Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington

My best friend just passed away at the age of 26. He had been living with his girlfriend for the past 5 months and now he is gone the parents want everything that he had. Who is leagly intitled to his stuff untill they go to court about it? Or does the girlfriend have any chance on her side?


Asked on 3/17/10, 2:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ann Sattler Aiken, St. Louis & Siljeg, P.S.

It depends on whether your friend had a will or not. If he did, then his nominated personal representative takes control of everything and then distributes according to his will. If he died without a will, then his things go according to the Washington statute RCW 11.04.015 . It allows for spouse and children and if there aren't either then to the parents of the decedent. So unless she could validly claim she was much more than a girlfriend (which would be expensive to do most likely) she doesn't get anything (unless he had a will and gave it to her or named or on a deed or account or as a beneficiary).

DISCLAIMER: this is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.

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Answered on 3/22/10, 3:04 pm


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