What To Do When Someone Dies in Washington
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This checklist provides general guidance for estate settlement. Requirements vary by state and circumstance. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The immediate priorities are obtaining certified death certificates, securing the residence and valuables, notifying immediate family, and locating any estate planning documents. In Washington, you can request death certificates from the funeral home or state vital records office.
Not necessarily. Washington allows small estate procedures for estates under $100,000. Estates with a properly funded trust also avoid probate. There is a 40-day waiting period after death for small estate affidavits.
In Washington, simple estates typically take 4-6 months. Average estates take 6-9 months. Complex estates with disputes can take 9-18 months or longer. The 4-month creditor claim period is a key factor.
Washington generally does not require a probate bond for estates with a valid will.
When someone dies without a will in Washington, their estate passes through intestate succession - state law determines who inherits. Typically, the surviving spouse and children receive the estate according to Washington probate code. A court-appointed administrator handles the estate through probate.
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Executor Duties Checklist
Complete guide for executors and personal representatives navigating probate. Court filings, creditor claims, and distribution timelines.
Trustee Duties Checklist
Step-by-step guide for successor trustees administering a trust. Understand your duties, notification deadlines, and asset management responsibilities.
Washington Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Washington probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
