Adjudication Proceedings Forms ---Nonprobate Forms ---Small Estate Affidavit Form ---Probate Forms for Decedent's Estates --- Probate often prevents problems that lead to contesting of a will, because it allows court supervision of the estate distribution process and ensures that everything is done legally and properly. 49 -1. A beneficiary under a prior Will who would not take as much under the contested Will. The police officer on the case had the same responsibility. There are a few legal reasons that may allow you to contest a Will. PDF RCW 11.68.041 - Washington One study of 443 recent probate administrations from San Francisco found that wills that were contested had average extraordinary fees ranging from $16,739 to $35,805. RCW 11.96A.030- (2). Washington Probate Forms - Executor Of The Estate A Will that is rational on its face and executed in legal form is presumed to be valid. Probating a will is the court process of proving a wills validity then legally administering the will, paying debts, and distributing the deceaseds estate to heirs and beneficiaries. The grounds and process for contesting a will depend on your states laws, but the concepts are similar. Burden of proof. If any person interested in any will shall appear within four months immediately following the probate or rejection thereof, and by petition to the court having jurisdiction contest the validity of said will, or appear to have the will proven which has been rejected, he or she shall file a petition containing his or her objections and exceptions An estate planning lawyer can file the claim on your behalf, but it isn't required. Collect your evidence: After you file a petition, you will get a court date. Contesting a will in washington state what is the statue of 1 If a person who does not reside in Washington becomes a personal representative, he or she will be File a petition: Before you can contest a Will, you need to file a petition to challenge it in a probate court. Contesting a will is the legal process of challenging the wills validity. Currently, the law only allows for spouses, life partners, children, and parents to contest the will of a loved one. The best way to avoid any of this is to create a plan that you know will be explicit and concrete. It could be easy for other parties to state that, yes, your dad left you out of the will on purpose. No-Contest Clauses in Wills and Trusts | Nolo You can use witnesses, statements and documents to support your case.