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<p class="MsoNormal">I think Claudia’s method works too. It’s a balance of risk assessment versus administrative cost. Some PRs would rather spend a little extra and send the formal rejection, because it protects them personally to a greater extent then just
a letter or just ignoring the served-but-not-filed claim.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I agree there’s likely no affirmative duty to reject an claim that isn’t timely and properly filed and served. (I think there is a duty to reject an invalid claim if it was properly filed and served and is merely invalid for other reasons.)
But even if there’s no duty, I do think the PR has the option.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I also agree that filing and serving the rejection does indeed give the creditor an opportunity to file a lawsuit. But it’s an empty opportunity because the PR can move to dismiss based on a failure to meet the creditor claim formalities
necessary to allow the suit. I just think that all of that is due-process protection for the PR: the creditor gets every chance to prove the validity of their claim, and loses at every juncture, all of which protects the PR.<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>
</div>
<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>Claudia A Gowan<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 28, 2022 3:02 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] Unfiled Creditor Claim?<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:#1F3864">Hi, I understand what Eric is saying and I have had that debate in my mind many a time. Where I come down is that I don’t like to send a formal rejection because a PR has no duty to accept or reject an invalid
claim. I have decided that sending a rejection could be interpreted as acknowledging a claim. And, it also concerns me that a rejection might be interpreted as giving them the opportunity to file suit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864">Instead, I send a letter as a “courtesy”, opening the letter similar to what I just did for an estate a couple of weeks ago:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864">Please be advised that I represent the Personal Representative for the estate of
<u> </u>. Mr. <u> </u> died <u>
</u>, 2022. I am writing as a courtesy because I am in receipt of a copy of a creditor claim dated
<u> </u>. I write as a courtesy simply because a personal representative has no duty to accept or reject an invalid claim.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864">Then, I basically lay out the facts and law as to why it is invalid and tell them that any claim would be barred.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864">PS I also ask them to close the file and to not forward the matter for collection.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864">If they want to pursue it, I figure they can always call me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864">HNY to all, Claudia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:ParkAvenue;color:#1F3864">Claudia A. Gowan<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color:#1F3864"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:9.0pt;mso-line-height-rule:exactly"><b><span style="color:#1F497D">Claudia A. Gowan, PLLC<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#1F497D">2212 Queen Anne Avenue No., # 338 (Mailing only)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#1F497D">Seattle, WA 98109<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#1F497D">(206) 443-2733 (T)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#1F4E79"><a href="mailto:claudia@cagowanlaw.com"><span style="color:#1F4E79">claudia@cagowanlaw.com</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color:#1F4E79"><a href="http://www.seattletrustsandestates.com/"><span style="color:#0563C1">www.seattletrustsandestates.com</span></a></span></u></b><span style="color:#1F3864"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#1F4E79"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<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>Eric Nelsen<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 28, 2022 2:44 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] Unfiled Creditor Claim?<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Amy—I think your plan is a valid option but I discuss with the client the pros and cons of sending a Rejection anyway. I think the Rejection is helpful and protects the client PR: (a) it clearly gives due process to the creditor so they
can’t use that as a colorable “breach of fiduciary duty” claim to try to bootstrap their claim back into existence and get personal liability of the PR; and (b) even if they do file a lawsuit, your first line of defense is a Motion to Dismiss or Motion for
SJ on the easy grounds that the claims were (1) only served and not filed as required, and (2) even as served were untimely and were validly rejected.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<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>
</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>Amy Goertz<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 28, 2022 2:23 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> [WSBAPT] Unfiled Creditor Claim?<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.5pt">Good afternoon - </span><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 class="apple-tab-span"><span style="font-size:13.5pt">
</span></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt">I have an interesting scenario regarding BECU creditor claims:</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-tab-span"><span style="font-size:13.5pt">
</span></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt">07.01.22 <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span></span><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Notice to Creditors published. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-tab-span"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">
</span></span><span style="font-size:18.0pt">11.02.22<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Notice to Creditors mailed to BECU. Declaration of Mailing filed.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-tab-span"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">
</span></span><span style="font-size:18.0pt">12.02.22 Time for filing claim expired. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-tab-span"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">
</span></span><span style="font-size:18.0pt">12.12.22 <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Spoke to BECU by phone. Rep says they never received the Notice. I said claim period is expired.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-tab-span"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">
</span></span><span style="font-size:18.0pt">12.15.22 BECU mails three Creditor Claims ($1200; $4800; and $11,000.00) to me with letter saying they are filing the claims. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-tab-span"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">
</span></span><span style="font-size:18.0pt">12.28.22 No claims in Court file (I checked Washington Digital Archives and called the Court clerk). </span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><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 class="apple-tab-span"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">
</span></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt">My inclination is to disregard the claims since they are not valid because they are not timely nor properly presented. I don’t think I should officially “reject" the claims and I don’t believe their position that
they did not receive the Notice to Creditors gives them additional time. </span><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 class="apple-tab-span"><span style="font-size:13.5pt">
</span></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt">Since there are no filed claims, my next step is to file a Declaration of Completion. </span><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 class="apple-tab-span"><span style="font-size:13.5pt">
</span></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt">Any other thoughts on how best to shut the door on these claims?</span><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:13.5pt">Thanks in advance -</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><img border="0" width="235" height="90" style="width:2.4479in;height:.9375in" id="_x0031_6105B1B-10A6-4E6F-B874-684F65F9D045" src="cid:image001.gif@01D91AD1.6A682F00"><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Calligraphy";color:black">Amy</span></i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Calligraphy";color:black">Amy J. Goertz, J.D.</span></i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Calligraphy";color:black">Goertz & Lambrecht PLLC</span></i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="mailto:amyjgoertz@icloud.com">amyjgoertz@icloud.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">1.888.926.2607 phone<br>
1.877.684.1627 fax<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Address for correspondence:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">2829 S. Grand Blvd., Suite 303<br>
Spokane, WA 99203 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Additional office locations:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">510 Bell Street<br>
Edmonds, WA 98020<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Goertz & Lambrecht PLLC<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="http://www.goertzlambrecht.com/">www.goertzlambrecht.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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