[WSBAPT] Merrill Requiring Language for Letters stating "in full force and effect"

[Diane Kiepe]

Wow, it's been awhile since this has popped up.  Isn't it infuriating when
a financial institution thinks its contract trumps the law.  Several people
(including myself when a financial institution claimed the POA had to name
them specifically and not generally as part of powers over finances) have
encountered this issue. The initial step is to write a strongly worded
letter stating you will bring a TEDRA, seek all legal fees and any other
financial claims, and that you are certain you will win.  This generally
gets the issue to the legal department and your issue gets resolved.
Otherwise,   if time is of the essence, you may have to do a motion to
issue updated letters showing an issue date as of June/July ____ 2026.

I suspect you will get multiple responses and some folks may even share
their letter.  I unfortunately don't have access to mine.


Diane Kiepe
Kiepe Estate and Probate, PLLC
diane at kiepelaw.com
200 N. Mullan Rd., Suite 203
Spokane Valley, WA  99206
509-280-6414
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On Thu, Jun 18, 2026 at 8:59 AM Julie Martiniello <julie at dimensionlaw.com>
wrote:

> Hello All,
>
> I have a probate where Merrill Life Services is requiring us to provide
> letters testamentary that have language stating that the letter are in
> "full force and effect" or dated within 60 days.
> This is in King County and we had Letters issued a year ago. I have
> ordered both new certified copy and an exemplified copy and Merrill is
> still rejecting it since the original date on the Letters is more than 60
> days and the certified language does not say they are still in "full force
> and effect".
>
> I have not had this happen with any other financial agency and am at a
> loss for what to do at this point. Perhaps I should petition the court for
> an order stating the letters are in full force and effect- which seems like
> a complete waste of time and money.
>
> Has anyone else run into this issue and prevailed?
>
> --
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
>
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