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

Thu Jun 18 10:49:57 PDT 2026

I think the request for the FF&E stamp goes in a follow-up email to the clerk’s office with the order number, though the system changes all the time. I know she has also simply called.

When I was in the courthouse more frequently, many years ago, I would simply ask for raised seals or the ff&e stamp when I was there anyway. But time has changed much. My paralegal is not here today, but I can check with her next week and share more definitive current instructions.

Heather

Heather S. de Vrieze
(she/her)
Attorney-at-Law
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3909 California Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98116-3705
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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Eric Nelsen
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2026 10:40 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] Merrill Requiring Language for Letters stating "in full force and effect"

Me neither! Heather, is there somewhere in the online ordering process that allows you to ask for the “FF&E” stamp?

(I think that kind of stamp is so silly. The clerk will only issue a certified copy if the Letters are still in effect.)

Sincerely,

Eric

Eric C. Nelsen
Sayre Law Offices, PLLC
1417 31st Ave South
Seattle WA 98144-3909
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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 Julie Martiniello
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2026 10:27 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] Merrill Requiring Language for Letters stating "in full force and effect"

Thank you all,

I was unaware you could request the FFE stamp! I appreciate the responses.

On Thu, Jun 18, 2026 at 10:25 AM Heather de Vrieze <heatherd at westseattlelaw.com<mailto:heatherd at westseattlelaw.com>> wrote:
My paralegal requests these from the Court frequently. They can be ordered online, with the request for the FF&E stamp to be added.

Heather

Heather S. de Vrieze
(she/her)
Attorney-at-Law
[cid:image001.jpg at 01DCFF10.3259FC70]
3909 California Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98116-3705
(206)938-5500
heatherd at westseattlelaw.com<mailto:heatherd at westseattlelaw.com>
www.westseattlelaw.com<http://www.westseattlelaw.com/>

This summer our office will be OPEN Monday through Thursday and CLOSED on FRIDAYS (May 29, 2026 through September 4, 2026)
Click here to connect with de Vrieze | Carney on Facebook:   [FB Logo] <https://www.facebook.com/DeVriezeCarney>

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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 Julie Martiniello
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2026 8:59 AM
To: Trust and Probate Section <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto: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?

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Sincerely,

[https://dimensionlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Julie-Martiniello-Email-Signature.jpg]

 📦 WE HAVE MOVED!  Our new office address is: 14973 Interurban Ave S, Suite 200, Tukwila, WA 98168

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PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL:  This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. Attempts to intercept this message are in violation of 18 USC 2511(1) of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, which subjects the interceptor to fines, imprisonment and/or civil damages. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by e-mail, facsimile, or telephone; return the e-mail to us at the e-mail address below; and destroy all paper and electronic copies. Any settlement offer contained herein is made pursuant to Washington ER 408, and without admitting fault or liability on the part of this firm’s client(s) or its agents.  IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLAIMER:  To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, I inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code; or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or tax-related matter addressed herein.
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