By Matthew Cunanan, DC Law Group
The quick version: TEDRA is the nickname for a Washington law (RCW 11.96A) that handles fights over estates, wills, and trusts. If a family is arguing about who is in charge of a dead relative’s money, whether a will is real, or whether the person in charge is doing their job, TEDRA is usually the way to sort it out — through an agreement, a mediator, or a judge.
Think of TEDRA as the rulebook and the referee for estate disagreements. It doesn’t pick winners on its own. It gives everyone a fair, organized way to settle the fight.
What does TEDRA cover?
A lot of the common estate disagreements, including: naming or removing the person in charge of an estate; making that person show their records; arguing over what a will means; challenging a will; and questions about trusts. If it’s a fight about a dead person’s money or wishes, TEDRA (RCW 11.96A) is usually where it lives.
How TEDRA works, step by step
Someone files a written request with the court asking it to fix a problem. Everyone with a stake in the estate gets told about it ahead of time — Washington requires that notice before a hearing (RCW 11.96A.110). Then the family has choices: they can agree on a fix, bring in a neutral mediator to help them settle, or let a judge decide if they can’t agree.
Why TEDRA is good news for families
It’s flexible. Many estate fights end in an agreement instead of a long, expensive court battle. That saves time, money, and a lot of stress. Picture it less like a boxing match and more like a guided sit-down where everyone gets heard.
Talk to a Spokane estate lawyer
At DC Law Group, we guide families through TEDRA cases — from a simple letter to a full court hearing. We’ll help you figure out the fastest, fairest way to settle the fight. Call us at 206-677-9630.
Quick answers
What does TEDRA stand for?
The Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act. It’s Washington’s main law (RCW 11.96A) for sorting out estate, will, and trust disagreements.
Do TEDRA cases always go to trial?
No. Many settle through an agreement or with a mediator. A judge decides only if the family can’t agree.
Can I use TEDRA to remove the person in charge of an estate?
Yes — that’s one of the most common uses. 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.)