By Matthew Cunanan, DC Law Group Want the bigger picture? Our full guide covers how to remove the person in charge, the law, the steps, and court forms: Removing or Disqualifying a Personal Representative in Washington. The quick version: When someone dies, the court puts a person in charge of their money and property — the “executor” or “administrator.” That person has to keep clear records and show them to the family. If they won’t, you can ask a judge to make them. Washington law says they must make a list of everything the estate owns (RCW 11.44.015), and a judge can order them to show exactly where every dollar went (RCW 11.76.010). Most of these requests go through Washington’s estate law nicknamed TEDRA (RCW 11.96A). Picture a group trip where one friend holds everyone’s cash. The least they can do is keep the receipts. The estate’s money works the same way — the person holding it has to be able to show where it went.
What is an “accounting”?
An accounting is just a clear report. It shows three things: what money and property came in, what went out (and to whom), and what is left. In plain words: the receipts and the math.
What you have a right to see
Two things. First, a list of everything the estate owns — Washington law (RCW 11.44.015) requires it. Second, the full money report, which a judge can order under RCW 11.76.010. You don’t have to take the person’s word for it.
What to do if they stall
Start by asking in writing, and keep a copy. If they still won’t show you, ask the court to order it. Here’s the thing: stalling usually backfires. The person is holding money that isn’t theirs, and a Washington court has treated the person in charge like someone holding the family’s money in trust. Hiding the records makes them look worse, not better.
What if the numbers look wrong?
If the records show missing money or spending that doesn’t add up, you have stronger options. You can ask the court to remove the person, put someone better in charge, and even make them pay the money back. Here’s how to remove the person in charge of an estate.
Talk to a Spokane estate lawyer
At DC Law Group, we help families get answers when the person running an estate won’t open the books. We’ll help you ask the right way and, if needed, take it to court. Call us at 206-677-9630.
Quick answers
Can I force an executor to show me the money?
Yes. They must file a list of what the estate owns (RCW 11.44.015), and a judge can order a full money report (RCW 11.76.010).
What if money is missing?
You can ask the court to remove them and make them pay back what is gone. Here’s how removal works. This article gives general information about Washington law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not make us your lawyers.
About the author: Matthew Cunanan is the founder of DC Law Group, a Spokane law firm. He has helped families and individuals with Washington estate and court cases for years. (Washington State Bar #42530.)