[WSBAPT] Spill Over Probate?

[Amy Goertz]

I recently did something along this line with an estate that had property in Washington and Texas. 

We did a standard probate here in Washington, and the Texas attorney then filed certified copies of our probate documents there in Texas to do a deed transfer there.

He said the probate process in Texas was complicated, but if it was an ancillary (which I assume “spill over” is the same thing) then all they needed was the Washington paperwork.

Since we had Texas counsel, we were not practicing law in the other jurisdiction.

Hope this helps.

Amy



Amy J. Goertz, J.D.
Goertz & Lambrecht PLLC
amyjgoertz at icloud.com <mailto:amyjgoertz at icloud.com> 

1.888.926.2607 phone
1.877.684.1627 fax

Address for correspondence:
2829 S. Grand Blvd., Suite 303
Spokane, WA 99203 

Additional office locations:
510 Bell Street
Edmonds, WA 98020

Goertz & Lambrecht PLLC
www.goertzlambrecht.com <http://www.goertzlambrecht.com/>







> On Feb 6, 2026, at 10:34 AM, Ryan Castle <ryan at ryancastlelawfirm.com> wrote:
> 
> All,
> 
> I just spoke with a potential client wanting a "spill over probate" because the estate has real estate in WA and IA. I have never heard of a spill over probate. The PC explained their IA attorney told them to start the probate in WA and then the WA attorney can apply to the IA court to do a spill over probate to administer the IA real estate. The PC said she has spoken with other WA attorneys who have experience with spill over probates. I just googled "spill over probate" and the internet seems to think the concept does not exist. Does anyone know what this PC could be talking about? If it exists, how does this actually work? and how do you avoid the 'practicing law without a license' issue in the non-WA state?
> 
> --
> 
> Ryan Castle 
> Castle Law Firm, PLLC
> Managing Attorney
> T: 360-592-3504
> 1313 E. Maple St., Suite 790
> Bellingham, WA 98225
> https://ryancastlelawfirm.com/
> 
> 
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