Search probate guides, practical articles, and estate settlement resources.1563 in-depth guides • 105 blog posts
A Washington revocable living trust under chapter 11.98 RCW and chapter 11.103 RCW: what creates one, how to fund it, and the pour over will you sign beside it.
RCW 11.62.010 releases a Washington decedent's personal property 40 days after death when the probate estate is $100,000 or less. It cannot move real estate.
Washington is a community property state, so both halves of a community asset can reset at the first death. Where the date-of-death value lives.
Washington surviving spouse rights start with ownership, not inheritance. RCW 11.02.070 confirms half the community property, and there is no elective share.
Washington has a transfer on death deed under chapter 64.80 RCW. Record it with the county auditor before death, and creditors still reach the property.
Washington never adopted the Uniform Trust Code. A successor trustee runs chapter 11.98 RCW, a 60-day notice clock, and a creditor bar the trust cannot erase.
Contesting a Washington will runs on RCW 11.24.010: four months from the order probating or rejecting it, 90 days to serve, and the contestant proves the case.
Washington will requirements under RCW 11.12.020: a signed writing plus two competent witnesses, in person or by electronic presence. No holographic wills.
A transfer on death (TOD) beneficiary named on a car title passes the vehicle outside probate at the owner’s death. See which states offer it and what to do where they do not.
Washington bars a creditor claim four months after first publication of the notice to creditors, or 24 months after the death when no notice went out.
Take our free assessment to understand your probate options and get personalized guidance.