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<p class="MsoNormal">I agree with Mark; there is abundant case law saying the creditor claim process must be strictly followed in order to create a valid claim. Of course, that’s accompanied by statutory authority of the PR to “waive formal defects” per
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.40&full=true#11.40.070">
RCW 11.40.070</a>, so even if it’s strictly barred, the PR has some room to honor a formally defective claim. (Subject to some debate about whether a procedural error like filing in the wrong county is the same as a defect in form of the claim.)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am a little puzzled as to how it is possible to file a creditor claim in the wrong county. What case number would it be filed under? Wouldn’t it simply be rejected by the wrong county’s clerk?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eric<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eric C. Nelsen<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sayre Law Offices, PLLC<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1417 31st Ave South<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Seattle WA 98144-3909<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">206-625-0092<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:eric@sayrelawoffices.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">eric@sayrelawoffices.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background:aqua;mso-highlight:aqua">Covid-19 Update -
</span></b>All attorneys are working remotely during regular business hours and are available via email and by phone. Videoconferencing also is available. Signing of estate planning documents can be completed and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please
direct mail and deliveries to the Seattle office.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Mark Vohr<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, February 2, 2021 11:04 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] Creditor claim filed in county different from county in which probate opened<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Suzanne – <o:p>
</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> The claims statute is just that, at statutory process, which legal scholars more adept at this sort of thing may say needs to be strictly followed. Failure to follow the provisions
can be fatal to the claim, e.g. deadlines for filing the claim. The relevant statute is: RCW 11.40.070 – see underlined portion:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:3.75pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white">
<b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">RCW <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.40.070"><span style="color:#2B674D">11.40.070</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Claims</span></b><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">—</span></b><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Form</span></b><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">—</span></b><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Manner
of presentation</span></b><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">—</span></b><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Waiver of defects.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">(1) The claimant, the claimant's attorney, or the claimant's agent shall sign the claim and include in the claim the
following information:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">(a) The name and address of the claimant;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">(b) The name, address, if different from that of the claimant, and nature of authority of an agent signing the claim
on behalf of the claimant;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">(c) A statement of the facts or circumstances constituting the basis of the claim;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">(d) The amount of the claim; and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">(e) If the claim is secured, unliquidated, contingent, or not yet due, the nature of the security, the nature of the
uncertainty, or the date when it will become due.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Failure to describe correctly the information in (c), (d), or (e) of this subsection, if the failure is not substantially
misleading, does not invalidate the claim.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">(2) A claim does not need to be supported by affidavit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">(3) A claim must be presented within the time limits set forth in RCW <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.40.051"><b><span style="color:#2B674D">11.40.051</span></b></a> by:
(a) Serving on or mailing to, by regular first-class mail, the personal representative or the personal representative's attorney a copy of the signed claim; and (b)
<u>filing the original of the signed claim with the court in which probate proceedings were commenced</u>. A claim is deemed presented upon the later of the date of postmark or service on the personal representative, or the personal representative's attorney,
and filing with the court.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if a claimant makes a written demand for payment within the
time limits set forth in RCW <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.40.051"><b><span style="color:#2B674D">11.40.051</span></b></a>, the personal representative may waive formal defects and elect to treat the demand as a claim properly filed
under this chapter if: (a) The claim was due; (b) the amount paid is the amount of indebtedness over and above all payments and offsets; (c) the estate is solvent; and (d) the payment is made in good faith. Nothing in this chapter limits application of the
doctrines of waiver, estoppel, or detrimental claims or any other equitable principle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">It would seem to me that filing in the wrong county does not follow the statute. One must also consider whether by filing a claim improperly a potential claimant who was not a reasonable
ascertainable creditor becomes a reasonably ascertainable creditor requiring actual notice, particularly if the claim has been improperly filed.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Regards, <o:p>
</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Mark<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Mark C. Vohr, Esq.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Ohana Fiduciary Corp.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Ohana Financial Services<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">A Washington Trust Company<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Mark C. Vohr, J.D., CPG, Principal<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">PO Box 33710 Seattle, WA 98133<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">T: (206) 782-1189 F: (206) 782-1434<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:mcv@ohanafc.com">mcv@ohanafc.com</a>
<a href="http://www.ohanafc.com">www.ohanafc.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></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>Suzanne Lieberman<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, February 2, 2021 10:41 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com</a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [WSBAPT] Creditor claim filed in county different from county in which probate opened<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Good morning,<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Can a creditor claim be held invalid if filed in a county other than the one in which the probate was opened? Is there an applicable rule?<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#500050">Sincerely, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#500050"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#500050">Suzanne Lieberman<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#500050"><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__cmslawfirm.com_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=K1mLMC1eFjwfeeMM-AC6zQ&m=AChjSD9cynQI_05pUM_DJ7F-_69Tg19HXqBbXiHZZoY&s=kRmRUbC9Z5Pz7dlHpQZ-x3JB6TRtvblbpaszNFiVBLw&e=" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1155CC">CMS
Law Firm LLC</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#500050">811 Kirkland Ave. Suite 201 </span></b><span style="color:#500050">(please note new address!)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#500050">Kirkland, WA 98033<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#500050">206-383-6484 (Cell Phone)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#500050">206-659-1512 (Main Office)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#500050"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#500050"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#500050">Legal stuff I have to put in... <i>To ensure compliance with Treasury Department and IRS regulations, we inform you that, unless expressly indicated otherwise, any federal tax advice contained in this communication
(including any attachments) is not intended or written by CMS Law Firm LLC to be used, and cannot be used by the taxpayer, for the purpose of: (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer under the Internal Revenue Code; or (ii) promoting, marketing,
or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein (or any attachments).</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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