Washington Executor and Estate Kit: the $100,000 Small Estate Route After 40 Days, First Month Checklist and Estate Ledger

Who it is for

Whoever is settling the estate of someone who lived in Washington. 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.

Not the right fit if

The person didn't live in or own property in Washington, or a will contest or family dispute means you need an estate attorney. Not a form preparation or legal service.

Why it is different

• Sources, checked November 2026: RCW 11.62.010, Small estate affidavit (Washington State Legislature); Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Washington (Nolo, updated 7/19/2022); RCW Chapter 11.12, Wills (Washington State Legislature, combined chapter); RCW 11.20.020, Proof of will (Washington State Legislature); RCW 11.12.020, Requisites of wills (Washington State Legislature).
• All 12 Washington facts are confirmed: on an official page, or where none could be read, on a vetted secondary source marked as such.

What is inside

• Washington small estate route. 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. Real estate isn't counted, and the affidavit doesn't transfer it; it needs its own route. 40 days. Forty days after the death. 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. 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. No official form. RCW 11.62.010 prescribes no form; subsection (2) lists what the affidavit must state. Nonintervention administration: A personal representative granted nonintervention powers can administer a solvent estate without the court's supervision; no dollar limit applies. The surviving spouse's or domestic partner's community property interest isn't counted toward the limit.
• How a Washington will had to be signed. Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence or electronic presence. 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. 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. 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.
• Washington estate ledger (Excel). Assets, debts, payments and distributions; it compares the countable assets with $100,000, dates day 40 after the death and leaves real estate out of the count.
• First 30 days, tracker and letters. The first month in order with day 40 marked, a documents and accounts tracker, and plain letters to a bank, a utility and Social Security.