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

Thu Jun 18 10:29:02 PDT 2026

Letters do not have an expiration date.  Letters of Administration (or Testamentary) remain in full force and effect from issuance until they are revoked, superseded, or the estate is closed.

Under RCW 11.28, Letters of Administration are issued by the court upon appointment of a personal representative (RCW 11.28.131), and the personal representative’s authority continues unless and until the court revokes those letters. RCW 11.28.250 provides that the personal representative’s powers cease only upon revocation. Accordingly, absent a court order revoking or superseding the Letters, they remain in full force and effect, and there is no statutory requirement that they be reissued or dated within any specific time period.

When this happens, I tell the company that the Letters are in full force and effect by the Court and if they require an order from the court which is clearly not necessary, the attorney fees/costs associated with the request is on the company.  Their own legal team should verify this is true.  You are the attorney for who - the Administrator/PR?  Years ago, I had problems with a Gig Harbor credit union but when I indicated they were going to pay for it, their legal team got involved and decided it was not necessary.

If they continue to deny access to accounts or whatever it is that you need from them that they are refusing AND if they make it necessary to get a court order, you will seek attorney fees/costs in having to prepare stip/order, or are forced to make the motion for order with hearing.  I had to obtain a court order in Skagit County for the police saying I was exclusively in charge (as the Admin. Of the Estate) of the Estate home - we had heirs squatting and breaking windows out.  See attached.

Dalynne Singleton

Dalynne Singleton

Gourley Law Group

Snohomish Escrow/The Exchange Connection

1002 10th Street / PO Box 1091

Snohomish, WA 98291

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________________________________
From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> on behalf of Julie Martiniello <julie at dimensionlaw.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2026 8:58 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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