Chad Horner

Chad brings extensive experience in probate and estate administration, adeptly guiding families through complex processes following the passing of a loved one. His expertise extends to court-appointed roles such as estate administrator, probate guardian ad litem, special representative, and special master, and past service as a Pro Tem Commissioner in King County Superior Court's Ex Parte and Probate Department. While his practice encompasses estate planning, his focus is firmly on probate and estate administration, complemented by his community service contributions in legal clinics and boards dedicated to disability and healthcare access.

CONTACT:
T: 253.852.2345
F: 253.852.2030
Email: chorner@curranfirm.com

Legal Assistants:
Sharon Netherton, snetherton@curranfirm.com
Christie Reynolds, creynolds@curranfirm.com

Education

  • J.D., cum laude, Drake University, 1997

    • Editor in Chief, Drake Law Review

    • Order of the Coif

  • B.A., University of Washington, 1993

Professional and Community Involvement

  • King County Superior Court, Pro Tem Commissioner (2014-2021)

  • Washington State Bar Association, Member

  • King County Bar Association, Member

  • South King County Bar Association, Member

  • Children’s Therapy Center, Past Member of Board of Directors and Past President

  • HealthPoint, Board of Directors and Past President

  • South King County Legal Clinic, Volunteer Attorney

  • Family Law Information Center, Former Volunteer Attorney

Presentations & Publications

  • Annual Probate Administration Seminar - Speaker on a range of topics, including alternatives to probate and settling small estates, appointing the personal representative and opening a probate, and identifying and administering nonprobate assets (2014 - 2024; King County Bar Association)

  • Surviving Attacks in Difficult Administrations - Panelist (21st Annual Trust and Estate Litigation Seminar - Washington State Bar Association (April 2014))

  • Advising Lay Fiduciaries - Panelist (Elder Law Section, Washington State Bar Assocation - (Fall 2023 CLE))

  • 2021 Legislative Changes to the Probate Code - Author (August 2021; King County Bar Association Bulletin)

  • Washington’s New Electronic Wills Act: Electronic Wills are Coming to Washington State in 2022 - Co-author (July 2021; King County Bar Association Bulletin)

  • Personal Estate Planning for the 99% - Speaker on planning considerations for nonprobate assets (2015 - 2021; King County Bar Association)

  • Opening Probates in the Time of COVID - Author (December, 2020; King County Bar Association Bulletin)

  • Estate Planning is for Everyone - Speaker (November 2018; sponsored by KCTS9)

  • Probate Practice in Ex Parte - Speaker (December 2016; King County Bar Association)

  • Probate Issues Involving Unmarried Couples (Committed Intimate Relationships), and Probate Litigation: Non-TEDRA Causes of Action and Alternatives - Speaker (May 2016; King County Bar Association)

  • Estate Planning Seminar - Speaker (2012 - 2013; sponsored by Edward Jones)

  • Estate Planning Strategies for Business Owners Retirement Strategies Seminar - Speaker (October 2009; sponsored by Shannon & Associates, Valley Bank, Curran Law Firm, and ASG Partners)