How Can Probate Affect A Blended Family In Washington State?

In a blended family situation in Washington state, if someone dies without a will (intestate), their assets will be distributed according to the state’s intestate probate laws. These laws provide a specific order of priority for who inherits the assets, starting with the surviving spouse and then moving on to the deceased’s children and other family members.

However, this can create problems in a blended family situation, especially if there are stepchildren involved. For example, if someone dies with a surviving spouse and children from a previous marriage, the surviving spouse may inherit most or all of the assets, leaving the stepchildren with nothing.

By creating a basic will, the deceased can specify how their assets should be distributed after they pass away. They can name their surviving spouse as the beneficiary of certain assets while also setting aside assets for their children, including stepchildren.

This can help avoid potential conflicts between the surviving spouse and stepchildren, as the deceased’s wishes will be clearly outlined in the will. The surviving spouse will still receive their share of the assets, but the stepchildren will also receive a portion, as specified by the deceased in their will.

Overall, a basic will can be an effective way to ensure that assets are distributed according to the deceased’s wishes and can help avoid potential conflicts between family members in a blended family situation in Washington state intestate probate.”