<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=utf-8">
<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:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@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:"Arial Rounded MT Bold";
panose-1:2 15 7 4 3 5 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Script MT Bold";
panose-1:3 4 6 2 4 6 7 8 9 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.EmailStyle19
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:226107690;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1928870210 2032850566 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-start-at:1425;
mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:-;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:1527601322;
mso-list-template-ids:1935710760;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></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="blue" vlink="purple" style="word-wrap:break-word">
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal">Rachel,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adding a few tidbits to what has already been said, and not in any particular order:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">PR is definitely the only one who has legal authority to bring the case. If there is a controversy between these parties as to whether a WD case should be pursued, which you seem to
indicate may be the case, you could move to have a Limited Co-PR appointed for very defined and limited in scope duties pertaining exclusively to the WD case. The court order appointing needs to be very specific on exactly what the duties and scope is for
that limited appointment. I know that is possible, though rare, because I have served in that capacity.
<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">WD cases are not TEDRA cases and are specifically prohibited to be brought under TEDRA. I had a case one time where our client was sued for WD by a firm who brought the case as a TEDRA.
We got it dismissed summarily. It was over the SOL, so they couldn’t refile, and I don’t know what happened after that between them and their clients.
<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">If the PR doesn’t have nonintervention powers, then you need to get a court order authorizing the PR to proceed with the WD action.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">WD should be pursued by a PI firm that is experienced in handling those types of matters. They can be very expensive to litigate and be aware, the PR (as the client of the firm handling
the WD) could be left with owing those costs if you don’t win, so there may need to be a written agreement in place about who pays those costs in that unfortunate event as well as who advances those costs as the case is in progress if the law firm handling
the case isn’t fronting them. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">The estate itself may or may not have an interest in the $$. Parsing through who gets what and for what is an exercise in and of itself between the various WD/Survival statutes and
case law, and beyond the scope of this listserv response.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">The decedent leaving their estate not to the surviving spouse is a difficulty in and of itself separate from a WD. Those are nasty to sort out. Bone up on your knowledge concerning
separate and community property. It’s basically tantamount to a post-death divorce. If you represent the surviving spouse, have lots of Kleenex handy and be ready to exercise your “counselor at law” function.
<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Script MT Bold"">Jennifer L. White, Esq.</span>
<span style="font-family:"Script MT Bold""><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img width="105" height="105" style="width:1.0958in;height:1.0958in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D7103E.AF9C6CC0"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:jen@appletreelaw.com"><span style="font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif;color:#0563C1">jen@appletreelaw.com</span></a><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif">PO Box 11037<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif">Yakima, WA 98909<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Rounded MT Bold",sans-serif">509.225.9813<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<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>Rachel Bender<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, March 2, 2021 3:19 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [WSBAPT] Wrongful death / probate<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Hi all,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Spouse A prepared a Will, naming her adult child as beneficiary and specifically "cutting out" Spouse B. Child is named Personal Representative. However, there is no separate property
- only community property owned by Spouse A and B together.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Spouse A dies. Spouse B wants to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of estate. Would PR still be the only person able to file a wrongful death claim even though there is no separate
estate and everything now belongs to Spouse B? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">I guess my question is, if there is no separate estate to manage, does the named PR still have the power to bring claims or can the surviving spouse represent estate in wrongful death
claim?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">I'm assuming it's still PR, but wanted to check.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Rachel R. Bender |
</span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Member, Attorney</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
</span></i><b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Bender Law PLLC</span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
1001 Fourth Avenue<b> | </b>Suite 4400 <b>|</b> Seattle, WA 98154<br>
<b>Reception</b>: 206.577.7987 <b>| Direct</b>: 206.389.1744 <b>|</b> <b>Fax</b>: 206.693.4365</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.bender-2Dlaw.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=kDcM-fraYQNOZ1rCslLoMSSRXJQXmQVvRJbE6ymQGho&m=tne-6-UF7GixTlz6oyc4kpgzrp3dofo04-MgtWcOptU&s=HJPUdQ90egfN52_wuhzOWpb5kEXVddTfk8s0MZSOjsQ&e=" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white">www.bender-law.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid gray 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;margin-left:6.0pt;margin-top:6.0pt">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;color:gray">CONFIDENTIALITY: This email and its attachments are confidential and may be protected by the attorney/client privilege, work product doctrine, or other nondisclosure protection. If you believe that
it has been sent to you in error, you may not read, disclose, print, copy, store or disseminate the email or any attachments or the information in them. If you have received this communication in error, please notify this attorney immediately by replying to
this email.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:gray"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>