FigureMyTax

Washington Probate Timeline Calculator

Estimate how long probate will take in Washington — based on whether you have nonintervention powers, and whether you publish the optional creditor notice under RCW § 11.40.020.

Based on RCW 11.40.020, 11.40.051, 11.68.011 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Your Washington probate

Pick the options that match your estate — the estimate updates instantly.

Estimated timeline in Washington
6–12 months
Nonintervention, notice published, no real estate sale
What are nonintervention powers? →
Facing probate in Washington?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Washington attorney

Washington's probate timeline, at a glance

MilestoneWashington ruleSource
Notice to creditorsOptional — publish once/week for 3 weeks if usedRCW 11.40.020
Claim window if publishedLater of 30 days from direct notice or 4 months from first publicationRCW 11.40.051
Claim window if not published2 years from date of deathRCW 11.40.051(1)(c)
Notice to interested parties (heirs)Required, mailedRCW 11.28.237
Nonintervention powersMost wills request them; available intestate if solvent/uncontestedRCW 11.68.011
Small estate affidavitPersonal property ≤ $100,000, 40-day waitRCW 11.62.010

Washington probate timeline — frequently asked questions

How long does probate take in Washington?

Most Washington estates take 6 to 12 months; nonintervention estates can move faster since they don't need court approval at every step. The floor is set by the creditor claim window, which is four months if the personal representative publishes notice, or up to two years if they don't.

Does Washington require publishing a notice to creditors?

No, and this is distinctive. Publishing notice under RCW 11.40.020 is optional — but it's the only way to shorten the creditor claim window from the two-year default under RCW 11.40.051 down to just four months from first publication.

What are nonintervention powers in Washington?

Under RCW 11.68.011, nonintervention powers let the personal representative administer the estate without ongoing court approval for routine actions. Most wills request them, and courts can grant them in intestate estates too when the estate is solvent and uncontested — this is what most people mean by Washington's fast probate track.

Can a Washington estate skip probate entirely?

Small estates can, using the small estate affidavit under RCW 11.62.010 for probate personal property of $100,000 or less, at least 40 days after death. It doesn't cover real estate and can't be used once a personal representative has been appointed.

Washington probate tools & guides

Washington Probate DeadlinesEvery statutory date, with citations What Delays Probate in WashingtonThe real causes, beyond the baseline Nonintervention vs SupervisedWhich one applies to your estate Washington Probate vs Living TrustWould a trust have avoided this?

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on Washington statute (RCW 11.40.020, 11.40.051, 11.28.237, 11.68.011, 11.62.010). Actual timelines depend on the specific Superior Court's calendar, whether the estate is contested, and how quickly the personal representative files. Confirm current timelines with the county Superior Court or a licensed Washington attorney before acting.