This packet contains the forms and instructions needed to file a valid will with Superior Court.

The instructions are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you do not understand this information, please contact an attorney. If your specific situation is beyond the scope of this packet, please contact an attorney.

Washington law requires any person who has a Will of someone who has died to either:

• deliver the Will to the person named as the Personal Representative (sometimes called the “executor”); or
• file the Will with the Superior Court Clerk in the county the Decedent was a resident of when the Decedent died.If you have someone’s Will and are not the Personal Representative, then you must file it with the Superior Court Clerk or give it to the Personal Representative within 30 days of learning of the Decedent’s death.

If you have someone’s Will and are the Personal Representative, then you must file it with the Superior Court Clerk within 40 days of learning of the Decedent’s death.

The instructions and forms in this packet are for filing a Will only. They may help filing a will with the King County Superior Court Clerk with no further action.