RCW 11.96A.120 Application of doctrine of virtual representation.

(1) Notice to a person who may represent and bind another person under this section has the same effect as if notice were given directly to the other person.

(2) The consent of a person who may represent and bind another person under this section is binding on the person represented unless the person represented objects to the representation before the consent would otherwise have become effective.

(3) The following limitations on the ability to serve as a virtual representative apply:

(a) A trustor may not represent and bind a beneficiary under this section with respect to the termination and modification of an irrevocable trust; and

(b) Representation of an incapacitated trustor with respect to his or her powers over a trust is subject to the provisions of RCW 11.103.030, and chapters 11.96A, *11.88, and * 11.92 RCW.

(4) To the extent there is no conflict of interest between the representative and the person represented or among those being represented with respect to the particular question or dispute:

(a) A guardian may represent and bind the estate that the guardian controls, subject to chapters 11.96A, *11.88, and * 11.92 RCW;

(b) A guardian of the person may represent and bind the incapacitated person if a guardian of the incapacitated person's estate has not been appointed;

(c) An agent having authority to act with respect to the particular question or dispute may represent and bind the principal;

(d) A trustee may represent and bind the beneficiaries of the trust;

(e) A personal representative of a decedent's estate may represent and bind persons interested in the estate; and

(f) A parent may represent and bind the parent's minor or unborn child or children if a guardian for the child or children has not been appointed.

(5) Unless otherwise represented, a minor, incapacitated, or unborn individual, or a person whose identity or location is unknown and not reasonably ascertainable, may be represented by and bound by another having a substantially identical interest with respect to the particular question or dispute, but only to the extent there is no conflict of interest between the representative and the person represented with regard to the particular question or dispute.

(6) Where an interest has been given to persons who comprise a certain class upon the happening of a certain event, the living persons who would constitute the class as of the date the representation is to be determined may virtually represent all other members of the class as of that date, but only to the extent that there is no conflict of interest between the representative and the person(s) represented with regard to the particular question or dispute.

(7) Where an interest has been given to a living person, and the same interest, or a share in it, is to pass to the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner or to persons who are, or might be, the heirs, issue, or other kindred of that living person or the distributees of the estate of that living person upon the happening of a future event, that living person may virtually represent the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, heirs, issue, or other kindred of the person, and the distributees of the estate of the person, but only to the extent that there is no conflict of interest between the representative and the person(s) represented with regard to the particular question or dispute.

(8) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (7) of this section, where an interest has been given to a person or a class of persons, or both, upon the happening of any future event, and the same interest or a share of the interest is to pass to another person or class of persons, or both, upon the happening of an additional future event, the living person or persons who would take the interest upon the happening of the first event may virtually represent the persons and classes of persons who might take on the happening of the additional future event, but only to the extent that there is no conflict of interest between the representative and the person(s) represented with regard to the particular question or dispute.

(9) To the extent there is no conflict of interest between the holder of the power of appointment and the persons represented with respect to the particular question or dispute, the holder of a lifetime or testamentary power of appointment may virtually represent and bind persons who are permissible appointees or takers in default (but only to the extent that they are permissible appointees in the case of a limited power of appointment) under the power, and who are not permissible distributees as defined in RCW 11.98.002.

(10) The attorney general may virtually represent and bind a charitable organization if:

(a) The charitable organization is not a qualified beneficiary as defined in RCW 11.98.002 specified in the trust instrument or acting as trustee; or

(b) The charitable organization is a qualified beneficiary, but is not a permissible distributee, as those terms are defined in RCW 11.98.002, and its beneficial interest in the trust is subject to change by the trustor or by a person designated by the trustor.

(11) An action taken by the court is conclusive and binding upon each person receiving actual or constructive notice or who is otherwise represented under this section.

(12) This section is intended to adopt the common law concept of virtual representation. This section supplements the common law relating to the doctrine of virtual representation and may not be construed as limiting the application of that common law doctrine.

[ 2013 c 272 § 5; 2011 c 327 § 9; 2008 c 6 § 928; 2001 c 203 § 11; 1999 c 42 § 305.]

NOTES:

*Reviser's note: Chapters 11.88 and 11.92 RCW were repealed in their entirety by 2019 c 437 § 801, effective January 1, 2021.

Application—2013 c 272: See note following RCW 11.98.002.

Application—Effective date—2011 c 327: See notes following RCW 11.103.020.

Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.