Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington

Re: death of a parent

I'd suggest that you formally (in writing) ask your late father's spouse for the information you want, this can be friendly and respectful, but still be insistent. If you do not receive a response that you think is accurate, you may petition the court to open an intestate probate case. You should give serious consideration to retaining an attorney to do this.

Re: death of a parent

If your father died in WA and probate will happen here, contact the county superior court and ask to speak to the probate clerk to determine if a probate action has been filed.

Mr. Steuart's idea of writing to your stepmother is very good - a judge would be pleased to see that you tried to handle it politely.

Probate is not self-help law. In Seattle, look up Margaret Dore at wsba.org.

Elizabeth Powell