[WSBAPT] Baffled by Transaction; Probate done but property not transferred

[Brent Williams-Ruth]

Listmates -

I am truly baffled by a matter (historical) and I am curious if this was
just the "old way of doing it".

Decedent died intestate in 2015. Surviving spouse opens probate, is
appointed.  Files declaration of completion nearly 1 year later and in the
declaration it states that surviving spouse was beneficiary of all, no
separate property.

LOPA was filed in 2018 declaring that no probate was done and transfering
house to surviving spouse.

WHAT I NORMALLY DO in that situation is that before I close probate, I have
the Executor/Surviving Spouse transfer through a Deed of PR the decedent's
share.

I'm only curious because now that the SS has died and I am helping get the
property to the next of kin, I had my favorite title company pull the
property report and last vesting deed and it was still the deed from 1996
when H&W bought the house.

Wasted a bunch of time tracking down to see who is actually the owner
because the title company didn't pull the LOPA as part of the general
process in helping me identify the nature and ownership of the property.

Just looking for a little validation as a solo attorney ensuring that I am
doing things in lines with industry standard.

Thanks!
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 *

Office/Scheduling Phone: (253) 285-7751

For All Meetings & Scheduling: info at williams-ruthlaw.com

e-mail <Brent at Williams-RuthLaw.com> / website
<http://www.williams-ruthlaw.com/> / facebook
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