<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Helvetica;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Verdana;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold";
panose-1:2 15 7 4 3 5 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Californian;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#954F72;
text-decoration:underline;}
p.msonormal0, li.msonormal0, div.msonormal0
{mso-style-name:msonormal;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.EmailStyle18
{mso-style-type:personal;
font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;
font-weight:normal;
font-style:normal;}
span.EmailStyle19
{mso-style-type:personal;
font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;
font-weight:normal;
font-style:normal;}
span.EmailStyle20
{mso-style-type:personal;
font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;
font-weight:normal;
font-style:normal;}
span.EmailStyle21
{mso-style-type:personal;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:#1F497D;}
span.EmailStyle23
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang="EN-US" link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72">
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal">Hi Dalynne:<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Recall too that under RCW 26.16.030(3), “[n]either [spouse] shall…encumber the community real property without the other spouse…joining in the execution of the deed or other instrument by which the real estate is…encumbered, and such deed
or other instrument must be acknowledged by both spouses….<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I believe your client would have a defense against the debt secured against the real property if she genuinely did not know about it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Best wishes,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">James<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white">James W. Spencer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brothers & Henderson, P.S.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white">2722 Eastlake Avenue East, Suite 200<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white">Seattle, Washington 98102<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white">Phone: (206) 324-4300 x106<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="color:black">e-mail: </span>
<a href="mailto:jamess@brothershenderson.com"><span style="color:blue">jamess@brothershenderson.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><a href="http://www.brothershenderson.com/"><span style="color:blue">www.brothershenderson.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">The information transmitted in this e-mail message and attachments is attorney-client information, is privileged or confidential material and is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above.
If you have received this transmission in error, immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail and permanently delete this transmission and all copies including attachments.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Jen Doehne<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, June 27, 2019 1:51 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> 'WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv' <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] Spousal Award in Lieu of Homestead<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Hi Dalynne,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">I’ve done a couple of these and they work similar to priority creditors. You file the request with the court, schedule a hearing on the issue, if/when the court approves, your client has either $125,000 in protected
value in the home OR $125,000 cash if there are liquid assets available. As far as creditors go, it basically puts the spouse ahead of most creditors…also keep in mind, it could push the estate into insolvency, but she would still be preserved in that basic
spousal award.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Be aware that if decedent had any children from prior marriages, those children are eligible to split the homestead award with the surviving spouse by filing a motion requesting the same. In this case, the court
will decide how to divide the award.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Best,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Jen<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> <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>Dalynne Singleton<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, June 27, 2019 1:35 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> [WSBAPT] Spousal Award in Lieu of Homestead<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">I have a new client just came in and her husband died a few months ago leaving $70k in debt. They own a home in Snohomish worth $270,800, community property, no mortgage.
However, there appears to be $70,000 in unsecured debt credit cards the wife was really unaware of… husband took care of finances. Also another loan with Chase for $18,000 in 1995 that she is still getting information on – Chase is telling her the home was
used as security but she had no idea about that. They also own land in Port Townsend that she wants to sell worth approximately $8800, community property as well. She was left with less than $10,000 and $1600 month income in social security. Nothing else.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Seems the best way to help her is to file for a spousal award in lieu of homestead. I have some samples of pleadings so will be doing the docs after appointment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Husband’s half of community property interest in the home in Snohomish would be $135,400 and with $88,000 in debt, the homestead would be $125,000.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">I found information online from
<a href="http://probate-litigation.com/C-Rights-Specific-Individuals.htm"><span style="color:blue">http://probate-litigation.com/C-Rights-Specific-Individuals.htm</span></a> and will update cites and review RCW.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow">The major benefit of receiving property as a family award is that, with few exceptions, it takes
priority over all gifts, taxes, and claims in the estate, for example, all debts, including judgments and judgment liens, of the Decedent and the surviving spouse occurring at the Decedent’s death. RCW 11.54.070</span><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Thanks for any insight you can provide to assist me in applying for the spousal award after I have her appointed PR of the estate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">I will be in Snohomish.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Dalynne Singleton<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#1F497D">Gourley Law Group<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#1F497D">Snohomish Escrow<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#1F497D">The Exchange Connection<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">1002 10<sup>th</sup> Street / PO Box 1091<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Snohomish, WA 98291<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">360.568.5065<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">360.329.4079<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">360.568.8092 fax<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:dalynne@glgmail.com"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif">dalynne@glgmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Californian;color:black">LICENSED IN WASHINGTON AND OREGON</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Californian;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">IMPORTANT/CONFIDENTIAL: This e-mail message (and any attachments accompanying it) may contain confidential information, including information protected by attorney-client
privilege. The information is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s). Delivery of this message to anyone other than the intended recipient(s) is not intended to waive any privilege or otherwise detract from the confidentiality of the message.
If you are not the intended recipient, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, do not read, disclose, reproduce, distribute, disseminate or otherwise use this transmission, rather, please promptly notify the sender by reply e-mail, and then
destroy all copies of the message and its attachments, if any.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="color:black"><a href="http://www.washingtonjustice.org/"><span style="color:black;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="84" height="120" style="width:.875in;height:1.25in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.gif@01D52D8B.1AA01320" alt="cid:image001.gif@01D4A349.7B16AA10"></span></a></span><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">
</span></b><span style="color:black"><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.superlawyers.com_redir-3Fr-3Dhttp-3A__www.superlawyers.com_washington_lawyer_Gary-2DManca_ca059d21-2D1b6e-2D4fca-2Db396-2D80c253f82402.html-26c-3Demail-5FSmall-5Fbadge-26i-3Dca059d21-2D1b6e-2D4fca-2Db396-2D80c253f82402&d=DwMGaQ&c=4VfW4Y7UDKzr0jHM1Tk29w&r=wJy-5dBh2e8cdp8KTDyWsjq7WPfG_HRNpImWO5yfs2A&m=FCmO2jSMMhwxfYb-8WN5A3L-M6GKeJ_8gc6cS3vECHM&s=z2j9M4GPJAL7pempIOe0TGAPkMWrzXJSlY1lyMRDlRg&e=" title=""Visit the official website of Super Lawyers" "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="100" height="32" style="width:1.0416in;height:.3333in" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image002.png@01D52D8B.1AA01320" alt="Rated by Super Lawyers"></span></a></span><span style="color:#1F497D"> </span><span style="color:black"><img border="0" width="155" height="120" style="width:1.6145in;height:1.25in" id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image003.png@01D52D8B.1AA01320" alt="cid:image005.png@01D41461.BB016100"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>