Losing a loved one is never easy, and the process of settling their estate can be overwhelming. If you have been named as the personal representative of an estate, you may be wondering what steps you need to take to begin opening probate and the estate administration process.

In this article, we will outline some of the steps for opening probate, including:

• Different types of probate;
• Role of the personal representative, and;
• Necessary paperwork and court filings.

Understanding Probate

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. It involves identifying and gathering the assets of the deceased, paying any outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries or heirs.

There are two types of probate: testate and intestate. If the decedent had a valid will in place at the time of their death, their estate would be testate.  However, if the decedent did not have a valid will at the time of their passing, their estate would be intestate.

Testate Appointment of Personal Representative

If the deceased had a valid will, the first step in opening probate is to file the will with the court and petition for the appointment of a personal representative. The personal representative is responsible for managing the estate and carrying out the wishes outlined in the will.

To petition the court for the appointment of a personal representative, you will need to file the following documents:

• The original will
• A certified copy of the death certificate
• A petition for probate and appointment of personal representative
• A bond, if required by the court
• A filing fee, which varies by state & county

Spokane County Courthouse

Once the court approves the petition and appoints a personal representative, they will issue letters testamentary, which give the personal representative the authority to act on behalf of the estate.

Intestate Appointment of Personal Representative

To petition the court for the appointment of a personal representative in an intestate estate, you will need to file the following documents:

• A certified copy of the death certificate
• A petition for probate and appointment of personal representative
• A bond, if required by the court
• A filing fee, which varies by state & county

When the decedent dies leaving no valid will, the estate is considered “Intestate.” If this is the case, the decedent's estate is “administered.” Since, in the case of an intestate estate, there is no will to nominate a personal representative, Washington statues describe the priority interested parties have in terms of appointment. These are, generally, based on a candidate's relationship to the decedent or the estate.

Under RCW 11.28.120, preference is given first, to a surviving spouse, then, to a child, parent, sibling, grandchild, and nieces or nephews, in that order. If none of these relatives elect to seek appointment, additional persons may seek appointment. This includes creditors of the estate and/or potential litigants. Once a personal representative is appointed, that personal representative is granted letters of administration, which give the personal representative the authority to act on behalf of the estate.

Non-Intervention Powers

In some states, the personal representative may have the option to request non-intervention powers. This means that they can administer the estate without court supervision, as long as they follow the court's guidelines.

Non-intervention powers can be beneficial for simple probate cases, as they allow the personal representative to handle the estate administration process more efficiently and without the need for court approval for every decision.

To request non-intervention powers, the personal representative will need to file a petition with the court and provide a detailed inventory of the estate's assets and debts.

Petitioning for Non-Intervention

Estate Settlement

Once the personal representative has been appointed and has received the necessary authority from the court, they can begin the process of settling the estate. This involves identifying and gathering all of the assets of the deceased, paying any outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries or heirs.

The personal representative is responsible for managing the estate's assets, including any real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property. They must also keep detailed records of all transactions and provide regular updates to the court and the beneficiaries.

If the estate is subject to estate tax, the personal representative will need to file a federal estate tax return. They may also need to file state estate tax returns, depending on the state's laws.

After paying off all debts and taxes, the personal representative can distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries or heirs according to the terms of the will or state law.

Probate Costs

Opening probate and settling an estate can be a costly process. The costs associated with probate include court filing fees, attorney fees, and any other expenses incurred during the estate administration process.

In some cases, the personal representative may be entitled to compensation for their time and effort in managing the estate. This compensation is typically a percentage of the estate's value and is subject to court approval.

Reach Out to an Experienced Probate Attorney from Spokane Today

Opening probate and settling an estate can be a complex and time-consuming process. You, as the personal representative, must ensure proper administration of the estate and carry out the wishes of the deceased.

By understanding the different types of probate, the role of the personal representative, and completing the necessary paperwork and court filings, you can efficiently navigate the probate process and settle the estate promptly and cost-effectively.

If you are unsure about any aspect of the probate process, it is always best to seek the advice of an experienced estate planning attorney who can guide you through the process and help you avoid any potential pitfalls. With the right guidance and support, you can successfully open probate and settle the estate, providing closure for yourself and your loved ones.