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<p class="MsoNormal">If only a copy can be found, it can only be proved as a “lost will.” There are three proof requirements: (1) prove the contents of the lost will (easy if you have a copy); (2) prove the proper execution of the lost will (easy if the copy
you have has a self-proving affidavit attached, which is still a valid affidavit even if only a copy); and (3) rebut the “weak presumption” that the lost will is missing because the testator destroyed it with intent to revoke it (<i>animo revocandi</i>). Attached
is an anonymized form of a petition I did some years back. Note that the petition does require notice to all interested parties, both heirs at law and persons who would take under the will.
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.20.070">RCW 11.20.070</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I recently proved another lost will and rebutted the <i>animo revocandi</i> presumption with a declaration from the testator’s friend who had had custody of the will since its execution, confirming that the testator never had the original
in their possession and so could not have destroyed it themselves; and the friend had apparently accidentally thrown it out while cleaning their office.<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>
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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>Fern Herbert<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Monday, February 6, 2023 3:55 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com<br>
<b>Subject:</b> [WSBAPT] PROBATE MATTER - NO ORIGINAL ON WILL - ONLY THE COPY<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Hello Listmates,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Can anyone share how you handle the issue of there being only<b> a copy but no original of the Will
</b>for a probate matter. This is a King County matter. Any forms that you may have that would be necessary would be appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Garamond",serif;color:black">Fern Herbert</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Garamond",serif;color:black">Managing Attorney</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Garamond",serif;color:black">Zenith Law Group, PLLC</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Business Mailing Address</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">4320 196th St. SW B-712</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Garamond",serif;color:black">Lynnwood, WA 98036</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Phone/Fax: (425) 822-6311</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Office locations in: Arlington, Bellevue, Bothell, Everett, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Mt. Vernon, Renton, downtown Seattle</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">*The information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it
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and International Laws and Treaties. If you have received the communication in error, please immediately notify Zenith Law Group by telephone call to (206) 686-7373.*<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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