[WSBAPT] Probate: Locating Missing Heir

[Robin Swanson]

This is very helpful--Thank you, Sara!

On Mon, Feb 2, 2026 at 1:57 PM Sara D. Longley <sara.longley at practus.com>
wrote:

> Hi Robin,
>
>
>
> An inexpensive avenue to pursue would be using a skip tracer to locate a
> current address.  I have used and recommend Pegasus Process Service,
> https://www.pegasusprocess.com/.
>
>
>
> Best,
>
> Sara
>
>
>
>
> *Sara D. Longley*   <https://www.practus.com/vcard/Sara_Longley.vcf>
> Associate
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> [image: Phone] (360) 468-7230 (Direct Dial)
> [image: Email] sara.longley at practus.com
> [image: Biography] My Bio <https://practus.com/attorney/sara-d-longley/>
>   |  Connect on LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradlongley/>
>
> *From:* wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <
> wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> *On Behalf Of *Robin Swanson
> *Sent:* Monday, February 2, 2026 10:53 AM
> *To:* WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
> *Subject:* [WSBAPT] Probate: Locating Missing Heir
>
>
>
> Dear Listmates,
>
> I’m working on a King County, Washington probate matter in which the
> personal representative was a close friend and caregiver of the deceased.
> The PR is the sole beneficiary under the decedent’s properly executed will.
> There is an heir under intestate succession who is not listed in the will.
> We know the heir’s name but do not have a current address. The PR has
> already contacted the other heir’s brother, who states that his sister’s
> address has not been known to him for over 20 years.
>
> I plan to search public records, online databases/social media, and any
> available government sources.
>
> What do Washington courts in King County generally consider “reasonable
> efforts” for a personal representative to locate an heir in this situation?
> Are there best practices for documenting diligence before filing a petition
> for alternative notice or requesting appointment of an absentee distributee
> agent under RCW 11.76.200‑.230?
>
> Thank you for any guidance or examples from your experience.
>
> --
>
> Robin Swanson
>
> Secure Legal Legacy, PLLC
>
>
>
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-- 

Robin Swanson

Secure Legal Legacy, PLLC


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