The figures on this page are general estimates. Laws, fees, thresholds, and prices differ by state and change often, and your own situation may change the result. Before you act, confirm the current numbers and rules for Washington with a licensed professional — an attorney, tax advisor, or licensed agent as appropriate. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship.
When the clock starts in Washington
The single fact that governs every other date on this page: in Washington the creditor-claim period runs from the date of first publication of the notice to creditors — except for a reasonably ascertainable creditor who was not given actual notice, whose period runs from the date of death.
This is not the same in every state. Some states run the period from the date of death, others from the date letters are issued to the personal representative, others from first publication of the notice to creditors. A deadline calculated from the wrong event is simply wrong, and a missed claim deadline is not curable.
Washington deadlines at a glance
| Deadline | Washington | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory | Three months after appointment, unless the court grants a longer time. The inventory and appraisement need not be filed with the court, but a copy must be supplied within 10 days to any heir, legatee, devisee, claim-filing creditor, nonprobate beneficiary from whom contribution is sought, or the Department of Revenue that requests one in writing. | Wash. Rev. Code §11.44.015(1), (2) |
| Creditor claim period | Four months after the date of first publication of the notice to creditors, which runs once a week for three successive weeks; for a creditor given actual notice, the later of that or 30 days after the notice was served or mailed. Giving notice at all is optional in Washington — §11.40.020(1) provides that the personal representative "may" give it — and which deadline applies depends on which of the four cases in §11.40.051(1) the creditor falls into. | Wash. Rev. Code §11.40.051(1)(a), (b) |
| Outer claim bar | Twenty-four months after the decedent's date of death, in two situations: where no notice was given under chapter 11.40 or 11.42 at all, and where notice was published but a reasonably ascertainable creditor was not given actual notice. A creditor who was not reasonably ascertainable is held to the four-month publication period regardless. The bar reaches nonprobate as well as probate assets, and an otherwise applicable statute of limitations applies without the tolling §4.16.190 would normally provide. | Wash. Rev. Code §11.40.051(1)(b)(ii), (1)©, (2), (3) |
| Closing / final distribution | Washington sets no outer date for closing. A personal representative with nonintervention powers files a declaration of completion "when the administration of the estate has been completed," rather than by a statutory deadline. Two early reports are dated: a report confirming notice to third parties within 30 days of appointment, and a report of the estate financial account within 30 days of opening one (§11.76.010(1), (2)). | Wash. Rev. Code §11.68.110(1) |
The inventory deadline, as written
Within three months after appointment, unless a longer time shall be granted by the court, every personal representative shall make and verify by affidavit a true inventory and appraisement of all of the property of the estate passing under the will or by laws of intestacy and which shall have come to the personal representative's possession or knowledge, including a statement of all encumbrances, liens, or other secured charges against any item.
— Wash. Rev. Code §11.44.015(1), (2)
The creditor-claim period, as written
If the personal representative provided notice under RCW 11.40.020 and the creditor was given actual notice as provided in RCW 11.40.020 (1)©, the creditor must present the claim within the later of: (i) Thirty days after the personal representative's service or mailing of notice to the creditor; and (ii) four months after the date of first publication of the notice.
— Wash. Rev. Code §11.40.051(1)(a), (b)
What this page does not state
Where a figure is not recorded above, it is because it was not found in the statute cited — not because no deadline exists. Court rules, local rules, and standing orders set additional dates that are not part of the statutory text, and those are not reproduced here. Confirm every date against the Washington court handling the estate.
Sources
- Statutes: Wash. Rev. Code §11.44.015(1), (2); Wash. Rev. Code §11.40.051(1)(a), (b); Wash. Rev. Code §11.40.051(1)(b)(ii), (1)©, (2), (3); Wash. Rev. Code §11.68.110(1)
- Authority: Washington State Legislature, Revised Code of Washington (app.leg.wa.gov)
- Source URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.40.051
- Verified: 2026-08-17
Related Washington guides
- How Long Does Probate Take in Washington? — the overall timeline these deadlines sit inside.
- How much does probate cost in Washington? — the cost side.
- How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Washington? — compensation for the work.
- Washington Probate Fee Sheet — printable one-page reference.
- Executor Duties: The Complete Checklist — what the role involves.
Executor deadlines in other states
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This page reproduces Washington statutory deadlines as published at the time of verification. It is not legal advice. Statutes are amended, court rules impose additional dates, and application depends on the specific estate. Confirm every date with the Washington court or a licensed Washington attorney.