Probate 101 in Washington State: A Step-by-Step Guide

What actually happens when someone dies and you’re the one left to figure it all out?It’s not just grief—it’s paperwork, court deadlines, creditors, and decisions you didn’t ask to make. In Washington State, probate can be smooth… or it can become a nightmare.Do you know which assets trigger probate?What really happens if you miss the 40-day window?And is avoiding court even possible?In this post, I break it all down—no jargon, no scare tactics. Just the truth about probate, and how to protect your legacy before someone else steps in.