I'm a WA resident (community property state). I'm opening probate on my late wifes estate which is intestate & (mostly) insolvent - she had no children. My Q is this: about 1.5 years ago one of her relatives died & left some money. The lawyers waited until 2010 to distribute the checks (probably something to do with the no inheritance tax this year) & in fact the check (about $5K) has yet to land in our mailbox. Spouse passed on 5 August. When the check comes, is it part of the community property of the estate? Am I entitled to use it to offset our many debts (some debts are on credit cards in her name only, most debts are joint)? Must I only use it to pay her credit card debts? Etc.