Earlier this year, Stacey wrote about an alarming case brought by the Washington State Attorney General involving an alleged scheme to exploit Washington’s probate process. At the time, the state had only filed its Complaint. Now, the Court has issued a final ruling – and the result underscores both the seriousness of the misconduct and the importance of proper estate planning.
On October 3, 2025, King County Superior Court Judge Suzanne R. Parisien issued judgments holding John B. Elliot, Shannelle Sunde, and their associated companies liable for violating the Washington Consumer Protection Act and multiple state probate laws.
The Court found that, between 2019 and 2024, the defendants systematically sought appointment as probate administrators for the estates of approximately 200 deceased individuals with whom they had no prior relationship. Once appointed, they engaged in widespread self-dealing, including:
- selling at least 90 estate homes worth over $28 million;
- charging excessive and unjustified commissions;
- moving funds between fiduciary accounts to obscure improper transactions;
- taking or selling personal property like cars, jewelry, and family heirlooms; and
- failing to notify rightful heirs of the probate proceedings, leaving families unaware that probates were even open.
Judge Parisien ordered the defendants to pay over $7 million in total penalties, restitution, attorney fees, and costs. More than $4 million in restitution is due within 30 days of the order’s issuance, with the Attorney General’s Office overseeing distributions to heirs and affected estates. The Court also permanently barred the defendants from serving as probate administrators in the future.
Washington’s probate system relies heavily on the honesty and integrity of those who petition to open an estate. As Ms. Romberg noted in her earlier post, RCW 11.28.110(7) allows “any suitable person” to petition to administer an estate when no family member or creditor steps forward. This provision exists to ensure estates do not languish – not to create an opportunity for strangers to profit.
Judge Parisien’s ruling makes clear that misuse of this system will not be tolerated, and it offers some relief to affected families. But the case also serves as an important reminder of the steps individuals can take to protect their own estates and prevent similar exploitation.
While no system is immune from bad actors, thoughtful planning significantly reduces the risk of abuse. Please reach out to our office if you have any questions about safeguarding your estate from potential abuse.
Phone: (206) 784-5305
