Probate Estate Closing and Representative Discharge in Washington

At a glance

Requirements one by one

Two closing routes

A personal representative with nonintervention powers who does not seek a court decree must file a declaration when administration is complete. It states death and testacy details, disposition of properly presented claims, tax provision, heirs where applicable, and fees paid or proposed; it also states that the representative does not intend to submit an estate account for court approval. The representative may instead apply for a decree determining heirs and distribution or approving an account. (RCW 11.68.110; 11.68.100.)

In a supervised estate, the representative files a verified final report and petition for distribution when ready to close. It shows new receipts, debts paid, remaining property and the persons entitled to it. If the report is still missing 24 months after appointment, the court, on its own request or an interested person's, orders a filing date; moving that date requires good cause. (RCW 11.76.030.)

Notice and objections

Within five days after filing the nonintervention declaration, the representative must mail it with statutory notice to parties who have not waived notice and still await full distribution or have property rights affected by discharge. A party may petition within 30 days after filing to enforce rights, review fees or compel court closing. Written waiver by all parties entitled to notice makes the declaration effective on filing. A beneficiary lacking full distribution may also seek a status report after one year of nonintervention administration. (RCW 11.68.110; 11.68.065.)

For a supervised final report, hearing notice is published once in a county legal newspaper at least 20 days before the hearing and mailed to known heirs, legatees, devisees and distributees at least 20 days before it. An interested person may object in writing or at the hearing. (RCW 11.76.040; 11.76.050.)

Decree, distribution and discharge

With required notice and no timely petition, the declaration has the effect of a decree of distribution, approves the representative's acts and fees, and discharges the representative and bond without further order. The statute also permits a specified minimum distribution within five business days after the declaration's effective date, leaving liability for actual reserve distribution until the statutory conditions are met. A separate tax-reserve route preserves limited powers to handle remaining taxes and distribute a reserve. (RCW 11.68.110; 11.68.112; 11.68.114.)

In the supervised route, the court hears the final report and, if the estate is ready, enters a decree approving it and distributing property. On production of beneficiary or distributee receipts, the court, if satisfied, adjudges the estate closed and discharges the representative. (RCW 11.76.050.)

What trips people up

The declaration says the estate is ready to be settled and distributed; it does not invariably mean every final transfer occurred before filing. The five-business-day special route in § 11.68.112 requires the declaration and notices to state the intended distribution and each recipient's minimum amount. The tax-reserve route in § 11.68.114 imposes its own later accounting and discharge steps for the reserve. (RCW 11.68.110; 11.68.112; 11.68.114.)

Common questions

Can more estate property be administered after final settlement? Yes. Final settlement does not prevent later letters of administration if other property is discovered or another cause makes them necessary. (RCW 11.76.250.)

Can a nonintervention representative ask the court to approve an account? Yes. One available closing decree approves the accounting and settles the estate under the supervised-estate procedure. (RCW 11.68.100.)

Statutes and sources

The quoted sections were checked in the Washington Legislature's current RCW on October 4, 2026. RCW 11.76.030 includes the amendment effective June 11, 2026.