Step-by-step guide for executors and personal representatives navigating probate. This checklist applies whether there was a will or not.
Answer a few questions to get a personalized checklist for settling an estate.
This checklist provides general guidance for estate settlement. Requirements vary by state and circumstance. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.
In Washington, your immediate priorities are obtaining certified death certificates, filing the original will with the probate court, and petitioning for letters testamentary (your official authority to act). You should also secure estate assets and begin identifying all accounts and property.
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 in the timeline.
Washington generally does not require a probate bond for executors named in a valid will.
Yes. Washington offers small estate procedures for estates under $100,000. There is a 40-day waiting period after death. This can significantly reduce time and costs.
In Washington, you must publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper and/or send direct notice to known creditors. Creditors then have 4 months to file claims. Do not make final distributions until this period expires.
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified probate, or can avoid probate entirely with a small estate affidavit.
Get a personalized checklist for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
In-depth guides covering Washington probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
