<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">
</head>
<body>
<div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">Now hold on there! 🤨 I don’t argue an appointed PR must produce copies of or tell anyone the will’s contents. I do not include a copy of the will in my notices either. Here are my words:</div>
<div dir="ltr"><br>
</div>
<div dir="ltr"><i><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">…Who cares if he<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><u style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">shows</u><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><u style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">tells </u><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">him
about the will? That’s not the duty. The duty is to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><u style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">execute</u><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>the
will and then report to the court that he has done so to close the probate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><br>
</div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">So we agree on that minor
point. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">But I think your entire
analysis weighs heavily upon several premises, among them: that a nominated executor or person holding an original will who files it and does nothing further to decline his nomination or to notify anyone named in it that s/he “declines but filed it in such
and such court” or anything else will not be held liable for damages to anyone damaged by one of the “omissions to act” above. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Maybe you have case law
directly on point and I’m all wet. But if not, those are a lot of premises. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Your analysis suggests a
person holding the will and filing it who is named executor properly/adequately declines merely by not probating it? </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Are you sure that’s sufficient
for declination? Why doesn’t that declination have to be filed as well?</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Are you certain Washington
courts don’t/wouldn't read an implied obligation to file a declination or to NOTIFY the second in line PR of the will’s filing and the filer’s own declination? </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">At some point this all breaks
down if it really is all as you say. Is that how our probate statutes are designed? Is that the most natural reading and synthesis of them? I vote no.<span></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Regardless, remember that
my entire email was premised primarily upon Z being holder of original will, filer of will, nominated executor of will, and gleeful possessor of real property devised to others in the will. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">If .010 cannot be a basis
for disallowing <u>that</u> Z to succeed — or a basis for awarding damages against that Z — then we have very unclever courts. And I might call our supreme court a few things, but I wouldn’t call them unclever.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Having said all that, if
in your case Z possessed the property having no idea of a will that was filed somewhere that nominated Z, then, yes, of course I agree that Z would never have had duties arise, is not liable for damages as contemplated in .010, etc. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">And if the statutes work
as you say, then the law must change (pardon me, but duh?) to require the superior court to accept such a will filing only with the filer’s attestation that to the best of the filer’s knowledge its probate is unneeded because of whatever reason; OR to require
the superior court to give notice to anyone named in the will (ludicrous); OR to allow filing only if all nominated and alternate PRs named in it are either given notice or sign an acknowledgement of its existence and filing. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Good grief, we have a 10-day
notice requirement before a signer of a small estate affidavit can collect a photograph or a pencil or $10. It’s not outrageous for me to believe other parts of the probate code can be given sensible interpretations to impose intuitive obligations upon people
who deign to act upon an original will by filing it and hoping nobody finds it. I would hope sensible interpretations can be provided to disallow wrongdoers who are too clever for the legislature. <span></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">But again I’m writing from
a position of Z being all the things noted above. If Z just lived there and had no idea and Y never went asking, well, then maybe Y slept on his rights and does NOT have any wrongdoer against whom to seek damages like those contemplated in .010. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br>
</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.546666px; display: inline !important; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Fascinating!</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ms-outlook-mobile-signature">
<div><br>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">Joshua D. McKarcher</div>
<div dir="ltr">McKarcher Law PLLC</div>
<div dir="ltr">537 6th Street</div>
<div dir="ltr">Clarkston, WA 99403</div>
<div dir="ltr">(509) 758-3345</div>
<div dir="ltr">(509) 758-3314 (fax)</div>
<div dir="ltr">josh@mckarcherlaw.com</div>
<div dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.mckarcherlaw.com">www.mckarcherlaw.com</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<hr style="display:inline-block;width:98%" tabindex="-1">
<div id="divRplyFwdMsg" dir="ltr"><font face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size:11pt" color="#000000"><b>From:</b> wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com> on behalf of Eric Nelsen <eric@sayrelawoffices.com><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, December 14, 2023 1:19:28 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] 28yo unprobated will vs 28 years adverse possession - please speculate!</font>
<div> </div>
</div>
<style>
<!--
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math"}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri}
p.x_MsoNormal, li.x_MsoNormal, div.x_MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif}
a:link, span.x_MsoHyperlink
{color:blue;
text-decoration:underline}
span.x_apple-converted-space
{}
span.x_EmailStyle20
{font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext}
.x_MsoChpDefault
{font-size:10.0pt}
@page WordSection1
{margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in}
div.x_WordSection1
{}
-->
</style>
<div lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple" style="word-wrap:break-word">
<div class="x_WordSection1">
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Hi Josh—I see an important distinction in RCW 11.20.010 between filing the will for permanent record ($20 filing fee) and seeking appointment as Executor ($240 filing fee). As I read the statute, the only duty is to file, not seek appointment.
After all, many estates do not require full administration, or even an adjudication of testacy, whether from lack of probate assets or otherwise.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">And, an executor is always free to decline appointment, so logically no legal duty can arise until they’re appointed—except for the duty imposed to file the will, which is also imposed on anybody who has custody of an original will.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Let me add the wrinkle that, actually, the will <i>was</i> filed for permanent record shortly after the death 28 years before. But we don’t know by whom because we don’t know who had custody of the original. And, we don’t even know whether
Z knew there was a will leaving the property to Y.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Also, I will happily argue against an Executor having any affirmative duty to
<i>ever</i> tell anybody the contents of the will. The only duty is to file it for public record. If appointed, Z’s duty is only to give “Notice of Appointment and Pendency of Probate.” It is up to the persons receiving notice to go look at the court file and
see what the will says. If not appointed, Z has <i>no</i> duties once the will is filed, to give notice or anything else. Change my mind! :-)</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Sincerely,</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Eric</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Eric C. Nelsen</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Sayre Law Offices, PLLC</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">1417 31st Ave South</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Seattle WA 98144-3909</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">206-625-0092</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:eric@sayrelawoffices.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">eric@sayrelawoffices.com</span></a></p>
</div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>
<div style="border:none; border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt; padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Joshua McKarcher<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, December 14, 2023 11:42 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] 28yo unprobated will vs 28 years adverse possession - please speculate!</p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><i>Extremely short reply like most normal listserv participants send</i>:
<b>What about RCW 11.20.010?</b></p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><i>Longer Josh reply that maybe only Eric will care to read ultimately, if even him, but alas</i>:</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Eric, I’m sorry but I don’t think most of your paragraphs <i>
pasted below (immediately above my signature) in italics </i>from your earlier email
<u>is</u> or <u>can be</u> right <b><u>if</u></b> your final "if clause" applies: "<span style="font-family:"Courier New"; color:black; background:white">But what if Z was the named executor in the will they filed but elected not to probate?</span>"</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">I feel like this email is stating the obvious, but I do not see anyone else stating what I am, except Phil Jones refers to fiduciary duties. And I think he means Z’s duties if PR and possessor of will to actually execute the thing, not
take all the property for Z’s self. If everyone agrees, then my entire email below is pointless. But I sure don’t read your (Eric’s) two paragraphs to “match” Phil’s point (or mine fleshed out below).</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">The summary of my analysis below is that our supreme court would not reward Z for “filing” but not “probating” and “executing” a will that named Z as executor, that Z had possession of, that left property to Y (or A or Q) – and property
Z then possessed for 2 or 12 or 28 years. </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">I believe that once discovered, his basic “step one” failure to EXECUTE (much less probate) the will would make Z liable for damages simply under a reasonable (even if a “first instance”) interpretation of
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.20.010">RCW 11.20.010: Duty of custodian of will—Liability. (wa.gov)</a>.
</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Indeed, unless I am missing something fundamental, I think any state supreme court (and lower courts on the way to that Court) would say something akin to “we have always thought this situation to be the point of this statute.”</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Here’s my longer version:</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">A nominated executor holding a will has a duty to probate and execute the will, not to record it or frame it or mail copies of it or publish an image of it in a newspaper.
</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">And of course the nominated executor who possesses the will has fiduciary duties to the named beneficiary: namely, to deliver the devised property to them after administering the estate. Who cares if he
<u>shows</u> or <u>tells</u> him about the will? That’s not the duty. The duty is to
<u>execute</u> the will and then report to the court that he has done so to close the probate. </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Anyone damaged by his failure to act has a claim for damages. Just as a damaged party has a claim for damages against a third party (who is not the PR) who holds a will and doesn’t deliver it to the nominated PR to be filed/probated/recorded/pick
your term. </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">(I won’t go on about it, but I actually think a TEXTUAL reading of all of 11.20 makes it extremely easy for an appellate court to provide an interpretation that contemplates Z in such a case not simply “delivering the will to the court
as though the COURT is going to ensure it’s probated” under some hypertechnical reading of 11.20.010, but that surrounding text in phrases such as “The record of any will
<b><u>made, probated and recorded</u></b> as herein provided...” in 11.20.060 at least “contemplate” that the loose reference to “filing” a will does not
<u>excuse</u> the PROBATE or EXECUTION of a will by the <u>possessor</u> who is the nominated PR who then effectively steals the testator’s estate.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">I see no need to resort to any other area of law. If the damaged party is suing at year 2, 12, or 28 -- and can still prove damages -- what on earth public policy is served by overlaying artificial equitable theories to reward Z?</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">I find it extremely hard to believe a state Supreme Court wouldn’t find a way to impose liability on Z under your facts. It’s not just a sibling stealing a sibling’s inheritance. It’s a nominated PR taking custody of a will, “filing”
it cutely, not probating it, certainly NOT executing it, and then sitting quietly hoping nobody ever find the “filed” will.
</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Both are wrong; but the latter is wrong for many additional reasons of fiduciary and statutory duty inapplicable in the former. </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">For all of the above reasons, I think that I with some trepidation must respectfully disagree with nearly every word of the below two paragraphs.
</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">(Aside: I will avoid reigniting a fierce chain a year or so ago addressing the point raised in the second sentence of your first paragraph, on which I was impliedly compared to some fraudster who avoided paying parking garage charges.
As others on that chain obviously also believed, I firmly assert that there are some reasonable actions a nominated PR who is timely en route to court properly to probate a will, who is facing no disputes and sees no improprieties afoot, may – indeed MUST
– <u>properly take</u>, with the obvious exception of forging or endorsing a check or using the legal phrase “personal representative” when they are not yet formally. I still think that everyone in the universe understands some of those pre-appointment actions
routinely are and may be “ratified” upon the person’s formal appointment (or that they will detail to the eventually appointed PR and suffer the consequences of having done IF they really turn out to be wrongful).):</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:black">Re legal duties of Z, my understanding is that no, Z has no duties at all under a will that hasn’t been probated—except to file it in the court of appropriate jurisdiction if Z learns of X’s death and Z has
custody of the original. An executor named in a will has no duties, and in fact is expressly<span class="x_apple-converted-space"> </span>not<span class="x_apple-converted-space"> </span>authorized to act, until the will has been probated and they have qualified
by filing oath (and bond if required).</span></i><span style="color:black"></span></p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:black"> </span></i><span style="color:black"></span></p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:black">So far as I’m aware, even if Z was appointed and qualified, Z still has no duty to tell anybody the contents of the will. Just mail the Notice of Appointment and Pendency of Probate to all heirs, legatees,
devisees, etc., after performing reasonable diligence to obtain mailing addresses.</span></i><span style="color:black"></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="x_ms-outlook-mobile-signature">
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Joshua D. McKarcher</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">McKarcher Law PLLC</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">537 6th Street</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Clarkston, WA 99403</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">(509) 758-3345</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">(509) 758-3314 (fax)</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:josh@mckarcherlaw.com">josh@mckarcherlaw.com</a></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mckarcherlaw.com">www.mckarcherlaw.com</a></p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="x_mail-editor-reference-message-container">
<div class="x_MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">
<hr size="2" width="98%" align="center">
</div>
<div id="x_divRplyFwdMsg">
<p class="x_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>> on behalf of Eric Nelsen <<a href="mailto:eric@sayrelawoffices.com">eric@sayrelawoffices.com</a>><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 13, 2023 5:18 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] 28yo unprobated will vs 28 years adverse possession - please speculate!</p>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Hi Andrekita—Facts have been altered to protect confidentiality but the scenario gets at some genuine issues I am grappling with. Glad you like it!</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Re legal duties of Z, my understanding is that no, Z has no duties at all under a will that hasn’t been probated—except to file it in the court of appropriate jurisdiction if Z learns of X’s death and Z has custody of the original. An
executor named in a will has no duties, and in fact is expressly <i>not</i> authorized to act, until the will has been probated and they have qualified by filing oath (and bond if required).</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">So far as I’m aware, even if Z was appointed and qualified, Z still has no duty to tell anybody the contents of the will. Just mail the Notice of Appointment and Pendency of Probate to all heirs, legatees, devisees, etc., after performing
reasonable diligence to obtain mailing addresses.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">One of the reasons that it’s best for a testator to truly trust the person nominated as Executor.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Sincerely,</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Eric</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Eric C. Nelsen</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Sayre Law Offices, PLLC</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">1417 31st Ave South</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Seattle WA 98144-3909</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">206-625-0092</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:eric@sayrelawoffices.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">eric@sayrelawoffices.com</span></a></p>
</div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>
<div style="border:none; border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt; padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> Andrekita Silva <<a href="mailto:ak@seattle-silvalaw.com">ak@seattle-silvalaw.com</a>>
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 13, 2023 4:54 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <<a href="mailto:wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com</a>><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Eric Nelsen <<a href="mailto:eric@sayrelawoffices.com">eric@sayrelawoffices.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [WSBAPT] 28yo unprobated will vs 28 years adverse possession - please speculate!</p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Law Office of
</span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">F.ANDREKITA SILVA</span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">_______________________________________________________
</span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">December 13, 2023</span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Eric,</span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">If Z was named the PR in the Will, wouldn’t he have some fiduciary obligation to have done more than just file the Will? Wouldn’t Z have had the obligation to communicate to Y that there was a Will and that
the home was devised to Y? Begging the questions: What was Y's response?</span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Anyway, I don’t think we can cheat and pretend NO communication.
</span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Unless there were other assets or unless Y is disabled and Dad was trying to provide for an adult child who might not be able to provide for himself, it seems really weird to me that Dad would have nominated
Z as PR but given the house to Y. </span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Is this a real case or are you pulling our leg? Cuz this is a good one! </span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">andrekita </span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Law Office of F. Andrekita Silva</span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 940</span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Seattle, Washington 98101-2509</span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">206-224-8288</span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="http://www.seattle-silvalaw.com" target="_blank">www.seattle-silvalaw.com</a></span><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
On 2023-12-13 13:31, Eric Nelsen wrote: </span></p>
<blockquote style="border:none; border-left:solid #1010FF 1.5pt; padding:0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; margin-left:0in; margin-top:5.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Courier New"">Ooh, that’s a good one. I’ve wondered how RCW 4.16.020(1) and RCW<br>
11.04.250 interact, and I haven’t found any case law. <br>
<br>
RCW 4.16.020(1) is the ten-year statute of limitations that runs<br>
against persons out of possession such that “no action shall be<br>
maintained for such recovery unless it appears that the plaintiff, his<br>
or her ancestor, predecessor or grantor was seized or possessed of the<br>
premises in question within ten years before the commencement of the<br>
action.” <br>
<br>
RCW 11.04.250 says that when a person dies, “his or her title shall<br>
vest _immediately_ in his or her heirs or devisees, subject to his or<br>
her debts, family allowance, expenses of administration, and any other<br>
charges for which such real estate is liable under existing laws.”<br>
But subject to divestment by a duly appointed PR, and also “no<br>
person is deemed a devisee until the will has been probated.” <br>
<br>
Case law does say that probating a will always relates back to date of<br>
death, so the devisee is retroactively deemed to have<br>
“immediately” vested as of date of death. <br>
<br>
So, what result? <br>
<br>
* If Y probates the will, they become sole owner of the property<br>
retroactive to date of death, and now suddenly Z’s 28 years of<br>
occupancy is retroactively recharacterized as “hostile” since date<br>
of death, adversely possessing against Y. Y receives nothing?<br>
* If Y doesn’t probate the will, maybe Z hasn’t accomplished<br>
ouster, so they remain 50-50 owners? So Y cannot receive the entire<br>
property as the will contemplates.<br>
<br>
Does that mean that effectively, if real property is in someone’s<br>
possession for 10 years after date of death and the decedent’s will<br>
is probated _after_ that, then any gift of the real property in the<br>
will cannot be made effective because the possessor will have<br>
adversely possessed against it? <br>
<br>
Sincerely, <br>
<br>
Eric <br>
<br>
Eric C. Nelsen <br>
<br>
Sayre Law Offices, PLLC <br>
<br>
1417 31st Ave South <br>
<br>
Seattle WA 98144-3909 <br>
<br>
206-625-0092 <br>
<br>
<a href="mailto:eric@sayrelawoffices.com">eric@sayrelawoffices.com</a> <br>
<br>
From: David Moe <<a href="mailto:davidmoe@maplevalleylaw.com">davidmoe@maplevalleylaw.com</a>>
<br>
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 12:50 PM<br>
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <<a href="mailto:wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com</a>><br>
Cc: Eric Nelsen <<a href="mailto:eric@sayrelawoffices.com">eric@sayrelawoffices.com</a>><br>
Subject: RE: [WSBAPT] 28yo unprobated will vs 28 years adverse<br>
possession - please speculate! <br>
<br>
I’ll bite with my speculation: <br>
<br>
Where Y and Z are heirs at law of X, given lack of probate, Z would<br>
need to prove “ouster” of Y to satisfy the “hostility”<br>
element. Without probate of the will, child Y and child Z are heirs<br>
at law and co-tenants. Clear, unequivocal, notice to the<br>
“ousteree” is required. I’m guessing that Y’s elevator has<br>
never risen all the way to the top floor. Much more than exclusivity<br>
of possession is required to commence and continue running of the<br>
10-year statute against a co-tenant in that circumstance. <br>
<br>
David Moe Attorney, P.S. <br>
<br>
Telephone: 425-432-1277 <br>
<br>
Fax: 425-432-1280 <br>
<br>
23745 225th Way SE, Suite 108 <br>
<br>
Maple Valley, WA 98038 <br>
<br>
Email: <a href="mailto:davidmoe@maplevalleylaw.com">davidmoe@maplevalleylaw.com</a>
<br>
<br>
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication is intended for the sole<br>
use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may<br>
contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from<br>
disclosure under applicable law. If you have received this<br>
communication in error, please notify this firm immediately by collect<br>
call (425)-432-1277, or by reply to this communication. <br>
<br>
From: <a href="mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com</a><br>
<<a href="mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com</a>> On Behalf Of Brent Williams-Ruth<br>
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 11:58 AM<br>
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <<a href="mailto:wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com">wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com</a>><br>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] 28yo unprobated will vs 28 years adverse<br>
possession - please speculate! <br>
<br>
Would the adverse possession claim be defeated because of the fact<br>
that it was done with permission. Therefore failing one of the<br>
essential elements of hostility? <br>
<br>
Brent Williams-Ruth (pronouns: he/him)<br>
_Attorney-At-Law_ <br>
<br>
Law Offices of Brent Williams-Ruth, a division of BWR Consulting, PLLC<br>
<br>
<br>
Physical Address: 500 S 336th Street, Suite 214; Federal Way, WA 98003<br>
<br>
<br>
**EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY** All mail sent through the USPS should be<br>
sent to the following address: PO BOX 3319; Federal Way, WA 98063 <br>
<br>
Office/Scheduling Phone: (253) 285-7751 <br>
<br>
Direct: (253) 285-7453 <br>
<br>
e-mail / website [<a href="http://www.williams-ruthlaw.com/" target="_blank">1</a>] / facebook [<a href="http://www.facebook.com/bwrlaw" target="_blank">2</a>] / <br>
<br>
On Tue, Dec 12, 2023 at 5:21</span><span style="font-family:"Cambria Math",serif"> </span><span style="font-family:"Courier New"">PM Eric Nelsen<br>
<<a href="mailto:eric@sayrelawoffices.com">eric@sayrelawoffices.com</a>> wrote: </span>
</p>
<blockquote style="border:none; border-left:solid #1010FF 1.5pt; padding:0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; margin-left:0in; margin-top:5.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Courier New"">What happens if somebody’s will, in the public record but not<br>
probated, is completely ignored for decades? <br>
<br>
X has a will leaving house to child Y, leaving nothing to child Z. X<br>
owns a house. <br>
<br>
X dies, and the will is filed for permanent record but no probate<br>
commenced. <br>
<br>
Z moves into the house immediately after X dies. <br>
<br>
Y does nothing for, let’s say, 28 years. <br>
<br>
Who wins ownership of the house? Z under 10-year adverse possession<br>
rules? Or Y if the will is, after 28 years, finally presented for<br>
probate? <br>
<br>
Assume no communication between Y and Z, so no fair evading the<br>
question by arguing maybe Z held by Y’s permission or some such. <br>
<br>
I’m guessing Z does, because adverse possession tends to override<br>
all other interests. _But what if Z was the named executor in the<br>
will they filed but elected not to probate?_ <br>
<br>
Sincerely, <br>
<br>
Eric <br>
<br>
Eric C. Nelsen <br>
<br>
Sayre Law Offices, PLLC <br>
<br>
1417 31st Ave South <br>
<br>
Seattle WA 98144-3909 <br>
<br>
206-625-0092 <br>
<br>
<a href="mailto:eric@sayrelawoffices.com">eric@sayrelawoffices.com</a> <br>
<br>
***Disclaimer: Please note that RPPT listserv participation is not<br>
restricted to practicing attorneys and may include non-practicing<br>
attorneys, law students, professionals working in related fields,<br>
and others.***<br>
_______________________________________________<br>
WSBAPT mailing list<br>
<a href="mailto:WSBAPT@lists.wsbarppt.com">WSBAPT@lists.wsbarppt.com</a><br>
<a href="http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/wsbapt" target="_blank">http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/wsbapt</a></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Courier New""> <br>
<br>
Links:<br>
------<br>
[1] <a href="http://www.williams-ruthlaw.com/" target="_blank">http://www.williams-ruthlaw.com/</a><br>
[2] <a href="http://www.facebook.com/bwrlaw" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/bwrlaw</a><br>
***Disclaimer: Please note that RPPT listserv participation is not restricted to practicing attorneys and may include non-practicing attorneys, law students, professionals working in related fields, and others.***<br>
_______________________________________________<br>
WSBAPT mailing list<br>
<a href="mailto:WSBAPT@lists.wsbarppt.com">WSBAPT@lists.wsbarppt.com</a><br>
<a href="http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/wsbapt" target="_blank">http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/wsbapt</a></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Courier New""><br>
-</span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>