What is probate?

Probate is a legal process that involves the distribution of a deceased person’s property and other assets to their heirs and beneficiaries. In Washington, probate is handled by the county superior court in the county in which the deceased person resided. The probate process begins when an individual dies and a “personal representative” files a petition in the superior court. The personal representative is typically the executor of the deceased person’s estate, and is often a family member or trusted friend. The petition is a request for permission to administer the estate, which includes managing the deceased person’s assets and debts, paying the debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs and beneficiaries. The court will review the petition and if approved, the personal representative will have the authority to manage the estate. During the process, they will need to take an inventory of all of the assets, notify creditors and other interested parties as required by law, pay the deceased person’s debts and taxes, and distribute the remaining assets as stated in the will or as directed by the court. Once the estate is administered and all of the debts are paid, the personal representative can make a final accounting to the court and request to have the estate closed. If the court approves the final accounting, the estate is closed and the personal representative is discharged from their duties.

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What is probate?

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