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<p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately the only remedy I know of is for the creditor to start a probate and file their creditor claim. It then becomes the PR’s duty to pursue any assets to satisfy the claim, per abatement statutes Ch. 11.10 RCW. It’s a thankless
process and often costly, so I don’t think it happens very often. Unless the decedent was sure to have enough assets to ensure payment to the landlord, plus at least, say, a $30,000 cushion or more to pay expenses (might not be that much, but need to be pessimistic),
plus some confidence that the decedent’s other potential debts aren’t going to swamp the landlord’s claim, it’s probably not worth it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Plus, does the landlord really want to be saddled with the full duties of a PR? Probably not. A professional fiduciary could be appointed, but that increases the expenses drastically so again, might not be worth it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><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"><span style="color:#0563C1">eric@sayrelawoffices.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> wsbarp-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbarp-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Chris B<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, July 13, 2023 1:14 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Real Property Listserv <wsbarp@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [WSBARP] Non-probate estate claim<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have a client who is a landlord. He has a tenant (now deceased) who caused a lot of damage to an apartment (not just a few thousand). The deceased tenant had some actual assets, but probably not enough to trigger a probate.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Any idea on how to pursue a claim against an estate that isn’t being probated? I’ve looked at the statutes and have no clear idea what he can do.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chris Benis<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">First Avenue Law Group, PLLC<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">321 First Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">206.447-1900 office – 206.447.9075 fax – www. firstavenuelaw.com <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This message contains information that may be CONFIDENTIAL AND PRIVILEGED. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To comply with recent IRS rules, we must inform you that this message, if it contains advice relating to federal taxes, was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed
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