How Do I Get Appointed as Executor in Washington?

See the appointing court, the petition that opens the estate, what to file, and bond rules to be appointed in your state.

Got the Letters? Run the whole estate from here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington has no single statewide fill-in petition; the opening document is prepared to statute and filed with the Superior Court (probate jurisdiction). After the court grants the petition, Superior Court clerk, after the court enters an order admitting the will to probate / appointing the personal representative and the representative files the oath issues your Letters Testamentary (with a will) or Letters of Administration (without a will).

Along with the petition, Washington generally requires: Certified copy of the death certificate; Original will and any codicils, deposited with the court (RCW 11.20.010-.020); Verified Petition for Letters Testamentary / of Administration (RCW 11.28.110); Oath of Personal Representative, filed before letters issue (RCW 11.28.170); Proposed Order Admitting Will to Probate / Appointing Personal Representative and Granting Nonintervention Powers (RCW 11.28.010, 11.68.011); Bond unless waived (RCW 11.28.185); Probate Case Cover Sheet (Superior Court).

Yes. Washington requires a bond by default before Letters issue. A will can waive it.

Washington permits self-represented filers to open an estate. E-filing is available. The Self-File Probate Assessment compares self-filing and attorney costs for Washington.

Yes. A revocable living trust passes assets to beneficiaries without any court appointment in Washington — no petition, no Letters, no bond. A revocable trust built with SimplyTrust takes about 15 minutes.

Washington Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Washington probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.