Probate
Probate is the administration of a person’s assets and liabilities upon death. We offer experienced representation of clients in both routine and difficult probates. We represent both heirs and personal representatives before the Superior Court in order to initiate probate proceedings and ensure that matters proceed smoothly and efficiently.
The probate process can be very difficult for families. It’s hard to lose someone you love, and then deal with all of the financial and legal complexities resulting from a probate. We seek to streamline the probate process, and make it as simple, efficient and understandable as possible – while protecting our clients by making sure all legal requirements are met.
We conduct our probate practice in a thoughtful way, so as to avoid disputes with creditors and with family members. Probate is never fun, but we try to make it as easy as possible for families. The grieving is the hard part. The probate should not be.
New Resource: Interview with Seattle Attorney Stacey Romberg on Real Estate in Estate Planning and Probate
Northwest Real Estate Forum with Patricia Wangsness
Video Interviewing Stacey Romberg
In addition to our legal work representing Personal Representatives in the probate process, we also represent heirs who believe that the probate is not being conducted properly. Sometimes, unfortunately, Personal Representatives fail to properly administer their fiduciary duties and do their job with integrity. Our Seattle office works with estate beneficiaries to “look over the executor’s shoulder” by filing for Special Notice. Please see the link on the side bar for more information about Special Notice.
We help our clients determine whether or not the probate is being conducted properly, and work with the estate’s attorney to find out needed information and help keep things on track. If needed, our office provides experienced representation in helping estate heirs resolve disputes with the estate. See the link on the side bar related to TEDRA, the Washington Trusts and Estates Dispute Resolution Act, for more information in this regard.
In addition, the probate process can involve setting up and administering trusts – such as testamentary trusts for minors to pay for their health, education, maintenance and support. We help our clients navigate their way through the often complex requirements of these types of trusts.
Probate Client Testimonials
“I want to say again how much I appreciate your help. It’s not often you meet someone with integrity these days, who speaks truthfully and honestly.” Jeff and Trish Gilmer
“I hired Stacey’s firm to represent me as a beneficiary to an estate in Washington state. I was very pleased with the legal services I received. Both Stacey and Lisa Vargo did exactly what they were hired to do. They made sure that the process moved forward in a timely fashion and when necessary, they used the appropriate legal tools to make sure that the process continued and did not stall. Stacey and Lisa provided me with the appropriate information to make informed decisions throughout the process. I was very happy with the timely response to questions and issues that I had. I felt that billing was appropriate and not excessive and that all care was taken to work efficiently. Stacey Romberg’s office more than exceeded my expectations. I would hire her again without hesitation!”
Kathleen M. McRoberts“As executrix for a family member’s estate, I am very grateful to Stacey Romberg for helping me into the role of an executrix/PR. She clearly and patiently explained what was needed, eased me through the initial steps of probate and has encouraged me to do as much of the paperwork and processes as I feel comfortable. She has dealt well with other members of the family, explaining the steps and reaffirming my role. The process has proved efficient and relatively easy. I will definitely use Stacey to update my own will, from the lessons I have learned.” Kaaren Johnson, Personal Representative, Estate of Joanne Slosser.
