[WSBAPT] Request for Death Certificate by Escrow Company

[Jennifer Johnson]

Hi Brent,

DSHS has an encrypted email address that title companies can use to request information as to whether they have a claim against a decedent's estate. They do require an unredacted death certificate to be sent along with the request. So it probably isn't suspicious, but one can't be too cautious these days!

Jen

Jennifer M. Johnson

Title Officer | Attorney

Wahkiakum Title & Escrow Co.

Hanigan Law Office, PS

68 Main Street / P.O. Box 39

Cathlamet, WA 98612

(360) 795-3494

(360) 795-3001 (f)

www.wahtitle.com

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On Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 8:13 AM, Brent Williams-Ruth <brent at williams-ruthlaw.com> wrote:

> Colleagues -
>
> For the first time, I have received a request from an escrow company saying that "DSHS is requesting an unredacted copy of the death certificate to clear DSHS paragraph. Please provide if available."
>
> I have written a tax letter hundreds of times advising when I have sent the Notice to DSHS for potential liens; I have advised what I have been told by the PR for estate taxes and provided the link to the DOR website for estate tax thresholds. I have NEVER been asked to provide an unredacted death certificate to an escrow company.
>
> I am also learning for the first time that the Escrow company works directly with DSHS.
>
> Can anyone confirm that this isn't something suspicious?
>
> Maybe I am getting to paranoid as I advance in age but this is leaving me feeling uneasy.
>
> Appreciate any insights you may have to share.
>
> 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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>
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>
> [e-mail](mailto:Brent at Williams-RuthLaw.com) / [website](http://www.williams-ruthlaw.com/) /[facebook](http://www.facebook.com/bwrlaw) /
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