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

[Rick Stewart]

In King County, you can get a rubber stamp that says “In Full Force and Effect as of                    ” which is hand-dated by the Clerk – but only if you get certified Letters in paper form – need to do in person from the Records department.  I don’t think there is a way to request that stamp when you order online.

Best,

Rick Stewart
Paralegal  |  Trusts & Estates
Stokes Lawrence, P.S.
1420 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3000  |  Seattle, WA 98101-2393
Direct: 206.892.2163  |  Office: 206.626.6000
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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Julie Martiniello
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2026 8:59 AM
To: Trust and Probate Section <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Merrill Requiring Language for Letters stating "in full force and effect"

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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