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<div dir="ltr">Andrekita,</div>
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<div dir="ltr"><span id="ms-outlook-ios-cursor"></span>I was immediately hooked by this fact pattern but could not sit down to think about it until now. </div>
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<div dir="ltr">I think the word “text” in our electronic wills statute is going to be difficult to overcome, even if this audio-video “record” is authenticated by the testator and two witnesses (if, say they say their names and that they were there for entire
video’s making). </div>
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<div dir="ltr">But at least I finally had time to dig into 11.98 and I think you at least must dig into the possibility of having an oral trust under Washington law if decedent was at his death domiciled in Washington, as I assume. </div>
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<div dir="ltr">Look at <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.98.014">http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.98.014</a> and then go backward to the provisions regarding creation of a trust. </div>
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<div dir="ltr">It strikes me that you very well may get a court to find without stretching anything too far that he was creating a trust without saying the word trust, which I don’t see being required. There seems a clear identification of property, a named
trustee, a named beneficiary, etc. </div>
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<div dir="ltr">But any case law or persuasive judicial gloss on these provisions above seems likely to be the key. (I went to law school in the other Washington (DC), however, so I don’t know Washington law on this topic at all, and I don’t know the professors
and others on this list well enough to ask them to suggest cases.)</div>
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<div dir="ltr">Anyhow, you (from this list) "know me by now." I’d write more if I could 🫣😬, as I'm all excited and intrigued. But I’m barely keeping up this week as it is.</div>
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<div dir="ltr">If any of that is a start, great. If I've merely excitedly related the most obvious of provisions and starting points to zero benefit, well, then, shoot...😉 </div>
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<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: none; display: inline !important; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Assuming this video and the people involved are legit, of course, then I hope this works. </span>I would
love to know what you find out, even if you’re game simply to share a controlling WA case or something. </span><br>
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<div dir="ltr">(Aside: It’s so unfortunate they didn’t know to have someone transcribe his words even in a rudimentary form and do a basic (Washington compliant) electronic will, which would’ve been easily provable even though executed and witnessed abroad
with a remote notary from any of our offices or even an online RON service for $50 or so. Alas.)</div>
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<div dir="ltr">Godspeed! Best, Josh </div>
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<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>
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<div id="divRplyFwdMsg" dir="ltr"><font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><b>From:</b> wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com> on behalf of Andrekita Silva <ak@seattle-silvalaw.com><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, February 21, 2024 4:36 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [WSBAPT] What are the specific requirements for creation of a trust?
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<div class="pre" style="margin:0; padding:0; font-family:monospace"><span style="font-family:'times new roman',times,serif">Law Office of
</span><br>
<span style="font-family:'times new roman',times,serif">F.ANDREKITA SILVA</span><br>
<span style="font-family:'times new roman',times,serif">_______________________________________________________
</span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">February 21, 2024</span><br>
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<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Listserve,</span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">What are the specific requirements for creation of a trust?</span><br>
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<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">A client of mine (in a guardianship matter), had an appendectomy (while in a foreign country.) The surgery went fine but a day or so later, he took a turn for the worse. His sister flew to keep him company
and to care for IP. Client realized he had no Will and that maybe he should write one upon returning home. But, he was deteriorating at such a pace, that he asked to record his wishes while still there at the hospital. Sister calls notary public who video
tapes Client's statement in the presence of 2 witnesses (so, sister, notary, and ambulance driver present).
</span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">He indicates his house #72 & his Towing business should be managed by his sister for his son (who is IP). He identifies some other property and says what should happen to it. Everything else he leaves to
IP. He does not mention 2 of his other children. He wants sister to be Guardian for IP. He dies within an hour. He says "I love you all. Goodbye." He knew he would die momentarily.</span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">I know this is not a valid Will. But, what is required to create a valid trust? He never uses the word "trust" "Trustor" or "trustee." No titles changed because he died too soon. It was clear from the statement
that Client was trying to create a WILL. But, Can this recorded oral statement be considered a trust? Can the recorded statement be used to transfer title, at minimum, to the house and business/business assets to IP? Or, is it just too bad and everything
passes by intestate succession? </span><br>
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<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">At this point, it doesn't look like foreign country recognizes oral wills.</span></div>
<div class="pre" style="margin:0; padding:0; font-family:monospace"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">(sorry if this is duplicative. I first sent this out using someone elses subject line...)</span><br>
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<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">andrekita </span><br>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Law Office of F. Andrekita Silva</span><br>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 940</span><br>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Seattle, Washington 98101-2509</span><br>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">206-224-8288</span><br>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><a href="mailto:ak@seattle-silvalaw.com">ak@seattle-silvalaw.com</a></span></div>
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