Christopher S. Mulvaney,

Attorney and Counselor-at-Law

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THIS WEBSITE INCLUDES GENERAL INFORMATION & THE OPINIONS OF CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY. IT IS INTENDED TO STIMULATE A BASIS FOR QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR PARTICULAR FACTUAL CIRCUMSTANCES — BEFORE YOU ACT.  THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU WANT LEGAL ADVICE, PLEASE MAKE A ZOOM APPOINTMENT TO SPEAK WITH ME.

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Gonzaga University School of Law – Spokane, Washington – Class of 2002 – Cum Laude The Latin phrase “Deo patriae, scientiis, artibus” translates to “For God and country through sciences and arts”.  The initials A.M.D.G. on the seal of Gonzaga Law School stand for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is Latin for “For the Greater Glory of God” the Motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits): a Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

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Giving away an RV after your death in Washington State in 2025 involves some specific considerations to ensure the transfer of ownership is handled correctly and efficiently, based on Washington’s laws: 

1. Transfer of Ownership:

• The Affidavit of Inheritance can be used to transfer title with a death certificate.

• Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Designation: Unfortunately, Washington State law does not allow Transfer-on-Death (TOD) designations for RVs. This means you cannot simply designate a beneficiary on the title to inherit the RV outside of probate. You’ll need to utilize either a will or a trust for this purpose.
• Trust: If you include the RV in a revocable living trust, the transfer of ownership to the trust, and subsequently to your designated beneficiary, can be streamlined and may avoid probate. You’ll need to formally transfer the RV’s title to the trust’s name during your lifetime. 

2. RV-Specific Considerations:

• Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL): The DOL has specific procedures for transferring motorhome titles, including requirements for scale weight, a Recreational Vehicle Data Use Tax form if the motorhome is 20 years old or newer, and potential Washington State Patrol inspection in certain cases (homemade motorhomes, conversions, etc.).
• Documentation: Gather all important documents, including the title, registration, service records, and any manufacturer information.
• Condition of the RV: Consider the age and condition of the RV. If it requires significant repairs, factor this into your plans and communicate with the intended beneficiary.
• Outstanding Loan or Debt: If there is an outstanding loan on the RV, the beneficiary may inherit this debt. Discuss this possibility with them and determine how the debt will be handled. 

3. Insurance and Liability:

• Updating Insurance: The beneficiary will need to update the RV insurance policy to reflect the change in ownership and ensure adequate coverage.
• Trust and Liability: If the RV is held in a trust, the trust can be held liable in case of an accident. Ensure the trust and trustee are properly named as insured parties on the policy. 

4. Tax Implications:

• Washington State Estate Tax: Washington has an estate tax, and the threshold for 2025 is $3 million. If your estate, including the RV, exceeds this amount, estate taxes may be owed.
• No Washington State Inheritance Tax: Washington does not have an inheritance tax, so the beneficiary will generally not owe state tax on the value of the inherited RV.
• Federal Estate Tax: The federal estate tax exemption is much higher, and most estates do not owe federal estate tax. 

5. Consult with Professionals:

• Estate Planning Attorney: It’s essential to work with Christopher S. Mulvaney to ensure your trust is properly drafted to address the transfer of the RV, comply with relevant laws, and minimize probate complications.
• Financial Advisor: A financial advisor can help assess the financial implications of leaving the RV to a beneficiary, particularly concerning outstanding loans or debts. 

By addressing these special considerations and working with Christopher S. Mulvaney and financial professionals, you can ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of your RV after your death, minimizing potential complications and disputes. 

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Washington State residents can meet with me in Zoom/DocuSign from anywhere in the world, and I can notarize their electronic signatures because I am a remote online notary.  Just email me an image of your photo ID.