Detailed Answer

When a person in Washington dies without a valid will, the estate is “intestate.” A court will appoint a personal representative (often called an administrator or administrator with will annexed) to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute what remains to heirs under Washington law. The appointment process happens in the Superior Court of the county where the decedent lived.

Who can be appointed?

Washington gives priority to certain relatives when appointing a personal representative. Close relatives such as a surviving spouse or adult children are typically first in line. If no close relatives are willing or able, the court may appoint another suitable person. See Washington’s intestate succession rules for how heirs are determined: RCW Title 11, Chapter 11.04 (intestate succession).

Typical steps to get appointed

1. Confirm there is no valid will. Search for any original will. If a will exists, different rules (probate of the will) apply.
2. Identify the proper court. File in the Superior Court in the county where your father was domiciled (his permanent residence) at the time of death.
3. Gather required documents and information. You will generally need the decedent’s death certificate, your ID, a list of the decedent’s assets and debts (bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, insurance, loans), and contact information for likely heirs and creditors.
4. Complete and file a Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative. The petition asks the court to appoint you (or another person) and to issue Letters of Administration. The Superior Court clerk’s office provides the required forms and will tell you the filing fee. Washington’s probate statutes and court form resources are at: RCW Title 11 (Probate) and Washington Courts — Forms.
5. Provide notice to heirs and publish notice if required. After filing, Washington law requires notice to known heirs and often a published notice to unknown creditors. The clerk or court rules will tell you the timing and content of required notices.
6. Bond requirement. The court may require a bond (insurance that protects the estate). In many cases, the bond can be waived for a close family member if the heirs consent or the court finds waiver reasonable. The clerk or probate judge will address this at appointment.
7. Court hearing and appointment. If everything is in order, the court will enter an order appointing a personal representative and issue Letters of Administration (also called Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration depending on context). These letters are the official authority to act for the estate (access bank accounts, transfer property, etc.).
8. Administer the estate. After appointment you must inventory assets, notify creditors, pay valid debts and taxes, and distribute remaining assets to heirs according to Washington’s intestate succession rules. The court will require reports or an accounting before closing the estate.

Special procedures and alternatives

• Small estates and simplified procedures: Washington offers simplified or summary probate procedures for smaller estates in some circumstances. Check the court forms and statutes to see if you qualify before filing full administration.
• Real property only: If the estate holds only real property or only certain limited assets, there may be narrower procedures that avoid full administration.

Time frames and costs

Timing varies. Getting appointed can be quick when heirs agree and paperwork is complete (a few weeks), but contested cases or complex estates can take months. Fees include court filing fees, possible bond costs, publication costs, and professional fees if you hire an attorney or accountant. The clerk can provide current fee schedules.

Where to get forms and local procedures

Each county Superior Court handles probate matters. Contact the probate clerk in the county where your father lived for exact local forms, filing fees, and any county-specific requirements. For state statutes and a starting point, see: RCW Title 11 — Probate.

Important: This description explains the usual process in Washington. Specific facts (real property in another state, outstanding taxes, creditor disputes, contested heirship, or unknown heirs) can change the steps a lot.

Helpful Hints

• Start by getting several certified copies of the death certificate — banks and agencies frequently require certified copies.
• Call the probate clerk in the appropriate county to ask for a checklist and the exact forms you must file.
• Make a simple inventory of assets (bank accounts, safe-deposit boxes, real estate, vehicles, life insurance beneficiary designations). Beneficiary-designated assets (like payable-on-death accounts or life insurance) typically pass outside probate.
• If heirs agree, consider an uncontested appointment — it costs less and is faster than contested probate.
• Keep detailed records of every action you take and every estate payment you make — you will likely need to provide an accounting to the court and heirs.
• Ask whether a bond is required and whether heirs will consent to waive the bond to reduce cost.
• If you expect disputes (disagreement about heirs, large debts, or complex assets), consult a probate attorney early to avoid procedural mistakes that can be costly.
• Use Washington’s statutes and court form resources for reference: RCW Title 11 (Probate) and Washington Courts Forms.