Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington

Washington State is a community property state. I take this to mean if one spouse dies without a will everything will automatically go to the surviving spouse. So what if the deceased spouse has CD's and a child has been put as the beneficiary and not the surviving spouse. Would the bank honor the beneficiary wishes or would it still all go to the spouse?


Asked on 7/25/11, 5:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan Baner Baner & Baner

That is not what it means. Intestate (no will) would award all of the COMMUNITY property to the surviving spouse. Then the separate property gets distributed according to the laws of intestacy.

Read more
Answered on 8/26/11, 11:51 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in Washington