When Cathy was just 10 years old, her mother, Debra, vanished under suspicious circumstances. Despite multiple investigations, Debra was never found, and no official declaration of death was ever made. For over 15 years, Cathy and her grandmother continued living in Debra’s home, making mortgage payments and maintaining the property—but without legal ownership, their hands were tied.
Now an adult with a husband and newborn child, Cathy was ready to move on and sell the home that had become both a haven and a painful reminder of the past. However, a critical legal issue stood in her way: the title to the home was still in Debra’s name, and Debra was still legally presumed alive.
With no will, no death certificate, and no probate ever opened, Cathy had no legal authority to sell or transfer the property. Despite years of financial responsibility, she couldn’t access the equity or make any decisions regarding the home. The absence of legal documentation made the situation emotionally and logistically complicated.
Determined to move forward, Cathy turned to the Law Office of Theresa Nguyen, PLLC for help navigating this challenging legal landscape.
This was not a standard probate case. Because Debra had not been officially declared deceased, our legal team had to carefully coordinate with multiple government agencies and judicial entities to pursue a lawful path forward.
Here’s how we helped:
Filed a petition for probate under Washington State intestacy laws
Coordinated with local authorities to document Debra’s long-term disappearance
Worked with the county court to petition for appointment of a personal representative despite the lack of a formal death certificate
Managed extensive paperwork and communications with mortgage lenders, title companies, and county departments
Ensured the legal title could be transferred properly and efficiently to Cathy
Our work touched on several areas of law—including probate, real estate, family law, and evidence administration—to clear the path for Cathy’s rightful ownership.
Within a matter of months, we successfully obtained a court order recognizing Cathy’s inheritance rights and facilitated the legal transfer of title into her name. This gave Cathy full control of the property and the ability to sell the home on her terms.
“For years I felt stuck—like I was living in limbo. I didn’t even know if I could ever move forward or sell the house. Theresa’s firm didn’t just handle the legal work—they gave me peace of mind, clarity, and a way forward.”
— Cathy, Heir & Satisfied Client
Unusual probate cases like Cathy’s are more common than many realize. Whether due to disappearance, intestacy, or informal family arrangements, many heirs find themselves without the legal authority to manage inherited property.
Our team has the experience and sensitivity to handle complex cases involving missing persons, undocumented estates, and unclear title issues. We guide clients through the process with compassion, legal clarity, and swift action.
If you’ve lost a loved one—or are dealing with unresolved property ownership issues—don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Let us help you protect your rights, secure legal ownership, and move forward with confidence.
📞 Call us at (425) 998-7295
📧 Email info@tnguyenlaw.com
🔗 Schedule a Consultation
Law Office of Theresa Nguyen, PLLC
Probate. Real Estate. Estate Planning. Tax. Business. Immigration.
Serving clients in Arizona and Washington.
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