Free Washington Small Estate Affidavit

In Washington, the Small Estate Affidavit covers estates valued at $100,000 or less, 40 days after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.

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The Washington affidavit identifies the claiming successor and the basis of entitlement.

State Where the Property Is Collected*

The decedent's state. Only states where this tool prepares the affidavit are listed.

Your Full Legal Name*

The successor signing the affidavit.

Your Entitlement to the Property*

Street Address*

City*

State

ZIP Code*

Telephone

Email Address*

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No. Washington publishes no statewide form; the affidavit is prepared to the statute, which lists 9 statements the affidavit must contain.

In Washington, estates valued at $100,000 or less skip probate with the Small Estate Affidavit, 40 days after death. Real property cannot pass through the affidavit; an estate that includes real estate uses a separate process. An estate over the limit does not qualify, and no affidavit is prepared for it.

40 days after the death. The affidavit states that the period has passed, so it cannot be signed earlier.

The Small Estate Affidavit is presented directly to the bank, employer, or other holder of the property — it is not filed with a court. The person indebted to the decedent or having possession of personal property belonging to the decedent (or to the decedent and surviving spouse/domestic partner as community property), with proof of death. Transfer agents change registered ownership of securities and government agencies issue new ownership/license certificates on the same presentation (§ 11.62.010(3)). A copy of the affidavit, including the decedent's social security number, must be mailed to the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, office of financial recovery (§ 11.62.010(5)).

The Washington affidavit is signed before a notary.

Small Estate Collection in Washington

Because Washington publishes no statewide form, the affidavit is composed to the statute. The statute lists 9 statements the affidavit must contain. The procedure's name in the statute is “Small Estate Affidavit”; it collects the decedent's property from whoever holds it without a probate case being opened.

Eligibility turns on the figures: the estate qualifies when its value does not exceed $100,000. Real estate cannot pass through it. The affidavit may be signed 40 days after the death.

Washington says who may sign: A person claiming to be a 'successor' of the decedent: a person entitled to the claimed property under the will or intestacy, the surviving spouse or domestic partner as to their community-property half, DSHS for certain recovery claims, or the state for escheat property; creditors as such are excluded. The affiant signs it before a notary.

Who receives it: The person indebted to the decedent or having possession of personal property belonging to the decedent (or to the decedent and surviving spouse/domestic partner as community property), with proof of death. Transfer agents change registered ownership of securities and government agencies issue new ownership/license certificates on the same presentation (§ 11.62.010(3)).

The effect on the holder and on the successor: The person paying, delivering, transferring, or issuing property under the affidavit is discharged and released as if dealing with a personal representative, unless the holder had actual knowledge of the falsity of a required statement; the holder need not see to the application of the property or inquire into the truth of the affidavit or estate tax liability. On competing affidavits, the holder may honor the first received or implead the property.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated September 9, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Washington statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Free Washington Small Estate Affidavit

In Washington, the Small Estate Affidavit covers estates valued at $100,000 or less, 40 days after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.

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Small Estate Collection in Washington

Eligibility turns on the figures: the estate qualifies when its value does not exceed $100,000. Real estate cannot pass through it. The affidavit may be signed 40 days after the death.

Free Washington Small Estate Affidavit

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Free Washington Small Estate Affidavit

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