[WSBAPT] TODD Subject to Creditors?

[James Dolan]

My concern is whether effectuating the TODD by recording the death certificate would result in claims, but if we do not open a probate, I guess it will be up to the creditors to decide if they wish to do so.  As I mentioned, there are some credit cards with outstanding balances.  The highest balance is approximately $15,000.  I'm guessing that the bank will not open a probate to go after that amount, so we just wait out the two years.

-jbd-

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Eric Nelsen
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2025 12:00 PM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] TODD Subject to Creditors?

Yes. RCW 64.80.120<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__app.leg.wa.gov_RCW_default.aspx-3Fcite-3D64.80-26full-3Dtrue-2364.80.120&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=H6n6r-DFlIz7r5VdHBmWpbj50tmhBsMLlFcQIU1RVMM&m=ToPhm_lRU3xzp8N0HcenjYCWVWANI_vnYR9SNcOf3W_23d3zY1s68i2hvVcJYWYp&s=NxOFoKARsD7e60mAKSIc1cPmL9nfzKhmR3vdRZKTP_8&e=>:

A beneficiary of a transfer on death deed is liable for an allowed claim against the transferor's probate estate and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent provided in RCW 11.18.200<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__app.leg.wa.gov_RCW_default.aspx-3Fcite-3D11.18.200&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=H6n6r-DFlIz7r5VdHBmWpbj50tmhBsMLlFcQIU1RVMM&m=ToPhm_lRU3xzp8N0HcenjYCWVWANI_vnYR9SNcOf3W_23d3zY1s68i2hvVcJYWYp&s=W3ab88RaT5j34tqHOBGUjfJks9rEelSukDUS0crJnks&e=>, 11.42.085<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__app.leg.wa.gov_RCW_default.aspx-3Fcite-3D11.42.085&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=H6n6r-DFlIz7r5VdHBmWpbj50tmhBsMLlFcQIU1RVMM&m=ToPhm_lRU3xzp8N0HcenjYCWVWANI_vnYR9SNcOf3W_23d3zY1s68i2hvVcJYWYp&s=h0XjX1rlyL6q_W9HHzlD4jPJrykBmH8H7keOsDvxJvw&e=>, and chapter 11.54<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__app.leg.wa.gov_RCW_default.aspx-3Fcite-3D11.54&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=H6n6r-DFlIz7r5VdHBmWpbj50tmhBsMLlFcQIU1RVMM&m=ToPhm_lRU3xzp8N0HcenjYCWVWANI_vnYR9SNcOf3W_23d3zY1s68i2hvVcJYWYp&s=bPs0WX5a0T1ALw1KbBqCHnCENWch_karAtDfwUr-nuk&e=> RCW.

Of course, the creditors have the same problem they always do in this circumstance. If no probate is opened, they have no place to file a creditor claim. If two years goes by, their claims are extinguished.

Sincerely,

Eric

Eric C. Nelsen
Sayre Law Offices, PLLC
1417 31st Ave South
Seattle WA 98144-3909
206-625-0092
eric at sayrelawoffices.com<mailto:eric at sayrelawoffices.com>

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 James Dolan
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2025 10:42 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: [WSBAPT] TODD Subject to Creditors?

I think I know the answer to this but I am hoping someone smarter than me will offer a better answer.

At death, decedent had a small bank account in his name, owned a 2013 GMC SUV worth approximately $8,000, and a home.   He had 6 credit cards with a total of approximately $40,000 in debt.

His home has TODD to significant other.  We do not plan to do a probate.  I am not worried about the small bank account or the vehicle.

Question, is the home conveyed to significant other via TODD subject to claims from creditors?

Jim Dolan

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

Jones Butler Dolan, PS
P.O. Box 458
10027 SR 532
Stanwood, WA 98292
(tel) 360-336-2939
(fax) 360-336-2949

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