[WSBAPT] Unknown heir coming into probate

[Sarah McCarthy]

Please reply to the list! Interesting issue.

*Sarah O’Farrell McCarthy*


*(Pronouns: she / her)*Attorney*, Partner | Kelly, Arndt & Walker, Attorneys
at Law, PLLP
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(Located on Whidbey Island, Island County, Washington)

* Licensed to practice in Washington (active) and California (inactive)
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On Wed, Sep 3, 2025 at 8:42 AM Timothy Lehr <timothy at stileslaw.com> wrote:

> All,
>
>
>
> I have an intestate probate where two sisters survived dad, who passed
> away. They vaguely knew of another girl that claimed to be a daughter of
> dad with a different mom from 30+ years ago. This girl is known drug user
> and not very communicative. They don’t believe she is a blood relative. We
> had no contact info for the girl but published notice to allow for her to
> come into the picture if she was legitimate. No word from her.
>
>
>
> Now, we’re months along in the probate and the two sisters have agreed to
> distributions of dad’s estate. The unknown girl has now presented a birth
> certificate with dad’s name on it, but that’s it. She hasn’t filed anything
> in the probate but is asking for money. What is the proper process to
> address this and is a birth certificate all the proof she needs to be
> determined to be an heir? Is the burden on her to file something in the
> probate or does PR have a duty to connect with her and determine
> legitimacy?
>
>
>
> This is my first crack at this type of issue and looking for any helpful
> procedural tips to get started.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> *Timothy C. Lehr*
>
> Attorney & Partner
>
>
>
>
>
> p: 360.855.0131
>
> e: timothy at stileslaw.com
>
> w: www.stileslaw.com
>
>
>
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