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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Dan,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">I can see myself making an argument either way but would need a few more facts. I will say however, in this instance, it leans towards being separate property in large part – if there was a significant remodel
maybe some tracing. When I have a case like this I will almost see if there is a way for surviving spouse to keep the home (family allowance in lieu of bequest, see if son would disclaim, etc. etc.).
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">One point, in any event, that I would point out, is that in a case like this, I often will require the surviving spouse to have separate representation in her position as a beneficiary to avoid any claims
of conflict. Just some food for thought. This is not necessary of course if the parties just agree to a distribution plan and you memorialize it in a TEDRA,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Best to you,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family:"Script MT Bold"">Diane J. Kiepe<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family:"Script MT Bold""><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Diane J. Kiepe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Douglas Eden<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">717 W. Sprague Ave.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Suite 1500<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Spokane, WA 99201<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:djkiepe@depdslaw.com">djkiepe@depdslaw.com</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">509-455-5300<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></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>Dan Goodman<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Monday, January 24, 2022 2:45 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBAPT@lists.wsbarppt.com<br>
<b>Subject:</b> [WSBAPT] Half Interest in Marital House Left to Spouse<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 afternoon all,<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">PC is PR for deceased husband's estate. At the time of marriage, 15 years ago, H already owned the house outright. Wife was never put on title. H's will gives 1/2 interest in house to wife and 1/2 interest to adult son (who is a physician on
the East Coast and is probably not desperate for it). Is Wife entitled to more than the 1/2 interest, having been married to Decedent and lived in it the entire time? As the house was already paid for, CP funds were not paying the mortgage.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">If she does have a claim to more than 1/2, does she petition for that separately from her role as PR?<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks,<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Dan Goodman<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">206-678-6573<o:p></o:p></p>
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