Washington Last Will and Testament

Yes. Washington imposes a state estate tax with one of the lowest thresholds in the nation: $2.193 million per person (2024). Rates range from 10% to 20%. Married couples can use portability planning, but Washington's threshold means many non-wealthy households need estate planning to minimize or avoid this tax.

Yes. Washington recognizes holographic wills under RCW 11.12.020 — wills in which the signature and material provisions are in the testator's handwriting. Witnesses are not required for a valid Washington holographic will. However, typed wills with witnesses and a self-proving affidavit are more reliable and easier to probate.

Washington is a community property state. Each spouse owns half of all property acquired during marriage. You can only dispose of your half in your will — your spouse automatically retains their half. Separate property (owned before marriage or received as gifts/inheritance) can be fully devised.

Washington wills are probated in Superior Court in the county where the decedent lived. Washington offers an efficient 'nonintervention' administration where the executor acts without court supervision for most decisions. Small estates (under $100,000 with no real property) can use an affidavit procedure to avoid probate.