Recent News

When is a Nonprobate Asset Not a Nonprobate Asset? Part 1

The Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 9/26/2022
Under Washington probate and trust law, a nonprobate asset means “those rights and interests of a person having beneficial ownership of an asset that pass on the person’s death under a written instrument or arrangement other than the person’s will.” RCW 11.02.005(13). Examples of such assets provided by the statute include a right or interest… Read More

Estate Planning Involving Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship Property

The Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 8/1/2022
One form of ownership of property in Washington is joint tenancy with right of survivorship. In this form of ownership, the joint tenants (the owners) own an undivided interest in the entire property, whether it is real estate or personal property. When one of the joint tenants dies, the typical result is that their interest… Read More

Trust and Estate Litigation: Forcing the Removal of a Personal Representative or Trustee

Washington State Litigation Lawyer J Patrick Diener | 5/25/2022
A personal representative or administrator of an estate stands in the shoes of the deceased person for the express purpose of wrapping up their worldly affairs.  The trustee of a trust is responsible for maintaining the property in the trust in a way that maximizes the benefit received by the beneficiaries of that trust.  In… Read More