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<p class="MsoNormal">Nick—That is a great take, and one I hadn’t considered before. Such an agreement wouldn’t provide direct relief since it’s a contract to make a will rather than a will itself, but if I remember correctly a constructive trust is the remedy
to breach of a contract to make a will, and so long as the assets are traceable it almost always puts you right in the same position as if the will had been made. So filing a suit in quiet title and declaratory judgment would provide broad equitable relief
and maybe get the desired result.<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>Nick Pleasants<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, August 3, 2022 1:32 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] Clearing title<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Although I almost always agree with Eric, I have a slightly different take. I’ve seen this in a few cases lately, and have done some research on this issue. The caselaw on reciprocal wills or contracts to make a will should apply. If you
have a signed written agreement that the title to the property would vest to the survivor of the two individuals, regardless of what it is called, that can be an enforceable contract.
<i>Cummings v. Sherman</i>, 16 Wn.2d 88, 132 P.2d 998 (1943). “Contracts to make mutual wills are recognized under our law as valid and, when sufficient facts are proven by competent evidence, such contracts may be specifically enforced.”
<i>Id</i> citing to <i>Prince v. Prince</i>, 64 Wash. 552, 117 P. 255; <i>In re Fischer's Estate</i>, 196 Wash. 41, 81 P.2d 836.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This might come down to exactly how the Quasi-Community Property Agreement was phrased, but in general, there was a clear meeting of the minds that the property would have rights of survivorship, so I think the caselaw supports that the
survivor is entitled to it. I would try a Quiet Title Action seeking Declaratory Relief that the contract is valid and vested to the surviving CIR partner.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Best, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nick<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Nicholas Pleasants | Shareholder
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#70AD47"><img border="0" width="223" height="95" style="width:2.3229in;height:.9895in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D8A746.9E34A830" alt="OseranHahnAttyatLaw 8"></span><span style="color:#70AD47"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#70AD47"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">11225 SE 6<sup>th</sup> Street | Suite 100 | Bellevue, WA 98004<br>
Main: (425) 455-3900 | Fax: (425) 455-9201 | E-mail: </span><a href="mailto:npleasants@ohswlaw.com">npleasants@ohswlaw.com</a><span style="color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D">CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: This e-mail message contains information belonging to the law firm of Oseran Hahn, P.S., which may be privileged,
confidential and/or protected from disclosure. The information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you think that you have received this message in error, please e-mail the sender. If you are not the intended recipient,
any dissemination, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><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>Eric Nelsen<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, August 3, 2022 12:53 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <<a href="mailto:wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] Clearing title<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hoo boy, that is a malpractice claim against the attorney who drafted that agreement. There ain’t no such animal. When the first decedent died, there should have been an “equitable division” of the co-owned assets, and the first decedent’s
heirs would inherit her interest while the survivor would retain his interest (and inherit nothing from the estate).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I think a probate of both decedents’ estates is necessary if the property is to be sold. Getting the same person appointed would streamline things. The terrible part is that there is no clear rule about what percentage of the property belongs
to either estate, so it’s tailor-made for a dispute between her heirs and his heirs.<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">eric@sayrelawoffices.com</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>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<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>Dewey Weddle<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, August 3, 2022 11:55 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] Clearing title<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="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Oh wise ones,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">I would greatly appreciate some advice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">A couple lived together for about 30 years in a committed intimate relationship. They did not have children. During this time they acquired a piece of property
and it is titled in both their names. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Lady died two years ago.
<span style="background:white">No Will. </span>No probate. Nobody came forward to settle her estate, including her partner. He just carried on as usual.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Gentleman died a year ago with a Will, and a "Community-Like Property Affidavit for Recordation" (drafted by an attorney) asserting that the property was community
property, and under our laws regarding committed intimate relationships, title should vest in surviving partner. The gentleman's estate is being probated, and the PR would like to sell the property and distribute the proceeds to the beneficiaries. I have
never heard of a "Community-Like Property Affidavit for Recordation," and I am thinking that if nobody else has heard of such a thing, it is not something a title company will recognize. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white">Have any of you heard of a "Community-Like Property Affidavit for Recordation"? Would it be effective to get deceased lady's name off the
title? If not, then how do I do so? I am thinking Quiet Title action, but there are no known defendants. I know I can name unknown defendants and serve them by publication, but I am unsure as to how to proceed otherwise. What is the best, most efficient
way out of this mess? </span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Best regards,
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#0C64C0">Dewey </span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Law Office of Dewey W. Weddle, PLLC</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">909 7th Street</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Anacortes, WA 98221</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Telephone: 360-293-3600
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Fax 360-293-3700
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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