While Washington law does not specify a rigid deadline for this step, it is generally advisable to submit the will within 40 days to prevent unnecessary delays in the probate process.
Who Gets What in Washington? If you die with:here's what happens: children but no spouse children inherit everything spouse but no children, parents, or siblings spouse inherits everything parents but no children or spouse parents inherit everything siblings but no children, spouse, or parents siblings inherit everything3 more rows
Here are six common estate planning techniques that could allow you to sidestep probate in Washington: Revocable living trusts. Lower estate value. Joint ownership. Community property agreements. Transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds. Accounts with beneficiaries.
Estate to be closed within 12 months of appointment or Status Report filed. Nonintervention estate remaining open after 12 months entitles any beneficiary (or heir? — statute is silent) who has not received full distribution to petition Court for Status Report under RCW 11.68. 065.
Washington State has rules to decide who gets their property when someone passes away without a will. These laws called intestate succession, distribute the estate based on who is closest to the person, starting with the spouse or domestic partner, then children, and, if necessary, other relatives.
On average, probate in Washington typically takes six to nine months, but complex estates can take longer. The probate process begins when the court issues “letters testamentary” to the executor or personal representative, allowing them to manage the estate.
Sometimes a person dies intestate—which means without a will. Someone will then need to file a petition with the court to be appointed as the estate's executor, usually a family member. It's never too late to file for probate in Washington State, but the sooner you file the better.
Closing a Washington Probate Estate Distribute the estate's assets to Decedent's Heirs or Beneficiaries, and. File with the Court a report of your administration and distribution, bringing the estate and your administration of it to a close.
The duration of probate in Washington varies based on factors like the estate's size and any legal disputes. It usually takes six to nine months to complete.
Who Gets What in Washington? If you die with:here's what happens: children but no spouse children inherit everything spouse but no children, parents, or siblings spouse inherits everything parents but no children or spouse parents inherit everything siblings but no children, spouse, or parents siblings inherit everything3 more rows