Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington
Will not filed by attorney.
At the time my will was created 20
years ago, the attorney gave me an
unsigned and undated copy saying the
signed/dated original was filed with the
county clerk. I recently asked the
county to do a search. They found
nothing. The attorney is no longer
listed in any local directories. I am not
sure what I should or can do at this
point. Giving me some direction would
be appreciated, thank you, Marv
Thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Will not filed by attorney.
Try to find your original attorney.
You can look up any attorney through the bar association. Go to www.wsba.org and look for the lawyer directory on the left hand side of the page. Enter your attorney's name and their most recent contact information will be displayed.
Caroline
Re: Will not filed by attorney.
Recently the state legislature allowed people to file their wills with the county clerk officially. Before last year, some counties allowed it, others did not. Pierce County did allow it.
What you you may want to do is just get a new will drawn up. If you are a low income senior in Pierce County, the Tacoma - Pierce County Bar association has a low income senior will program which will set you back $10.00 for a properly drawn will.
Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell