Probate & Trust Administration Attorney in Seattle
Guiding executors and trustees through probate and trust administration with clarity and efficiency.
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added burden of navigating complex legal and financial processes. Our Seattle probate and trust administration attorneys provide compassionate, experienced guidance to executors, personal representatives, and trustees throughout every phase of estate settlement.
We handle everything from initial court filings to final asset distribution, ensuring the decedent’s wishes are honored while protecting the interests of beneficiaries and fulfilling all legal obligations under Washington law.
We clear away confusion and questions, to guide our clients through the process to ensure that the end of life concerns are settled correctly, with sensitivity to the persons involved and a view to avoid disagreements before they arise. With our team handling the complexity of administration, our clients have more time to focus on grieving and supporting family members and friends.
Another side of our trust practice is working with established trusts to ensure compliance with the trust agreement and state law. Trustees are required to provide certain notice and information to beneficiaries when a trust is established as well as throughout the term of the trust. A trustee has a fiduciary duty of the utmost good faith and loyalty to beneficiaries, and it is critical that the trustee is well informed and performs his or her role diligently.
In addition to representing personal representatives and trustees, we also represent heirs and beneficiaries of estates and trusts who feel they are not being treated fairly by a personal representative or trustee. Whatever the issues, we help our clients find the most collaborative and cost-effective solutions.
What We Do
Probate Services
Probate Administration
Full representation for personal representatives through the Washington probate process — from petition filing to final distribution and court closure.
Trust Administration
Guidance for successor trustees on their fiduciary duties, tax obligations, accounting requirements, and asset distribution procedures.
Will Contests & Disputes
Representation in contested probate matters, including challenges to will validity, undue influence claims, and beneficiary disputes.
Small Estate Affidavits
For qualifying estates, we can help you use Washington’s simplified small estate procedures to transfer assets without full probate.
Creditor Claims Management
Proper notice to creditors, evaluation of claims, and protection of the estate from improper or untimely creditor demands.
Why Clients Choose Us
- Experienced in both simple and complex probate matters
- Clear communication and regular updates throughout the process
- Efficient handling to minimize delays and reduce costs
- Knowledge of Washington-specific probate rules and timelines
- Compassionate approach during a difficult time
Talk to an Attorney
Call 206-456-6697 or request a consultation and we aim to respond within one business day.
Related
Attorneys: Eric Stoll, Jeannie M. Osgood
Related practice areas: Estate Planning, Mediation & Dispute Resolution
From our blog: Probate vs. Trust Administration in Washington
Offices: Seattle / Ballard and Leavenworth (by appointment)
Probate & Trust Administration FAQs
How long does probate take in Washington State?
A straightforward probate typically takes 6–12 months, though complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or significant assets can take longer. Creditors generally have four months from the first publication of the notice to creditors to present claims (RCW 11.40.051), so most estates stay open at least that long. We work to resolve matters as efficiently as possible while meeting all legal requirements.
Can probate be avoided?
Yes — with proper estate planning. Assets held in a revocable living trust, joint tenancy, or with proper beneficiary designations can pass outside of probate. A trust only avoids probate if it was fully funded: assets left in the decedent’s own name at death still go through probate. We can help you evaluate whether probate is necessary for a particular estate.
What are the duties of a personal representative?
A personal representative must inventory assets, notify creditors, pay debts and taxes, file required court documents, and distribute assets according to the will. We guide personal representatives through each obligation to ensure compliance.
What are nonintervention powers in Washington probate?
Washington courts can grant a personal representative nonintervention powers (RCW 11.68.085), which let the estate be settled without returning to court for approval at each step. For a solvent estate with a valid will, that often means one filing at the start, one declaration at the end, and no hearings in between.
Is trust administration easier than probate?
Less than most people expect. Both involve the same core work: finding and valuing assets, paying debts, filing tax returns, keeping records and making distributions. The real differences are that a trust administration is private and does not involve a court filing.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your legal needs. We’re here to help you find the right path forward.