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Home→Tools→Executor Duties Checklist→Washington

What Are My Duties as Executor in Washington?

Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

An executor (or personal representative) in Washington is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

The probate petition filing fee in Washington starts at approximately $290.RCW 11.62.010 (small estate, $100K, 40-day wait); RCW 11.40.020 (notice/publication, permissive); RCW 11.40.051 (4-month creditor claims with notice, 24-month bar without); RCW 11.28.185 (bond); RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable PR/attorney fees); RCW 11.68 (nonintervention powers); RCW 36.18.020 + HB 1207 (2025 c 357, eff. 7/27/2025) (court filing fee surcharge) — verified against app.leg.wa.gov 2026-05-01Verified May 1, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.

Washington requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 4 months to file claims.RCW 11.62.010 (small estate, $100K, 40-day wait); RCW 11.40.020 (notice/publication, permissive); RCW 11.40.051 (4-month creditor claims with notice, 24-month bar without); RCW 11.28.185 (bond); RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable PR/attorney fees); RCW 11.68 (nonintervention powers); RCW 36.18.020 + HB 1207 (2025 c 357, eff. 7/27/2025) (court filing fee surcharge) — verified against app.leg.wa.gov 2026-05-01Verified May 1, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.

Washington allows estates valued at $100,000 or less to use a small estate affidavit.RCW 11.62.010 (small estate, $100K, 40-day wait); RCW 11.40.020 (notice/publication, permissive); RCW 11.40.051 (4-month creditor claims with notice, 24-month bar without); RCW 11.28.185 (bond); RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable PR/attorney fees); RCW 11.68 (nonintervention powers); RCW 36.18.020 + HB 1207 (2025 c 357, eff. 7/27/2025) (court filing fee surcharge) — verified against app.leg.wa.gov 2026-05-01Verified May 1, 2026 The waiting period is 40 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.

Washington allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 1, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Washington executor fee calculator.

Probate costs in Washington include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Washington probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.

Executor Duties in Washington

Probate in Washington begins with filing the will and a petition with the court. The initial filing fee is $290RCW 36.18.020(2)(f), (5)(c), (6)Verified May 1, 2026. After appointment, the executor receives letters testamentary granting legal authority to manage estate affairs.

Creditors in Washington have 4 monthsRCW 11.40.051Verified May 1, 2026 to file claims after notice is published. The executor must publish notice in a local newspaper and send direct notice to known creditors. For smaller estates under $100,000RCW 11.62.010 (small estate, $100K, 40-day wait)Verified May 1, 2026, simplified procedures may be available that bypass formal probate.

Washington allows reasonable compensation for executors, typically 2%RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 1, 2026 to 4%RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 1, 2026 of estate value. Executors can waive their fee or negotiate a different amount. See the executor fee calculator for a breakdown.

Simple estates in Washington typically close in 4 monthsRCW 11.62.010 (small estate, $100K, 40-day wait)Verified May 1, 2026 from the date of filing. Estates held in a revocable living trust skip probate entirely — the successor trustee handles distribution privately in weeks. The creditor claims guide covers notification deadlines for estates that do go through probate.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 1, 2026

Legal Sources

  • RCW 11.40.051
  • RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • RCW 11.62.010 (small estate, $100K, 40-day wait)
  • RCW 36.18.020(2)(f), (5)(c), (6)

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

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Washington Estate Planning Resources

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

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