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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F3864">As we Finns say: oofta! Yours is the nightmare scenario, Bruce.
<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">I should also amend my statement below because it is actually the inverse of what
<u>is</u> required under 080. </span>(1) The personal representative shall allow or reject all claims presented in the manner provided in RCW
<a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.40.070">11.40.070</a>. The personal representative may allow or reject a claim in whole or in part.<span style="color:#1F3864"><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">So, it’s extrapolating to say that if the claims haven’t been presented in accordance with .070, there is no duty to allow or reject an invalid claim. Fortunately, I have not had occasion to look into case law
on the matter.<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">In the end, it is always talking with the client, factual analysis, risk assessment, cost assessment, etc., as eloquently pointed out by Eric and Bruce below.<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">Best, 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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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Bruce Moen<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 28, 2022 3:36 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>
<p class="MsoNormal">I agree with both Claudia and Eric, but I lean more towards Eric. It depends upon the size of the claim, the back story and the risk of litigation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The creditor with no rejection can bring an action for administrative malpractice against the PR. The PR will then implead your office under Trask v Butler. You’re conflicted out and have to tender to your carrier. No fun and no income
from the adventure because no more client.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That’s why I say risk assessment and discuss with client.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> Bruce Moen<o:p></o:p></p>
<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>Claudia A Gowan<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 28, 2022 3:02 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>
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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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<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>
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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>
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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>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>
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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">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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<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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<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>
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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">12.02.22 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"><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@01D91AD8.73869C00"><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"><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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<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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