[WSBAPT] Denied Order Opening Probate because of Non-Redacted SSN

[Sandra Perkins]

Wow—I have done exactly what Brent does (upload and not file the death certificate, without redacting the SSN).  I have not encountered this response.

Sandra Perkins

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Brent Williams-Ruth
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 4:44 PM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <WSBAPT at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Denied Order Opening Probate because of Non-Redacted SSN

I just had Judge Scott in King County deny an order opening probate because I didn't comply with GR 31 and because I did not redact the SSN from the death certificate.

First off - question - does anyone redact the SSN before presenting to open for probate? In the 10 years I have been doing this now, I have never redacted the SSN. Before COVID, I opened cases in person and would just hand up a death certificate.  Then came covid and I would upload BUT NOT FILE;  then came the new KC Script portal and they have the "additional document" tab where again, I would upload but not file.

GR 31(e)(1) states that you have to redact any personally identifiable information from documents being FILED with the Court.

Just curious what others do and if you have encountered this before.

Brent


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

Mailing Address: PO BOX 3319; Federal Way, WA 98063

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