Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington
Does Grandson need attorney
Our grandsons father committed suicide a week before our grandson turned 18 and graduated from high school. His father was living with his girlfriend but he never married. His father owned a construction business and a home. There was not will. Should our grandson get his own attorney?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Does Grandson need attorney
The laws of intestacy will apply but assets can also be held in ways that pass directly--like if the father owned the home with his girlfriend. I'd recommend your grandson getting an attorney.
Girlfriend may have claims against the estate
If the father had been living with the girlfriend in a meretricious relationship, she may be entitled to a just and equitable portion of the assets that would have been community propery had they been married with each other.
The grandson may want to consult an attorney to review the grandson's options.