Short Answer

Often yes. In Washington, people who pay a decedent’s funeral costs or other necessary expenses before an estate is administered may be able to recover those amounts from the estate. Recovery depends on whether an executor or personal representative is appointed, whether the estate has sufficient assets, and whether you present your claim properly and on time under Washington probate rules (Title 11 RCW). See the Washington probate statutes: RCW Title 11 (Probate).

Detailed answer — how recovery usually works in Washington

1. Who pays and who can be reimbursed

People who commonly seek reimbursement include family members, friends, funeral homes (for direct billing), or others who paid bills out of pocket. Washington law treats reasonable funeral expenses and necessary administration costs as proper charges against the decedent’s estate, so they may be paid from estate assets before distributions to heirs.

2. What you must do to get reimbursed

• Keep detailed records and receipts. Save invoices for the funeral, cemetery, transportation, obituary, and any immediate bills you paid on behalf of the decedent.
• Present a written claim to the personal representative (executor). When a personal representative is appointed, submit your claim promptly in writing with copies of receipts and an itemized statement.
• If there is no personal representative, consider asking the probate court to appoint one or asking a court clerk about emergency or limited authority to act (for example, to recover specific property or seek payment for funeral costs).
• If the personal representative denies payment or refuses to act, you may file a claim in the probate court where the estate is open. The court can decide whether the expenses are estate charges and order payment if the estate has funds.

3. Priority and when payment is likely

Washington law gives priority to administration costs and necessary funeral expenses over many distributions to heirs. That means those expenses are generally paid before beneficiaries receive inheritances, provided the estate has sufficient assets. If the estate lacks funds, some or all claims (including funeral costs) may go unpaid or be paid only partially.

4. Time limits and deadlines

Probate involves deadlines for filing creditor claims and for publishing notice to creditors. Missing the required deadlines can bar recovery. Because time limits vary with the type of probate and how creditors are notified, file your claim promptly and check with the probate clerk or an attorney about specific deadlines for a given case. For statute text and procedures, see RCW Title 11.

5. Small estates and simplified procedures

If the estate is small, Washington provides simplified procedures that can speed payment or transfer of property without a full probate. In some small-estate situations you may be able to use an affidavit or summary process to collect funds or assets to cover funeral costs. Check with the county probate court clerk or the Washington Courts website for forms and instructions.

6. What if you paid as a family member and the estate cannot pay?

If the estate is insolvent (assets do not cover debts and permitted charges), the personal representative pays claims according to statutory priority and to the extent funds exist. You may not be able to recover the full amount if the estate lacks money. In limited situations, a creditor (including a family member) might have other remedies outside probate, such as pursuing a wrongful-death recovery or negotiating with insurers, but those options are fact-specific and require legal advice.

7. Practical steps to improve chances of recovery

1. Get an itemized funeral bill and receipts showing payment.
2. Ask to be reimbursed in writing and keep a copy of the request.
3. If a funeral home is willing, ask it to file a claim directly with the personal representative or the estate.
4. Check with the county probate clerk about whether an estate is open and who the personal representative is.
5. If disagreement arises, consider consulting an attorney experienced in Washington probate law to file a creditor’s claim or a petition in probate court.

Helpful hints

• Document everything: keep receipts, contracts, emails, and notes of conversations related to payments.
• Provide copies, not originals, of receipts when you submit a claim to the personal representative or court.
• Contact the probate court clerk in the county where the decedent lived to learn whether an estate has been opened and which deadlines apply.
• Ask the personal representative for a formal accounting or explanation if your claim is disputed or ignored.
• Act quickly: probate timelines can be short, and waiting can forfeit rights to recover.
• If filing a small-estate affidavit or summary claim, follow the exact form and procedural rules to avoid rejection.

Where to get more information

Washington statutes governing probate are collected at RCW Title 11: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/title11/. For court procedures, forms, and county contacts, visit the Washington Courts site: https://www.courts.wa.gov/ or call the probate clerk in the county where the decedent lived.

Important disclaimer

This article explains general principles under Washington probate law for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and procedures change, and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each situation. For advice about your case and deadlines that may apply, consult a licensed Washington attorney or the probate court in the relevant county.