What is the deadline to file a claim against Bennie Arthur Smith’s estate?

The deadline is the later of 30 days after you were served this notice or four months after April 30, 2026.

Where do I send my claim?

Serve or mail a copy to Personal Representative Suzanne Marie Smith or attorney Mona J. Geidl at Minnick-Hayner, P.O. Box 1757, Walla Walla, WA 99362, and file the original with the probate court.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Your claim will be forever barred and you generally cannot be paid from the estate.

Probate — P.O. Box 1757, Walla Walla, WA (26-4-00065-36)

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Affects:CreditorsHeirs

This notice informs creditors of the estate of Bennie Arthur Smith to present claims against the decedent by specific deadlines. Claims must be served on the personal representative or attorney and filed with the probate court or they will be barred.

Key Takeaways

Deadline: later of 30 days after notice served or 4 months from Apr 30, 2026
Claims must be served and original filed with the court
Failure to file by deadline permanently bars the claim
Personal Representative: Suzanne Marie Smith
Attorney and mailing address: Minnick-Hayner P.O. Box 1757

Deadline · Claims Deadline

August 30, 2026

Pro users tracking probate like this were alerted the second it filed. Never miss a deadline

Published: May 14, 2026 · 5 days ago

What to do next

1
Prepare your written claim
Draft a clear written claim with amount and basis, and keep a copy for filing with the court before the deadline.
2
Serve or mail the claim
Send a copy to Minnick-Hayner, P.O. Box 1757, Walla Walla, WA 99362 (attn: Mona J. Geidl) promptly so service occurs within 30 days if applicable.
3
File the original with the court
File the original claim in Walla Walla County Superior Court before the later of 30 days after service or four months from April 30, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the deadline to file a claim against Bennie Arthur Smith’s estate?: The deadline is the later of 30 days after you were served this notice or four months after April 30, 2026.
Where do I send my claim?: Serve or mail a copy to Personal Representative Suzanne Marie Smith or attorney Mona J. Geidl at Minnick-Hayner, P.O. Box 1757, Walla Walla, WA 99362, and file the original with the probate court.
What happens if I miss the deadline?: Your claim will be forever barred and you generally cannot be paid from the estate.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Personal Representative: Person appointed to manage the deceased's estate and handle creditor claims and distributions.
Probate assets: Property that must pass through the court process to be distributed to heirs or creditors.
Non-probate assets: Assets that pass outside probate, like jointly held property or beneficiary-designated accounts.

Full Notice Text

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WALLA WALLA COUNTY NO: 26-4-00065-36 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 In re the Estate of: BENNIE ARTHUR SMITH, Deceased. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative, or the Personal Representative's attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty (30) days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the Notice to the Creditors as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) Four (4) months after the date of first publication of the Notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent's probate and non-probate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: April 30, 2026 Personal Representative: /s/ Suzanne Marie Smith Attorney for the Personal Representative: Mona J. Geidl of Minnick-Hayner, PS Address for Mailing or Service: Minnick-Hayner P.O. Box 1757 Walla Walla, WA 99362 (509) 527-3500 The Times April 30, May 7, 14, 2026 4-30-a