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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">My 2 cents.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Give this some thought.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">I wonder why the motorcyclist has not made a claim so far. If that is the case:
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Most plaintiff attorneys will make at least a cursory check of the status of the person’s financial situation and, unless there is a fortune
to be had, they stay within the applicable limits. They do not like to go after personal liability and collection problems.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">You risk non-coverage if you do not notify the liability carrier as to the pending claim and they are prejudiced by the delay (e.g., cannot
collect important information). I’d tender the claim to the insurance company. I would tell the insurance company the timing situation and they will likely not do anything because it is in their interests to wait it out, as well as your client. So, no damage
there. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Even if there is a risk of liability beyond the policy limits, the insurance company may be able to get it settled for its limits and
get a release for your client (her estate). The claimant does not need to know the insured has passed away until the case is settled.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">If the injured party goes to their UIM (assuming there is UIM for a motorcyclist) , the UIM carrier has the right to go after the at fault
party for subrogation. Would the two year limit work there? Will you get the benefit of waiting it out to avoid that as well? I would think so.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Even if the motorcyclist has been in touch with your insurance company on his own or via an attorney, much of this still applies.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:26.0pt;font-family:Mistral;color:#2F5496">Ralph Maimon<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">Law Office of Ralph Maimon, P.S.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">2811 E. Madison Street, Suite 202<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">without reading. Thank you. <o:p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>nestor@pplsweb.com<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, August 16, 2018 12:25 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> 'WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv' <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] Open a probate or not<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Eric,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Great points. My understanding of the question posed is that accident occurred 18 months ago and the decedent just passed away. The problem is that
as a defendant in suit or claim (the decedent) has a duty to cooperate with the insurance company or face denial of coverage.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Kristina,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">How long ago did the decedent pass away? If 18 months ago, then you could wait it out for 6 months, but someone needs to monitor communications sent
by the insurance company (eventhough they will not speak with you).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Nestor
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Nestor Gorfinkel, Attorney at Law<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Licensed in Washington & Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Florida Civil-Law (International) Notary<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">
<a href="mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com</a> <<a href="mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com</a>>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Eric Nelsen<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, August 16, 2018 12:09 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <<a href="mailto:wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] Open a probate or not<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">So decedent is a potential defendant in a personal injury claim by the motorcycle rider who was injured?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">I can see some good reasons NOT to open a probate here, but there may be other reasons to open it, if for example the heirs need immediate
access to decedent's assets. (I suppose they might, since the reverse mortgage needs to get paid which means the house has to be sold.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">But assuming you can make a decision solely on the basis of decedent's potential liability, I think best not to open the probate, and
wait to see what happens. The goal is to make it past the time limit on claims against the estate, 2 years after date of death. RCW 11.40.051. The plaintiff's claim against the estate will be barred after 2 years, and the probate can be opened with assurance
that decedent's assets won't be subject to a potential judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">If the plaintiff wants to settle within the 2-year limit, hopefully they'll aim for, at most, policy limits on the decedent's insurance,
plus UIM coverage the plaintiff had. If plaintiff does eventually decide to sue the decedent for damages in excess of policy limits, then the later they discover that defendant has died, the more likely it is they'll miss the deadline.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">If the reverse mortgage is going to require opening probate so the house can be sold, then you're stuck opening probate anyway, if the
house was in decedent's name only.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Eric<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Eric C. Nelsen<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">SAYRE LAW OFFICES, PLLC<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">1417 31st Ave South<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Seattle WA 98144-3909<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">phone 206-625-0092<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif">
<a href="mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com</a> [<a href="mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com">mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com</a>]
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Kristina Driessen<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, August 16, 2018 11:27 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com</a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [WSBAPT] Open a probate or not<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div id="divtagdefaultwrapper">
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black">HI All:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black">I am trying to wrap my head around a situation. The decedent had a reverse mortgage whereas they MAY be 100k after all is said and done; depending on the market. The issue is that the decedent was in an
auto accident about 18 months ago. It appears it was a significant accident [the other person was on a motorcycle and had head injuries]. The decedent was sited for what that is worth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black">What is the best strategy........open an probate and then discuss with her insurance the status of the accident. Try to talk to the insurance now; no guarantee they will speak to us as no PR yet. In the
last scenario we then let the cat out of the bag that decedent has passed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black">My gut says open the probate and investigate more. Any insight?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black">Kristina Driessen<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black">A Street Legal Services<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black">253-939-0811<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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