How to Probate a Washington Descendant's Estate ---
To "Do It Yourself" without a Lawyer

If Decedent Was a Resident of a Different County in Washington at Death

If:

  1. Decedent died a resident of Washington, and
  2. You file Decedent’s probate in another county in Washington besides Decedent’s resident county at death, and
  3. You elect to publish a Probate Notice to Creditors, —

Then you are required:

  • To file the Probate Notice to Creditors in the Superior Court of the county in which you file Decedent’s probate; and
  • To publish the Probate Notice to Creditors in Decedent’s resident county at death.  RCW 11.40.020(2)

Example: Decedent died a resident of Pierce County, but you choose to probate Decedent’s estate in King County and to publish a Probate Notice to Creditors.  You would then:

  • File the Probate Notice to Creditors in Decedent’s estate in King County, but
  • Publish the Probate Notice to Creditors in Pierce County.