handled virtually whenever possible.  If you would like to set a consultation, please call/email one my paralegals Valerie valerie at glgmail.com<mailto:valerie at glgmail.com>, Erica erica at glgmail.com<mailto:erica at glgmail.com>, or Theresa theresa at glgmail.com<mailto:theresa at glgmail.com>.  Co-counsels at GLG are Attorney Carrie Ulrich (carrie at glgmail.com<mailto:carrie at glgmail.com> ), Spencer Clower (spencer at glgmail.com<mailto:spencer at glgmail.com>) and Candace Wilkerson (candace at glgmail.com<mailto:candace at glgmail.com>).  Litigation paralegals are Kristin Jacobs (kristin at glgmail.com<mailto:kristin at glgmail.com>) and Daina Gray (daina at glgmail.com<mailto:daina at glgmail.com>).
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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Jake Seegmuller
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:27 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Notice to Heirs to Refuse to Provide Contact Information

We are trying to serve notice of hearing to heirs of an intestate estate. Our private investigator has found that the heirs are in some kind of address protection program and refuse to speak with us or our client. The only contact we are able to make is with a man who claims to be their uncle. The uncle has provided inconsistent instructions or offers of assistance to put us in contact with the heirs. This is an estate with modest assets.

We've considered attempting to obtain emails and affirmative consent by email as an avenue for service but there is a distinct possibility that will not come to fruition.

If we're unable to make contact with heirs to either obtain their consent to our client's appointment or provide mailed notice of the hearing, what options are available to us to provide proper notice? Can we publish notice in a local legal paper in lieu of mailing ahead of the hearing and after in place of a mailed notice of appointment? Can the "Uncle" accept service on their behalf?

Answers or thoughts on or off list are appreciated.

Sincerely,

[cid:image006.png at 01DC53BA.BA499840]
 Jakob O. Seegmuller (he/him)
 Attorney
 nwlegacylaw.com | 360-975-7770


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