Probate is the legal process for settling a deceased person’s estate -- validating any will, executing it and resolving any conflicts or questions. In Washington State, probate isn’t automatic. In fact, most estates are settled in Washington without any legal intervention at all, whether or not the deceased left a will. But if the deceased person left property without a clear heir or if there are conflicting claims, the probate process can help resolve those disputes and ensure that the rights of heirs, beneficiaries and creditors are respected.
During the probate process, a court appoints an administrator or personal representative of the deceased person to execute the will; this is usually the will’s executor. The administrator takes inventory of the deceased’s property, transfers it to beneficiaries and pays any creditors. Our Spokane, WA probate lawyers are available to guide administrators through this time-consuming and complex task. We also help clients contest the appointment of a personal representative or another aspect of the probate.
As probate lawyers in Spokane emphasizing wills, Cooney Law Offices, P.S. can also help if your estate-planning needs go beyond the probate process. We can handle all aspects of estate planning and elder law, including serving as an administrator or personal representative; living trusts; wills and living wills; related tax matters; power of attorney; and guardian ad litem.
Founded by former Spokane County District Court Judge John C. Cooney, Cooney Law Offices, P.S. has served the Inland Northwest for more than 25 years. In fact, the firm represents three generations of Cooneys to practice law in Spokane since 1949. We understand our community and its needs because we’ve been a part of it for decades. Our attorneys put clients’ needs and goals first and strive to get clients the best possible resolution to probate matters. And because we work as a team, our clients can draw on in-house expertise in related family-law and litigation matters.
If you’re looking for probate lawyers in Spokane emphasizing wills, call Cooney Law Offices, P.S. today at 509-326-2613.