[WSBAPT] One Dollar to Estranged Son?

[Craig Gourley]

Maybe after a letter turn it over to the State unclaimed property

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Eric Nelsen
Sent: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 11:08 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] One Dollar to Estranged Son?

I would talk to the client about options:

1. Mail a $1 bill to the address and file proof of mailing.
2. Mail a letter that says “contact me at any time in the next X months and I’ll send you $1” and then close. Client accepts potential liability to the estranged son in the amount of $1 until the statute of limitations runs out.

Either way, since you can’t get a receipt and waiver, you’ll have to do the Notice of Filing of Dec of Completion and wait out the 30 days.

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 Brent Williams-Ruth
Sent: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 10:58 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <WSBAPT at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:WSBAPT at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: [WSBAPT] One Dollar to Estranged Son?

Listmates -

A Decedent in a probate has a bequest of $1.00 to an estranged son.  I sent the Notice of Pendency four months ago at the start, it was not returned as undeliverable. The address it was sent to was a long shot address that was last known to be their address 35 years ago.

Suggestions on how to efficiently distribute $1.00 to someone that I don't have actual contact with and presume that I will not be able to get a Receipt of Heir from.

Thank you!
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<mailto:info at williams-ruthlaw.com>

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