What to do after a death in Washington, from the will to the money

The will

Which court handles probate

The superior court in the county where the person lived handles probate (wills and estates).

"of all matters of probate, of divorce and for annulment of marriage,"

What to do with the original will

Anyone holding a will must, within 30 days of learning of the death, deliver it to the court with jurisdiction or to the executor named in the will. An executor holding the will must deliver it to the court within 40 days.

"deliver said will to the court having jurisdiction or to the person named in the will as executor."

RCW 11.20.010. Read the source.

Wills deposited during life

A living person can deliver an original will to the superior court of the county for filing under seal; the testator can withdraw it with proper ID. Ask the county superior court clerk whether one is on file.

"may deliver the will for filing under seal to any court having jurisdiction."

RCW 11.12.265. Read the source.

Opening a safe deposit box

We couldn't check this rule at an official source, so we won't guess. Ask the probate court clerk in the county where they lived.

Unclaimed money

Washington State Department of Revenue

"Neither the state of Washington or the Department of Revenue charge a fee for access to the Unclaimed Property data or to file a claim."

Search Washington

Instructions for heirs and estates

Source, checked 2026-10-15.

Small estates

A small estate may be able to skip full probate. What counts differs, so check with the court before you rely on a limit.

Personal property by successor affidavit

Limit $100,000. Wait 40 days.

RCW 11.62.010. Read the rule.

Death certificates

undefined

First copy $25.00, more copies in the same order $25.00 each. Certified copies require a listed qualifying relationship, identity proof and relationship proof. Short-form eligibility includes additional title/property-right applicants.

Order from the state. Online vendors add fees.

State will and court rules checked 2026-11-06. See how we check facts or report a mistake. This is general information, not legal advice.

Want it all in one place? The Search Kit uses these rules to fill in your letters and track what you find.

After a death in Washington