How long does it take to probate a will?

Probating a will in Washington can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on the complexity of the will and the size of the estate. Generally, if the will is uncontested and the estate is not very large, the probate process can be completed more quickly. However, if the will is contested or the estate is large and complicated, the probate process can take much longer. In Washington, the executor of the estate typically begins the probate process by petitioning the court to have the will admitted. After the petition is filed, the court will set a hearing where the petition is presented to the court. During this hearing, the court will review the petition and decide whether or not to accept the will as valid. If accepted, the court will appoint the executor of the estate and the probate process can begin. The next step in the probate process is to locate and notify all interested parties of the estate. Once notified, the interested parties can choose to come forward and contest the will. If no one contests the will, the executor can move ahead with the estate settlement process. This process involves the executor collecting all appropriate debts and assets, notifying creditors about the death, filing the necessary taxes, and distributing the assets according to the will. Once all of these steps have been taken, the executor must submit a final accounting to the court. The court will review the final accounting and, if it is accepted, the court will issue an order closing the estate. The time of this process can vary depending on the complexity of the will and the size of the estate.

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