---
title: "Washington Executor Checklist: First 30 Days | MCC Solutions"
description: "Washington executor checklist: first 30 days, up to $100,000 small estate limit, 40-day wait, sworn affidavit, 2 will witnesses, official court links."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/washington-executor-checklist"
---

Executor checklist · Washington

# Washington executor and estate paperwork checklist

The first 30 days, the small estate route, the will at probate, and the official pages to ask, from this state's own court and statute pages.

**Quick answer.** In the first 30 days, an executor in Washington orders certified death certificates, finds the original will, secures the home, car and mail, lists what the person owned and owed, and holds off on paying debts until it's clear who has authority. For the small estate route, Washington's official pages give a limit of up to $100,000, a 40-day wait after the death and a sworn affidavit; the paperwork goes to the bank or other holder.

✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials)

**Short answer.** Washington: up to $100,000 small estate limit; 40-day wait; sworn affidavit; handed to the bank or holder; 2 will witnesses; self-proving affidavit allowed. 12 of 12 state facts below are confirmed on official pages.

**This is an organizer, not legal advice.** An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation.

## The first 30 days

Plain steps that apply wherever the person lived, with the small estate dates for this state. Ticks stay on your screen only.

- **Ask for certified death certificates, more than you think**The funeral director or vital records office issues them. Institutions often keep the copy you send, so plan on one each.
- **Check that Social Security has been told**The funeral home usually reports it. Otherwise call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), and ask about the $255 lump-sum death payment for a surviving spouse or some children.
- **Find the original will**Look for the signed original and any codicils (later changes). Keep the original safe and unaltered; make copies for yourself.
- **Look at the last pages of the will**A sworn statement signed by the witnesses before an officer may be attached; what this state says about it is below.
- **Keep the house and vehicles safe**Tell the insurer about the death so coverage stays in place, take photos of what's inside, and redirect the mail.
- **Hold off on paying debts or giving things away**Wait until you know which route applies and who has authority. If something can't wait, ask the probate clerk or an attorney.
- **Know that a power of attorney has ended**A power of attorney ends when the principal dies; the agent's authority stops there.
- **Start an inventory**Every account, property, vehicle and debt, with how each is held. Beneficiary and joint accounts usually pass directly, not through the estate.
- **Compare the estate with $100,000**That's the small estate figure on this state's official page. Count only what the page says counts.
- **Count 40 days from the death**That's when the official page says the small estate paperwork can be used.
- **Keep an account of every transaction**Write down each payment and each deposit with the date and a receipt; heirs and the court may ask to see it.
- **When appointed, get an EIN and open an estate account**Pay estate bills from that account only. Form 1041 is due if the estate has more than $600 of gross income in a year (IRS).

Sources for the federal steps: [Social Security Administration: When someone dies](https://ssa.gov/personal-record/when-someone-dies) · [IRS: Deceased taxpayers, filing the estate income tax return (Form 1041)](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/deceased-taxpayers-filing-the-estate-income-tax-return-form-1041) · power of attorney: [Power of attorney at a real estate closing](/notary/guides/power-of-attorney-at-a-real-estate-closing).

## The small estate route

- #### ConfirmedSmall estate limit Personal property up to $100,000, less liens and encumbrances, not counting the surviving spouse's or domestic partner's community property interest. The affidavit covers personal property, not real estate."does not exceed one hundred thousand dollars" Sources: [RCW 11.62.010, Small estate affidavit (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.62.010); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Washington (Nolo, updated 7/19/2022)](https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/washington-probate-shortcuts-32031.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedReal estate Real estate isn't counted, and the affidavit doesn't transfer it; it needs its own route. Sources: [RCW 11.62.010, Small estate affidavit (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.62.010); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Washington (Nolo, updated 7/19/2022)](https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/washington-probate-shortcuts-32031.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWaiting period after the death 40 days. Forty days after the death."At any time after forty days from the date of a decedent's death" Sources: [RCW 11.62.010, Small estate affidavit (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.62.010); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Washington (Nolo, updated 7/19/2022)](https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/washington-probate-shortcuts-32031.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedNotary or oath Sworn; a notary can give the oath. The affidavit is signed under oath; a notary can give the oath. The successor also gives written notice to the other successors at least 10 days before filing the affidavit."signed under oath" Sources: [RCW 11.62.010, Small estate affidavit (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.62.010); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Washington (Nolo, updated 7/19/2022)](https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/washington-probate-shortcuts-32031.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWhere the paperwork goes Handed to the bank or other holder. Given with proof of death to whoever holds the property; a copy with the person's Social Security number is mailed to the state's Office of Financial Recovery. Sources: [RCW 11.62.010, Small estate affidavit (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.62.010); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Washington (Nolo, updated 7/19/2022)](https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/washington-probate-shortcuts-32031.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedOfficial form No official form. RCW 11.62.010 prescribes no form; subsection (2) lists what the affidavit must state. Source: [RCW 11.62.010, Small estate affidavit (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.62.010), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSimplified court procedure Nonintervention administration: A personal representative granted nonintervention powers can administer a solvent estate without the court's supervision; no dollar limit applies. Sources: [RCW 11.62.010, Small estate affidavit (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.62.010); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Washington (Nolo, updated 7/19/2022)](https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/washington-probate-shortcuts-32031.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSurviving spouse The surviving spouse's or domestic partner's community property interest isn't counted toward the limit."not including the surviving spouse's or surviving domestic partner's community property interest" Sources: [RCW 11.62.010, Small estate affidavit (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.62.010); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Washington (Nolo, updated 7/19/2022)](https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/washington-probate-shortcuts-32031.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWorth knowing A claimant acting for other successors needs their written authority. Last amended 2008. Sources: [RCW 11.62.010, Small estate affidavit (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.62.010); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Washington (Nolo, updated 7/19/2022)](https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/washington-probate-shortcuts-32031.html), checked November 2026

## The will at probate

When the will goes to the court, these signing rules are what it is checked against.

- #### ConfirmedWitnesses the will needed Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence or electronic presence."attested by two or more competent witnesses" Sources: [RCW Chapter 11.12, Wills (Washington State Legislature, combined chapter)](https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2011%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2011%20.%2012%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2011%20.%2012%20%20COMBINEDCHAPTER.pdf); [RCW 11.20.020, Proof of will (Washington State Legislature)](https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2011%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2011%20.%2020%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2011%20.%2020%20.020.pdf); [RCW 11.12.020, Requisites of wills (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.12.020), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSelf-proving affidavit Witnesses can sign an affidavit at the testator's request before any person authorized to administer oaths. The court accepts it as if given in court."before any person authorized to administer oaths" Sources: [RCW Chapter 11.12, Wills (Washington State Legislature, combined chapter)](https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2011%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2011%20.%2012%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2011%20.%2012%20%20COMBINEDCHAPTER.pdf); [RCW 11.20.020, Proof of will (Washington State Legislature)](https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2011%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2011%20.%2020%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2011%20.%2020%20.020.pdf); [RCW 11.12.020, Requisites of wills (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.12.020), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedIf the will is handwritten Not recognized unless witnessed: every will must be signed and attested by two or more competent witnesses (RCW 11.12.020). The only exceptions are the electronic will sections."every will shall be in writing signed by the testator" Source: [RCW 11.12.020, Requisites of wills (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.12.020), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedA witness who inherits The will stays valid. If fewer than two other disinterested witnesses signed, the law presumes a gift to the witness was improperly obtained; unless that is rebutted, the witness takes no more than an intestate share."A will or any of its provisions is not invalid because it is signed by an interested witness." Sources: [RCW Chapter 11.12, Wills (Washington State Legislature, combined chapter)](https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2011%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2011%20.%2012%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2011%20.%2012%20%20COMBINEDCHAPTER.pdf); [RCW 11.20.020, Proof of will (Washington State Legislature)](https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2011%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2011%20.%2020%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2011%20.%2020%20.020.pdf); [RCW 11.12.020, Requisites of wills (Washington State Legislature)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.12.020), checked November 2026

## Want us to handle it?

We order certified records, pick up and deliver documents, get the small estate affidavit signed and notarized, and file papers near where the estate is, in any state. We are not lawyers.

**Price:** Quote-based, from $199 per job plus government and court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.

[Ask for estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state#request)

## Documents to gather

- Pension, Social Security and benefit letters
- Safe deposit box location and keys
- Certified death certificates
- The original will and any codicils
- Deeds and mortgage statements
- Vehicle titles and registrations
- Recent bank, brokerage and retirement statements
- Life insurance policies and annuities
- The last few years of tax returns
- Recent bills, loan and credit card statements
- The official small estate form: No official form

## Who to notify

Social Security (if the funeral home hasn't), Banks and credit unions, Brokerage and retirement accounts, Life insurance companies, Utilities and phone, Landlord or mortgage servicer, Credit card companies, Pension or employer. A brief letter and a copy of the death certificate usually start each one; note the date and the person you reached.

## Documents needed abroad

- #### ConfirmedA death certificate needed abroad Apostilles for this state's documents come from the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations Division, Apostille and Certificate Program. $15 per document. Vital records: Certified by the Vital Records Administrator. Source: [Washington Secretary of State, Corporations Division, Apostille and Certificate Program](https://www.sos.wa.gov/node/11773), checked November 2026

## Where to ask

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Official pages for Washington:

- [Probate Shortcuts in Washington (Nolo, updated 7/19/2022)](https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/washington-probate-shortcuts-32031.html)

Washington kit

## Washington Executor and Estate Kit

This checklist as printable Word and PDF files: a start-here guide, the first 30 days, the small estate route with its official links, a documents and accounts tracker, plain notification letters (bank, utilities, Social Security), and an Excel estate ledger for assets, debts, payments and distributions.

[Get the kit, $25](/toolkits/wa-executor-kit)

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Facts checked November 2026.

## Common questions

**Is there a small estate route in Washington?**

On the official pages we read: Personal property up to $100,000, less liens and encumbrances, not counting the surviving spouse's or domestic partner's community property interest. The affidavit covers personal property, not real estate. Handed to the bank or other holder. Given with proof of death to whoever holds the property; a copy with the person's Social Security number is mailed to the state's Office of Financial Recovery.

**How soon after the death can the Washington small estate paperwork be used?**

40 days. Forty days after the death.

**Does the small estate paperwork in Washington need a notary?**

Sworn; a notary can give the oath. The affidavit is signed under oath; a notary can give the oath. The successor also gives written notice to the other successors at least 10 days before filing the affidavit.

**Is there an official Washington form?**

No official form. RCW 11.62.010 prescribes no form; subsection (2) lists what the affidavit must state.

**How many witnesses did a will in Washington need?**

Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence or electronic presence.

**What about a self-proving affidavit in Washington?**

Witnesses can sign an affidavit at the testator's request before any person authorized to administer oaths. The court accepts it as if given in court.

**Who answers questions about an estate in Washington?**

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. The official pages behind this checklist: Probate Shortcuts in Washington (Nolo, updated 7/19/2022). Remember the 40-day wait before the small estate route.

Related: [Executor guide by state](/notary/executor-guide-by-state) · [Will signing requirements](/notary/will-signing-requirements-washington) · [Apostille steps](/notary/apostille-washington) · [Estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)

## Family far from the estate?

[See estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)