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DAL Law Firm: How long does Probate take in Washington state?

One of the most common questions people ask after a loved one passes away is, “How long does probate take?”

The answer depends on several factors, but in Washington State, the typical probate process takes at least six months, but usually around one year. In some cases, it may take longer, especially if there are complications, disputes, or real estate that needs to be sold.

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. It involves validating the will, appointing a personal representative, gathering assets, paying debts, filing tax return(s), and making distributions to the beneficiaries. In Washington State, the process is often smoother than in many other states because Washington has a relatively straightforward probate system.

The timeline generally begins when the court appoints the personal representative, sometimes also called the executor. This initial step can sometimes take a few weeks. Once that happens, the representative must notify creditors, collect and value assets, and file an inventory with the court. This part of the process can take about six months. Washington law gives creditors four months to submit claims against the estate once the creditor notice has been published. During this time, the personal representative cannot close the probate, so this waiting period is one of the main reasons the process takes several months.

If the probate estate includes real property, such as a home that needs to be sold, that can extend the timeline. Selling real estate adds steps like listing, marketing, and closing, which often take additional time. 

If the decedent had a will, all heirs are cooperative, and the personal representative is interested in navigating probate without the cost of an attorney, our newest online program Welcome To Probate may be a good fit. Sign up for the waitlist today here:

Welcome To Probate

You can learn more about Welcome To Probate below:

If you need help with a probate issue, contact us to schedule your consultation today! Visit us online at www.dallawfirm.com or check out our YouTube channel for more discussions about trusts and estate planning: 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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