Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington
Contesting a Will
My father died over 6 years ago. He was remarried but I am the only surviving child. I was never notified about his Will and never received anything from his Estate. I was not in the position, at the time, to contest the Will. How can I retain a copy of his Will and can I still contest the contents of the Will?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Contesting a Will
Washington is a community property state. If your father died married, his property went to his wife as community property, with certain rare exceptions.
There may or may not have been a probate. You can find out by getting a copy of his death certificate. Look on line through the county where he was domiciled at the time of his death.
Then call that County's Clerk and ask if there is a probate file with his name. You can review the file, if it exists, because this is public information, not privledged. If there is a will, it will be in the probate file with the County Clerk.
You say you were never notified about his will - how do you know he had one?
Start at the very beginning, and see what you find.
Hope this helps. Powell