Washington Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Washington, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Washington guide.
- Will
- Washington will requirements under RCW 11.12.020: a signed writing plus two competent witnesses, in person or by electronic presence. No holographic wills. Read the guide
- Living trust
- 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. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- A Washington power of attorney is not durable by default. RCW 11.125.040 ends your agent's authority at incapacity unless the writing says otherwise. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- Washington's health care directive runs on the Natural Death Act: two witnesses or a notary, no stated witness age, and no pregnancy clause since July 2025. Read the guide
Washington estate planning guides
Washington Estate Planning Basics
Washington estate planning runs on five documents. A power of attorney is not durable by default here, and a living trust is not revocable unless it says so.
Washington Will Requirements
Washington will requirements under RCW 11.12.020: a signed writing plus two competent witnesses, in person or by electronic presence. No holographic wills.
Washington Power of Attorney
A Washington power of attorney is not durable by default. RCW 11.125.040 ends your agent's authority at incapacity unless the writing says otherwise.
Washington Health Care Directive
Washington's health care directive runs on the Natural Death Act: two witnesses or a notary, no stated witness age, and no pregnancy clause since July 2025.
Washington Guardianship
Washington guardianship runs on chapter 11.130 RCW. A guardian decides personal matters, a conservator decides money, and less restrictive options come first.
Washington Revocable Living Trust
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.
Washington Trust Administration
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.
Washington Transfer on Death Deed
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.
Not sure what you need in Washington?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.