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<p class="MsoNormal">Mike—My argument concerning a photocopy of the self-proving affidavit is that the copy is directly admissible as evidence under
<a href="https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/ER/GA_ER_10_03_00.pdf">ER 1003</a>. The affidavit is evidence and is not an operative part of the Will. The "destroy with intent to revoke" presumption that applies to lost original Wills has no effect on the
affidavit itself; the testator can't "revoke" the evidentiary affidavit. It continues to qualify as a self-proving affidavit attached to "a photocopy of the will" in compliance with
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.20.020">RCW 11.20.020(2)</a>, and it is in writing and signed by witnesses in compliance with
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.20.070">RCW 11.20.070(1)</a>. It is firm evidence of proper execution of the lost Will, and the copy of the Will attached to it readily proves the content of the Will.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You can authenticate the copy of the affidavit and the Will contents sufficient for
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.20.070">RCW 11.20.070(2)</a> by having someone testify to the authenticity of the copy of the Will; I recently did that where the decedent had given the PR a copy of the Will 20 years ago and it had been
kept in a sealed envelope by the PR until the decedent's death. The PR testified to personal receipt of the sealed envelope from the testator, and unsealing of the envelope and finding the copy of the Will within. Even easier, if the copy of the Will was maintained
by an attorney's office and someone at the firm can testify to it being kept in their records.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once you have contents and execution proved, the last hurdle is to rebut the weak presumption that the Will was destroyed by the testator with intent to revoke it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My form petition is attached, derived from a petition I did about 10 years ago to probate a lost will in King County. It includes briefing on the low standard of proof necessary to rebut the presumption of revocation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Re notice, I don't think proving a lost will qualifies as a judicial proceeding regarding a "matter" that would require issuance of a summons and 20 day's notice of hearing under
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.96A.100">RCW 11.96A.100</a>. I also think that the 10-day notice under
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.28.131">RCW 11.28.131</a> is not applicable because that is only for intestacy or for an administrator "with will annexed" (meaning appointment of someone not named executor in the Will). If there is
a Will, the spouse only gets notice if the petition is made within the first 40 days, per
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.28.030">RCW 11.28.030</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So if I was in a hurry I might just follow local civil rule to determine the minimum time before the hearing. BUT, all that said, if I have any concerns about a possible problem I like to give at least 3 weeks' notice, to give heirs ample
opportunity. And incidentally, if they don't bring up an objection until afterward, I have a ready argument that they are estopped because they were given due process already. My feeling is that a judge is typically more reluctant to hear late objections if
the objector got more than minimum notice at the outset.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">Eric<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">Eric C. Nelsen<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">Sayre Law Offices, PLLC<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">1417 31st Ave South<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">Seattle WA 98144-3909<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">206-625-0092<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">eric@sayrelawoffices.com<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<b><span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">From:</span></b><span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt"> wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Mike Winslow<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, February 27, 2020 12:18 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> cole-gilday@stanwoodlaw.net; 'WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv' <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] pleadings to probate lost will<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#1F497D">My review of the applicable law shows that a hearing with notice to the heirs at law would be mandatory. 11.20.070.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#1F497D">My concern is with validity of the self-proving affidavit. This is part of the copy of the Will. Obviously a copy of the affidavit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#1F497D">My concern is whether I need to run down a subscribing witness to testify to authenticity of signatures on the self-proving affidavit or if the surviving spouse can authenticate the signature
of testator. I could see a could requiring testimony of a witness. See 11.20.070(1) and 11.20.020.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#1F497D">And the timing of a notice of hearing does not appear to be addressed in 11.20.070. 11.28.131, while not specific to this issue, says ten days. Otherwise, it appears we go by 11.96A.100. any
thoughts on this notice requirement would be appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#1F497D">Mike<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="color:#1F497D;position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">Michael A. Winslow<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="color:#1F497D;position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">1204 Cleveland Ave.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="color:#1F497D;position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">Mount Vernon, WA 98273<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="color:#1F497D;position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">Ph. 360-336-3321<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="color:#1F497D;position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">Em. <a href="mailto:Mike@winslegal.com">
Mike@winslegal.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="color:#1F497D;position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<span style="color:#1F497D;position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">This message is from an attorney, so it’s confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, it’s too late to stop reading this message, but you may not use it for any improper purpose.
Huge Disclaimer available upon request.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">
<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>Robert R. Cole<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, February 27, 2020 11:50 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com</a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] pleadings to probate lost will<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p>A Snohomish County Commissioner also rejected my application (which had all the statutory requirements) and required a memorandum of law and a noted hearing. Not necessarily a user friendly court....<o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Very Truly Yours,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Robert R. Cole<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Law Office of Cole & Gilday, P.C. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">10101 - 270th St. NW <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stanwood, WA 98292 <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(360) 629-2900 (Telephone) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(360) 629-0220 (Fax) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="punctuation-wrap:hanging;text-autospace:ideograph-other">
<span style="position:relative;top:0pt;mso-text-raise:0pt">On 2/27/2020 11:31 AM, Dalynne Singleton wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<blockquote style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">I have shared my pleadings with Mike in a separate email. I had a Snohomish Commissioner reject my copy of will petition so was able to develop pleadings which conformed with the statute requirements and
it was later accepted.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Dalynne Singleton</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#1F497D">Gourley Law Group</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#1F497D">Snohomish Escrow</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#1F497D">The Exchange Connection</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">1002 10<sup>th</sup> Street / PO Box 1091</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Snohomish, WA 98291</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">360.568.5065</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">360.329.4079</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">360.568.8092 fax</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><a href="mailto:dalynne@glgmail.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">dalynne@glgmail.com</span></a></span></u><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<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">
<wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com></a> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Mike Winslow<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, February 27, 2020 11:21 AM<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] pleadings to probate lost will<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">After 38 years of law practice, I have a probate involving a lost original will. We have a photo copy, with signatures, including witnesses. Preparing attorney is retired. Surviving spouse says she thinks
attorney sent them the originals, but she cannot find them, nor a transmittal letter from attorney. Spouse had the photo copy in her possession. Says she and H had not been to an attorney to make changes or new wills since the time of creating the Will for
which there is a copy. Seems straight forward enough.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">If someone could share a copy of their petition and order, together with supporting pleadings that would be most appreciated.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">M.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Michael A. Winslow<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1204 Cleveland Ave.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mount Vernon, WA 98273<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ph. 360-336-3321<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Em. <a href="mailto:Mike@winslegal.com">Mike@winslegal.com</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This message is from an attorney, so it’s confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, it’s too late to stop reading this message, but you may not use it for any improper purpose. Huge Disclaimer available upon request.<o:p></o:p></p>
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