# Washington Small Estate Affidavit (2026): $100,000 Limit, 40-Day Wait & Required Notice

- Link: https://clearlegaltips.com/washington-small-estate-affidavit/
- Published: 2026-10-23T07:50:00-04:00
- Author: ClearLegalTips

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## Download This Resource

Get the Washington estate worksheet and a checklist covering the 10-day notice and
DSHS copy:

[Estate Worksheet$100,000 test](https://clearlegaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/wa-small-estate-worksheet.pdf)
[Action Checklist40 days, notice, DSHS](https://clearlegaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/wa-small-estate-checklist.pdf)

**The short version (2026):** RCW 11.62.010 sets up the Washington small estate 
affidavit. A successor can use it to collect a decedent’s personal property that
is subject to probate. The cap is **$100,000**, measured on the entire estate subject
to probate after liens and encumbrances. The surviving spouse’s or domestic partner’s
community property interest stays out of that count. You can use it **40 days** 
after the death. Before presenting it, the claiming successor gives the other successors
written notice, **10 days** pass, and the decedent’s debts get paid or provided 
for. A copy goes to the **Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)**. The
affidavit reaches personal property only, and the decedent must have been a Washington
resident.

Washington’s small estate affidavit comes with a short checklist. The limit is $
100,000, you present the affidavit to whoever owes or holds the property, and that
person must pay or deliver when the affidavit meets the statute. Three chores come
with it, though. Every other successor gets written notice. The debts get paid or
provided for. And a copy goes to the state’s Office of Financial Recovery.

Below, you’ll find each requirement, what counts toward the $100,000, how community
property changes the math, what the statute says happens after you sign, how Medicaid
estate recovery fits in, and where a house fits.

## Who can use the Washington affidavit

![Who can use the Washington small estate affidavit: a successor under RCW 11.62.005,
which covers will or intestacy takers, a surviving spouse's community half, DSHS
and the state](https://i0.wp.com/clearlegaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/washington-
small-estate-affidavit-01-who-can-use.jpg?w=1290&ssl=1)

The affidavit is for collecting personal property of a decedent who was a Washington
resident. The person collecting must be a “successor” under RCW 11.62.005, a term
that covers four groups:

 * a person entitled to the claimed property under the decedent’s will or the intestacy
   laws;
 * a surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, to the extent of an undivided
   one-half interest in the community property;
 * DSHS, to the extent of funds it paid on claims under RCW 43.20B.080; and
 * the state, for escheat property.

Someone who claims to be a successor only because the decedent owed them money is
not one, except for DSHS and the state. The affidavit then has to make nine statements,
listed next. They cover the 40-day wait, the value limit, the debts and the 10-day
notice.

## What the affidavit must state (all nine items)

![What a Washington small estate affidavit must state under RCW 11.62.010(2): the
nine statements from successor status to written authority of the other successors](
https://i0.wp.com/clearlegaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/washington-small-
estate-affidavit-02-statements.jpg?w=1290&ssl=1)

 1.  The claiming successor’s name and address, and that the claiming successor is 
     a “successor” as defined in RCW 11.62.005;
 2.  That the decedent lived in Washington on the date of death, as a resident of the
     state;
 3.  That the value of the decedent’s entire estate subject to probate, wherever located,
     less liens and encumbrances and **not including the surviving spouse’s or surviving
     domestic partner’s community property interest** in any assets subject to probate
     in the decedent’s estate, does not exceed $100,000;
 4.  That 40 days have elapsed since the death;
 5.  That no application or petition for the appointment of a personal representative
     is pending, and none has been granted, in any jurisdiction;
 6.  That **all debts of the decedent, including funeral and burial expenses, have 
     been paid or provided for**;
 7.  A description of the personal property and the portion claimed, with a statement
     that the property is subject to probate;
 8.  That the claiming successor gave **written notice**, by personal service or by
     mail, identifying the claim and describing the property claimed, to all other 
     successors of the decedent, and that **at least 10 days** have elapsed since the
     service or mailing of the notice; and
 9.  That the claiming successor is either personally entitled to full payment or delivery
     of the property claimed, or is entitled to it on behalf of and with the written
     authority of all other successors who have an interest in it.

Present the affidavit with proof of death. RCW 11.62.010(1) then requires a person
who owes the decedent money, or holds the decedent’s personal property that is subject
to probate, to pay or deliver what is claimed. How wide is “person”? Wide. RCW 11.62.005
names banks, credit unions, brokerage firms, stock transfer agents and government
agencies, among others. A transfer agent must change the registered owner of a security,
and a government agency that issues certificates of ownership or license registration
for personal property must issue a new one. No release from a Washington state or
local taxing authority may be required before assets are paid or delivered.

**Vehicles and vessels.** The Department of Licensing has its own paperwork. Its
rule, WAC 308-56A-335(4)(d), lists a copy of the death certificate plus an “affidavit
of inheritance” or an “affidavit of succession” for an estate that is not administered.
On its page, the Department calls an affidavit of succession optional for an estate
under $100,000. It also says a vehicle you keep must go into your name within 15
days. The Department’s form TD-420-041, the Affidavit of Inheritance/Litigation,
uses its own wording. It says the deceased left no estate necessitating administration,
and you sign before a notary or a Washington vehicle licensing agent. Ask the Department
which document it wants for your vehicle.

**The DSHS copy.** RCW 11.62.010(5) says a copy of the affidavit, with the decedent’s
Social Security number, must be mailed to the Department of Social and Health Services,
Office of Financial Recovery. The office’s page lists PO Box 9501, Olympia, WA 98507-
9501 as its mailing address.

Washington’s statute lists what the affidavit must state. LawDepot is a template
tool, not a filing service, and it files nothing for you.

[Browse LawDepot Templates →](https://clearlegaltips.com/go/lawdepot-affidavit-form)

## What counts toward $100,000

![What counts toward the Washington $100,000 limit: personal property subject to
probate, less liens and encumbrances, without the surviving spouse's community interest](
https://i0.wp.com/clearlegaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/washington-small-
estate-affidavit-03-what-counts.jpg?w=1290&ssl=1)

The test is the value of the decedent’s entire estate subject to probate, wherever
located, less liens and encumbrances, without the surviving spouse’s or domestic
partner’s community property interest.

**What the affidavit reaches.** RCW 11.62.005 defines “personal property” to include
tangible personal property, any instrument evidencing a debt, obligation, stock,
chose in action, license or ownership, any debt, and any other intangible property.
A bank account in the decedent’s name alone, a vehicle, household goods and money
owed to the decedent fit that definition.

**Real estate.** The affidavit cannot transfer a house, because it covers personal
property only. Whether a house counts toward the $100,000 depends on whether it 
is part of the estate subject to probate. Our reading: a house in the decedent’s
name that has to go through probate is part of that estate, so its value less liens
and encumbrances counts toward the limit. If a house is close to the line, ask the
court clerk or an attorney.

**What passes outside probate.** RCW 11.02.005 lists “nonprobate assets,” which 
pass at death under a written instrument other than the person’s will. Named on 
the list: a right passing under a joint tenancy with right of survivorship, a joint
bank account with right of survivorship, a transfer on death deed, a payable on 
death or trust bank account, a transfer on death security or security account, a
trust the person created that becomes effective or irrevocable only at death, a 
community property agreement, and an individual retirement account or bond. The 
statute adds that the list is not limited to those items. Life insurance is different.
A payable-on-death provision of a life insurance policy, annuity or employee benefit
plan is carved out of the definition, so ask the insurer or plan administrator how
a claim is paid.

### Community property changes the math

![How Washington community property changes the small estate math: one-half confirmed
to the surviving spouse, the decedent's half counted toward $100,000](https://i0.
wp.com/clearlegaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/washington-small-estate-affidavit-
04-community.jpg?w=1290&ssl=1)

Washington has community property. Property acquired after marriage or after registration
of a state registered domestic partnership is community property under RCW 26.16.030,
unless the separate property rules apply. Separate property is the other category.
Under RCW 26.16.010, what a spouse owned before the marriage is separate. So is 
anything that comes later by gift, bequest, devise, descent or inheritance.

At a death, RCW 11.02.070 confirms a one-half share of the community property to
the survivor. The other half is subject to the decedent’s will or passes under the
intestacy statute. The whole of the community property is subject to probate administration,
yet the affidavit test leaves the survivor’s community interest out of the $100,000
count. For example, if a couple’s community savings in the decedent’s name alone
total $150,000, with no survivorship or beneficiary designation, the decedent’s 
half is $75,000.

Spouses and domestic partners can also sign a **community property agreement**. 
RCW 26.16.120 lets both of them agree on the status or disposition of their community
property to take effect on the death of either, in a written instrument that is 
witnessed, acknowledged and certified the way a deed is. RCW 11.02.005 lists a community
property agreement among nonprobate assets. What it does for a particular asset 
depends on its terms, so read it before you decide whether you need the affidavit.

## How to use it, step by step

![Washington small estate affidavit timeline: death, 40 days, written notice and
10 days, signed affidavit, DSHS copy, presented to each holder](https://i0.wp.com/
clearlegaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/washington-small-estate-affidavit-
05-steps.jpg?w=1290&ssl=1)

 1.  **Get copies of the death certificate** to serve as proof of death.
 2.  **Separate nonprobate assets** and the surviving spouse’s or domestic partner’s
     community interest.
 3.  **Total the probate estate less liens and encumbrances.** Confirm it does not 
     exceed $100,000.
 4.  **Pay or provide for all debts**, including funeral and burial expenses.
 5.  **Send written notice** to every other successor, by personal service or by mail,
     identifying your claim and describing the property.
 6.  **Wait.** At least 40 days must have passed since the death and at least 10 days
     since the notice was served or mailed.
 7.  **Sign the affidavit**, making all nine statements. RCW 11.62.010 does not mention
     a notary, so ask each holder whether it wants one.
 8.  **Mail a copy to DSHS**, Office of Financial Recovery, with the decedent’s Social
     Security number. The statute does not say when to mail it.
 9.  **Present it** with proof of death to each holder. For vehicles and vessels, ask
     the Department of Licensing which document it needs.
 10. **Pass along each successor’s share.** Whoever receives property under the affidavit
     is answerable and accountable for it to any personal representative or other person
     with a superior right (RCW 11.62.020).

## A worked example

![Washington worked example: $53,000 community half plus a $22,000 separate account
equals a $75,000 probate estate, with the transfer on death house left out](https://
i0.wp.com/clearlegaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/washington-small-estate-
affidavit-06-example.jpg?w=1290&ssl=1)

A Spokane woman died in 2026 without a will, survived by her husband and their two
adult children. Before the marriage she owned a paid-off house, which is her separate
property under RCW 26.16.010. She recorded a transfer on death deed naming her husband
before her death. During the marriage the couple built up $90,000 in savings and
a $16,000 car, all in her name with no survivorship or beneficiary designation. 
She also had a $22,000 brokerage account she inherited from her father, which is
separate property. Assume the funeral, the final bills and all other debts are paid.

 * **House:** passes by the transfer on death deed. Not counted.
 * **Community savings and car:** $90,000 + $16,000 = $106,000. Her half is $45,000
   + $8,000 = $53,000; her husband’s half is excluded.
 * **Her separate brokerage account:** $22,000, counted in full.
 * **Estate subject to probate:** $53,000 + $22,000 = $75,000, under $100,000.

Her husband mails written notice to both children. He waits until 40 days have passed
since her death and at least 10 days since the notice. He is a successor in his 
own right. If he claims the whole account, including the children’s shares, he needs
their written authority (RCW 11.62.010(2)(i)); each of them could instead claim 
their own part. He mails a copy to DSHS and presents the affidavit with proof of
death to the bank and the brokerage firm.

## How the survivor’s share works without a will

![Washington intestacy under RCW 11.04.015(1): the surviving spouse's share of the
net community estate and net separate estate, depending on surviving issue and parents](
https://i0.wp.com/clearlegaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/washington-small-
estate-affidavit-07-survivor-share.jpg?w=1290&ssl=1)

The affidavit gets property into a successor’s hands. RCW 11.04.015 decides how 
the net estate of a person who dies without a will is divided. “Net estate” leaves
out homestead rights, exempt property, the family allowance, and enforceable claims
and debts. Subsection (1) sets the share of the surviving spouse or state registered
domestic partner:

 * **Community property, (1)(a):** the survivor receives all of the decedent’s share
   of the net community estate.
 * **Separate property, survivor with issue, (1)(b):** the survivor receives one-
   half of the net separate estate if the decedent is survived by issue, meaning
   lineal descendants.
 * **Separate property, no issue, (1)(c):** the survivor receives three-quarters
   of the net separate estate if there is no surviving issue but one or more of 
   the decedent’s parents, or issue of a parent, survive.
 * **Separate property, no issue, parent or issue of a parent, (1)(d):** the survivor
   receives all of the net separate estate.

The rest of the net estate, or all of it when there is no surviving spouse or partner,
goes under subsection (2) in this order: the decedent’s issue, then surviving parents,
then the issue of the parents, then grandparents, then the issue of grandparents.
Children of the same degree take equally.

In the Spokane example, the husband takes all of his wife’s share of the net community
estate. Because she was survived by issue, he also takes one-half of her net separate
estate. Before any allowances and claims are taken out, one-half of the account 
is $11,000; the two children share the other half.

When there is a will, the will decides who the successors are. The affidavit still
has to state that the claiming successor gave written notice to all other successors
and that 10 days have passed. The claiming successor must be personally entitled
to full payment or delivery, or hold the written authority of every other successor
with an interest in the property.

## Real estate: what to do instead

![Washington real estate options when the affidavit does not fit: community property
agreement, recorded transfer on death deed, or probate with nonintervention powers](
https://i0.wp.com/clearlegaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/washington-small-
estate-affidavit-08-real-estate.jpg?w=1290&ssl=1)

The affidavit covers personal property only. For real estate in the decedent’s name,
the options include a **community property agreement** for spouses or domestic partners,
a **transfer on death deed** recorded before the owner’s death (RCW 64.80.060(3)),
or **probate**. A personal representative may petition for nonintervention powers,
and the court grants them under the conditions in RCW 11.68.011. A representative
with those powers can exercise the powers listed in RCW 11.68.090(1) without a court
order and without notice to the court. Our [transfer on death deed guide](https://clearlegaltips.com/transfer-on-death-deed-template-2026/)
explains how to plan ahead, and our [probate cost estimator](https://clearlegaltips.com/probate-cost-estimator/)
helps with budgeting.

## After you sign: what the statute says

![After you sign in Washington under RCW 11.62.020: the holder is discharged unless
it knew a statement was false, a refusing holder can be compelled, and the recipient
stays accountable](https://i0.wp.com/clearlegaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/
10/washington-small-estate-affidavit-09-after-you-sign.jpg?w=1290&ssl=1)

RCW 11.62.020 covers what happens once the affidavit and proof of death are delivered.

 * A person who pays, delivers, transfers or issues property under RCW 11.62.010
   is discharged and released to the same extent as if dealing with a personal representative,
   unless that person had actual knowledge when doing so that a statement in the
   affidavit was false.
 * That person does not have to see to the application of the property, or inquire
   into the truth of what the affidavit states, or into the payment of any estate
   tax liability.
 * An organization is not treated as knowing a statement is false until that knowledge
   is brought to the personal attention of the individual making the transfer.
 * If a holder refuses to pay, deliver or transfer, the property may be recovered,
   or the transfer compelled, in a proceeding brought by or for the persons entitled
   to it.
 * If more than one affidavit is delivered for the same property, the holder may
   respond to the first one received, provided proof of death has also been received,
   or may implead the property into court.
 * Anyone who receives property under the affidavit is answerable and accountable
   for it to any personal representative of the estate and to anyone else with a
   superior right.

## Common mistakes in Washington

 * **Skipping the 10-day notice.** The affidavit must state that written notice 
   was given to all other successors and that 10 days have passed.
 * **Not paying debts first.** The affidavit must state that all debts, including
   funeral and burial expenses, have been paid or provided for.
 * **Forgetting DSHS.** A copy with the decedent’s Social Security number must be
   mailed to the Office of Financial Recovery.
 * **Counting the spouse’s half.** The survivor’s community property interest is
   left out of the $100,000 test.
 * **Using it for a non-resident.** The affidavit must state that the decedent was
   a Washington resident on the date of death.
 * **Expecting it to move a house.** The affidavit covers personal property only.

## Medicaid estate recovery and the affidavit

![Washington Medicaid estate recovery: RCW 43.20B.080, the WAC 182-527 estate definition,
no recovery while a spouse or qualifying child survives, hardship delay, and the
copy to the Office of Financial Recovery](https://i0.wp.com/clearlegaltips.com/wp-
content/uploads/2026/10/washington-small-estate-affidavit-10-medicaid.jpg?w=1290&
ssl=1)

The law that lets Washington seek repayment calls the benefit “medical assistance”;
this guide uses the more familiar word Medicaid. Medicaid can ask to be repaid from
the estate for some of what it paid. The affidavit doesn’t make that question go
away.

**The statute.** If a person got medical assistance at age 55 or older, DSHS must
seek adjustment or recovery from that person’s estate (RCW 43.20B.080(3)). Nonprobate
assets count here too, as RCW 11.02.005 defines them. For that group the statute
limits recovery to nursing facility services, home and community-based services,
other services the department finds appropriate, and related hospital and prescription
drug services. It also directs the department to set up procedures to waive recovery
when it would work an undue hardship (RCW 43.20B.080(5)(a)). DSHS turns up in the
affidavit statutes as well. It counts as a successor to the extent of funds it paid
on claims under RCW 43.20B.080 (RCW 11.62.005(2)(a)(iii)), and RCW 11.62.010(5) 
requires a copy of the affidavit to go to its Office of Financial Recovery.

**The rule.** The state Medicaid agency has its own rule, WAC 182-527-2730. It defines“
estate” for recovery as property that passes under a will or by intestate succession
under chapter 11.04 or 11.62 RCW. For a client who died on or after September 14,
2006, it adds nonprobate assets (as RCW 11.02.005 defines them) and life estate 
interests. That is wider than the estate subject to probate that the $100,000 test
measures. A surviving spouse changes the picture: under WAC 182-527-2738(3), the
agency may not recover from the client’s estate so long as a surviving spouse remains.
A surviving child can do the same if the child is age 20 or younger, or is blind
or disabled as defined in WAC 182-512-0050. An heir can also ask the agency to delay
recovery for undue hardship (WAC 182-527-2750). That rule lists three situations.
The property subject to recovery is the heir’s sole income-producing asset. Or recovery
would deprive the heir of shelter the heir cannot afford to replace. Or the client
is survived by a state-registered domestic partner.

**The agency page.** The Office of Financial Recovery’s page says recovery may be
made from estates of recipients of state-funded long-term care services without 
regard to age, and for Medicaid services from recipients aged 55 and older at the
time of death. When the office gets notice of a recipient’s death, it investigates
whether the estate has resources and whether a claim can be made within the estate
recovery statute. If those conditions are met, it files a lien against the decedent’s
property or a notice to creditors against the estate in probate court. You can write
to the office at PO Box 9501, Olympia, WA 98507-9501, or call 360-664-5700.

**Notice to DSHS (our reading).** RCW 11.62.005(2)(a)(iii) treats DSHS as a successor
to the extent of its claim. RCW 11.62.010(2)(h) calls for written notice to all 
other successors. If DSHS has a claim, notice may therefore have to reach it as 
well. If you are unsure, ask the Office of Financial Recovery.

**Real estate.** If a house passes by a transfer on death deed, the beneficiary 
takes it subject to liens (RCW 64.80.100(2)). That includes liens recorded within
24 months after the owner’s death under RCW 41.05A.090 and RCW 43.20B.080.

Did the person who died receive long-term care through Medicaid? Ask the Office 
of Financial Recovery before you distribute anything. This guide can’t tell you 
whether a claim exists.

## How Washington compares

Washington’s $100,000 limit is shared with ten other jurisdictions (AR, HI, IA, 
ID, IN, MT, ND, NE, SD and UT) and sits above the $75,000 median of the 49 numeric
limits in our table. Seven jurisdictions have higher limits. Its 40-day wait is 
one of four at that length (California, Iowa, Nevada and Washington), against a 
median of 30 days across the 32 jurisdictions with a numeric wait. For California’s
limit and process, see our [California small estate affidavit guide](https://clearlegaltips.com/california-small-estate-affidavit/),
and for every state, see the [small estate affidavit limits by state](https://clearlegaltips.com/small-estate-affidavit-limits-by-state/)
table.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the Washington small estate affidavit limit?

$100,000 for the value of the decedent’s entire estate subject to probate, wherever
located, less liens and encumbrances, not counting the surviving spouse’s or domestic
partner’s community property interest.

### How long do I have to wait in Washington?

At least 40 days after the death, and at least 10 days after you serve or mail written
notice of your claim to the other successors.

### Does the Washington small estate affidavit have to be filed with the court?

The statute has you present the affidavit and proof of death to the person who owes
or holds the property. It does not mention a court filing. A copy must be mailed
to the DSHS Office of Financial Recovery.

### Can the Washington small estate affidavit transfer a house?

No. It covers personal property only. Real estate in the decedent’s name can still
count toward the $100,000 if it is part of the estate subject to probate. A house
can pass by a community property agreement, a recorded transfer on death deed, joint
ownership with survivorship, or probate.

### Do debts have to be paid before using the affidavit?

The affidavit has to state that all of the decedent’s debts, including funeral and
burial expenses, have been paid or provided for.

### Why does DSHS get a copy?

RCW 11.62.010(5) requires a copy, including the decedent’s Social Security number,
to be mailed to the DSHS Office of Financial Recovery. The office’s page says it
recovers long-term care and Medicaid costs from the estates of decedents.

### How do I transfer a car in Washington?

Ask the Department of Licensing. WAC 308-56A-335 lists a copy of the death certificate
plus an affidavit of inheritance or an affidavit of succession for an estate that
is not administered. The Department’s form TD-420-041 asks you to sign before a 
notary or a Washington vehicle licensing agent.

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### Related Articles

 * [Small Estate Affidavit Limits by State (2026): All 50 States, Verified](https://clearlegaltips.com/small-estate-affidavit-limits-by-state/)
 * [California Small Estate Affidavit (2026): $208,850 Limit, Rules & the $750K Home Petition](https://clearlegaltips.com/california-small-estate-affidavit/)
 * [Free Transfer on Death Deed Template – Avoid Probate](https://clearlegaltips.com/transfer-on-death-deed-template-2026/)
 * [Probate Cost Estimator](https://clearlegaltips.com/probate-cost-estimator/)

### Sources & References

 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 11.62.010, affidavit)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.62.010)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 11.62.005, definitions)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.62.005)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 11.62.020, effect of affidavit)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.62.020)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 11.04.015, intestate succession)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.04.015)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 11.02.005, definitions)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.02.005)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 11.02.070, community property at death)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.02.070)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 26.16.010, separate property)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.16.010)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 26.16.030, community property)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.16.030)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 26.16.120, community property agreements)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.16.120)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 64.80, transfer on death deeds)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.80)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 11.68.011, nonintervention powers)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.68.011)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 11.68.090, powers of a representative with nonintervention powers)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.68.090)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (RCW 43.20B.080, estate recovery)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.20B.080)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (WAC 182-527-2730, estate recovery definitions)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=182-527-2730)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (WAC 182-527-2738, general right to recover)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=182-527-2738)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (WAC 182-527-2750, delay of recovery for undue hardship)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=182-527-2750)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (WAC 182-512-0050, blind or disabled)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=182-512-0050)
 * [app.leg.wa.gov (WAC 308-56A-335, vehicle titles after a death)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-56A-335)
 * [dol.wa.gov (Owner deceased, affidavit of loss and release of interest)](https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/vehicles/renew-or-replace-vehicle-tabs/affidavit-lossrelease-interest)
 * [dol.wa.gov (Form TD-420-041, Affidavit of Inheritance/Litigation)](https://dol.wa.gov/forms/view/420041/download?inline=)
 * [dshs.wa.gov (Office of Financial Recovery)](https://www.dshs.wa.gov/administrations-and-offices/administration-landing-pages/finance-technology-and-analytics-administration/office-financial-recovery)

_Fact-checked: October 2026_

**Legal Disclaimer:** This article is general information, not legal advice. ClearLegalTips
is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Laws vary by state 
and change over time. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed
attorney in your jurisdiction.

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