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DAL Law Firm: How to open probate in Washington State when there is a will

In Washington State, when there is a valid Will and heirs are cooperative, opening probate is typically a straightforward process. It all begins with getting organized and gathering the documents you will need to file with the court.

The first step in the probate process is to collect the original Will, a certified copy of the death certificate, and any information about the decedent’s assets and debts. You will also need the contact information for all heirs of the estate. Having these ready before you go to the courthouse helps the process move smoothly. Once you have these documents, you will file a Petition for Probate with the Superior Court in the county where the decedent lived.

Along with the petition, you will submit the Oath, Order and original Will and the certified death certificate. After reviewing the paperwork, the court will appoint you as the personal representative and issue “Letters Testamentary.” These documents give you the legal authority to handle the estate—such as paying outstanding debts, gathering assets, and distributing property according to the Will.

When the Will is valid and uncontested, the process tends to move efficiently. While legal representation is not always necessary in these situations, it can still be helpful to have clear guidance to ensure everything is done correctly. That is why our firm created Welcome to Probate—a self-guided course for personal representatives handling uncontested probates with a valid Will in Washington State. The course includes detailed videos, steps, checklists, and templates to help you manage each part of the process confidently.

If you are preparing to open probate and want clear guidance every step of the way, join the Welcome to Probate waitlist to be the first to know when it becomes available. Sign up here:

Welcome to Probate!

Visit us online at www.dallawfirm.com, or learn more about our services by visiting our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@dallawfirm.

Contact us:

19803 1st Avenue S.
Suite 200
Normandy Park, WA 98148

T (206) 408-8158
F (206) 374-2810

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