Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington

Getting Information On My Mothers Will

My mother passed away about one week ago. She was the executor of my grandmothers estate, and her home is in the process of being sold. The role of executor for my grandmothers and my mothers estate have been passed to my Aunt. She is refusing to show me and my siblings my mothers will until my grandmothers estate is settled. Do we have any rights?


Asked on 5/25/09, 9:24 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

Re: Getting Information On My Mothers Will

RCW 11.20.010 requires her to file your mother's will within 30 days. See http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.20.010.

"Any person having the custody or control of any will shall, within thirty days after he shall have received knowledge of the death of the testator, deliver said will to the court having jurisdiction or to the person named in the will as executor, and any executor having in his custody or control any will shall within forty days after he received knowledge of the death of the testator deliver the same to the court having jurisdiction. Any person who shall wilfully violate any of the provisions of this section shall be liable to any party aggrieved for the damages which may be sustained by such violation."

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Answered on 5/25/09, 11:57 pm
Ann Sattler Aiken, St. Louis & Siljeg, P.S.

Re: Getting Information On My Mothers Will

As executor, she must file the will with the court. She must also send a Notice of Appointment to all beneficiaries and complete an inventory. She owes the beneficiaries fiduciary duties and statutory duties, depending upon the level of court supervision.

If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Answered on 5/26/09, 2:06 pm


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