[WSBARP] To probate or not to probate

[Jeanne Dawes]

My inclination is to walk away.  The retirement funds proceeds are not subject to creditors claims.  My experience with lenders and property underwater, is that they are almost impossible to work with.  They want to treat the PR like he or she is the borrower.  Can't do that.     I've tried on many occasions to get the lender to accept a deed in lieu, and it has taken months and months for that to happen, in the meantime, the lender has no problem starting a foreclosure action.  It makes no sense.

As to removing the personal property from the home, that is not part of the lender's security, but the value of it could be subject to creditor's claims.  I guess it would depend on the value.  If there is a high value, it might be worth opening a probate in order to comply with the creditor claim process and see what's out there.  My experience is lenders do not typically file a claim against the estate.  If the personal property only has sentimental value, and she is the sole beneficiary, I don't think anyone would raise the issue.

Others may have a different experience or opinion.  Hope this is helpful.

Jeanne

Jeanne J. Dawes
Attorney at Law
Gore & Grewe, P.S.
103 E. Indiana Avenue, Suite A
Spokane, WA 99207-2317
Voice:  509-326-7500
Fax:      509-326-7503
jjdawes at goregrewe.com<mailto:jjdawes at goregrewe.com>
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From: wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com [mailto:wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com] On Behalf Of Margaret Delp
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2015 2:18 PM
To: wsbarp at lists.wsbarppt.com
Subject: [WSBARP] To probate or not to probate

Hello Everyone:

I have a hypothetical low income client who is the sole heir at law to her daughter's estate.  Daughter died intestate.  Estate has 2 assets - a home which is slightly "under water" and a very small 401(k) account which designates the client as beneficiary.  The lender sent a Notice of Pre-Foreclosure Options to the family because of failure of the decedent to make a mortgage payment.  Neither the client nor the estate has the money to pay for a probate.

Question 1 - if the client walks away from the estate, and allows the house to go into foreclosure, are there any negative ramifications for the client?  She has already received the distribution from the 401(k).

Question 2 -- Client has access to the house.  Can client (who is the only heir) take possession of the personal property of decedent before bank forecloses - in other words, can she and the other family members who all get along clear everything out the house without a probate?

I'd appreciate your thoughts.
--Margaret
--
Law Office of Margaret Delp
2815 Howard Road, Second Floor
P.O. Box 292
Langley, WA 98260
(360) 579-4530 (telephone)
(360) 512-3114 (facsimile)

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