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Friend Died With No Will, Family Want's Nothing To Do With Estate.

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Location: Renton, Washington State, US.

An old friend of mine, who I would only see once every 4-6 months or so, died, with no will, in low-income housing in Washington State. She was originally from New Zealand and I was able to finally find her younger brother, her only living family along with a nephew, and inform him. He is also quite old and has stated he does not want to be involved/start the probate process as he does not have the energy/finances to start this process. I am not listed legally as anything except the "Person of contact" from the low-income housing complex when she died. I didn't even know I was listed as the person of contact.

She left behind some bank accounts, with I assume not much at all as she barely scraped by on Social Security, a car and a possible life insurance policy that was supposed to have her brother listed.

Gathering all of her close friends (3 of us!) together, none of us are sure what to do. We legally don't have the authority to look into anything and I am moving out of state in the next few months so don't have the time to start the probate process. The other two friends are of advanced age and don't have the energy/time to get involved. I am not so advanced at 48!

Is there a process that I can start with the courts that will have the state take care of liquidating her estate, sell the car, pay off debts, donate/keep whatever is left?

Thank you!

submitted by /u/Micosavo
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