Probate & Estate Administration in Seattle

A Connected Approach to Probate for Seattle Executors & Families

After a death, an executor or family member may need to secure property, identify debts, communicate with beneficiaries, and determine what must be filed with the court. Whether probate is required depends on the estate’s assets, governing documents, ownership arrangements, creditor and tax issues, and any disagreements among interested parties.

We guide clients in Seattle through these interconnected responsibilities. Our approach accounts for wills, trusts, nonprobate assets, real property, business interests, creditor claims, and disputes that may affect the administration.

Speak with a probate attorney about your next steps. Call (206) 203-8802 to request an evaluation of the estate and the issues requiring attention.

Counsel for Routine Administrations & Emerging Estate Disputes

We represent executors, court-appointed administrators, trustees, beneficiaries, and families in straightforward administrations and contested cases. A personal representative is the person legally authorized to administer the estate, whether named as executor in a will or appointed by the court.

Because our practice spans estate planning, estate litigation, and business law, we can address trusts, closely held companies, ownership agreements, and property that doesn’t pass under a will. We assess the family dynamics, asset types, fiduciary duties, and potential sources of conflict before recommending a strategy.

If a disagreement emerges, we can coordinate the administration with the dispute strategy rather than treating them as separate concerns. We’ve handled complex estate cases, including multi-million-dollar disputes, through negotiation, mediation, and court proceedings.

From Opening the Estate to Final Distribution

The required work varies with the property involved, outstanding obligations, tax considerations, governing documents, and beneficiary relationships. A probate lawyer can explain which steps require court involvement and which assets may transfer outside the probate estate.

Our probate administration services may include:

• Filing the will and required documents with the court
• Identifying, collecting, and valuing estate assets
• Reviewing debts and addressing creditor claims
• Coordinating payment of valid obligations and applicable taxes
• Preparing distributions to heirs or beneficiaries
• Completing the steps required to close the estate

A will doesn’t necessarily control every asset. Trust property, jointly owned real estate, payable-on-death accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance, and other beneficiary-designated property may transfer separately. Completing the administration may require coordination with financial institutions, accountants, appraisers, real estate professionals, trustees, and beneficiaries.

Personalized, Value-Conscious Counsel Since 2010

Our founder, Jerimy Kirschner, has practiced law since 2010. At Kirschner Rychlick PLLC, we combine the capabilities associated with a large firm with the direct engagement and personalized service of a small one.

We explain the available legal tools, identify choices that may affect cost or conflict, and help clients compare practical options. Through ongoing communication and client education, we give fiduciaries the information they need to make decisions involving complicated assets or multiple beneficiaries.