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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Listmates;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I believe there was a string about this not to long ago, but now the issue is before me. A PI attorney has asked I help in opening two probates so personal injury actions can be started against the estates (with the reality only the insurance policies will pay). The “defendants” have been dead for over a year and no probates were ever started. One had a Will which was filed with the Court. The other may or may not have a Will, but none was filed. My question is the process. Can I just go in ex parte, as the creditor, and open the probate? Do I have to give advance notice to heirs? I obviously do not know who they are. Plus, as the probate is only to allow for the injury suit, does one have to do a full blown probate, with an inventory, notice to creditors? The latter duties seem impractical as we have no access to asset and liability information and of course any heir is a bit hostile to our position. I looked at Title 11 but nothing jumped out at me for guidance. Your help would be appreciated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jeff Davis<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:black'>W. Jeff Davis, Esq.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:black'>BELL & DAVIS PLLC<br>P.O. Box 510<br>Sequim WA 98382<br>Phone No.:(360) 683.1129 <br>Fax No.: (360) 683.1258 <br>email: <a href="mailto:info@bellanddavispllc.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@bellanddavispllc.com</span></a><br><a href="http://www.bellanddavispllc.com/" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>www.bellanddavispllc.com</span></a><br> <br>The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged, confidential, and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. If you think that you have received this e-mail message in error, please e-mail the sender at <a href="mailto:info@bellanddavispllc.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@bellanddavispllc.com</span></a> or call 360.683.1129</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>