[WSBAPT] intestate estate question

[Diane Kiepe]

Hello,  Without confirming my recall (which really is dangerous for me;)),
as to the property in the wife's name only, title does not govern.  Whether
it is separate property or community property is the starting point for
analysis and then we proceed under the simultaneous death statute.  The
life insurance is a little more challenging but the starting point is the
same.  Classification as seperate or community requires knowing how the
most recent premium payments were made (and I would guess, community
property).



Thank you.
Diane Kiepe, J.D., LL.M. Taxation
Kiepe Estate and Probate, PLLC
diane at kiepelaw.com
200 N. Mullan Rd., Suite 203
Spokane Valley, WA  99206
509-808-2087
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On Fri, Nov 13, 2026 at 8:12 AM Shannon Jones <
shannonj at campbellbarnettlaw.com> wrote:

> Listmates, I represent the PR of two estates -- spouses who died
> intestate, simultaneous deaths, 50 years married. Intestate heirs to
> husband’s estate are his siblings. Intestate heirs to wife’s estate are her
> siblings. Most assets are jointly which will split ½ to husband’s estate
> and ½ to wife’s. But there are some accounts wife held in her name only
> (not her separate property). Also, husband had a large life insurance
> policy which was payable only to his “estate.” Do the wife’s accounts in
> her name only distribute only to her intestate heirs? Does the husband’s
> life insurance distribute only to his intestate heirs? I think I have this
> figured out but I’m not sure I’m correct - Shannon
>
>
>
>
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