Detailed Answer
When a person dies in Washington, a probate estate opens only after a personal representative files a petition in the Superior Court of the county where the decedent lived. See RCW 11.28.010. To confirm whether probate has begun, follow these steps:
- Gather decedent details. Obtain the decedent’s full legal name, date of death, and last known county of residence.
- Search online case records. Visit the Washington Courts Online Case Search at https://dw.courts.wa.gov. Enter the decedent’s name to see if a probate cause number or active case appears.
- Contact the Superior Court clerk. If you find no online record, call or visit the clerk’s office in the appropriate county. Request a probate records search by name. Be prepared to pay any statutory fees. See RCW 36.18.010 for filing fees and costs.
- Review court filings. If a case exists, request certified copies of the petition for probate and the letters testamentary or letters of administration. These documents confirm the opening date and the appointed personal representative.
Washington maintains probate records at the county level under RCW Title 11. There is no single statewide probate registry.
Helpful Hints
- Use the exact spelling of the decedent’s name, including middle names or initials.
- Verify the county of residence at death; that court holds the records.
- Ask the clerk about remote e-filing portals for document access.
- Note that inactive or closed probate cases may still appear in archives.
- Consider hiring a private probate research service if you cannot access records directly.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Washington probate procedures. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to address your specific situation.