"Probate" is a court proceeding in which final debts are settled and legal title to property is formally passed from the deceased person. Probate laws are state specific and in Washington a probate is necessary if the property subject to probate exceeds $100,000, or contains any real property (real estate.) see
RCW 11.62.01.(2)(c).
Probate is generally straight forward and not particularly time consuming. There is a $200 filing fee, and letters testamentary cost $2 each. If you publish for creditors, the cost is usually $100 to $150. There are recording costs if real property is to be distributed.
The time to complete a probate varies widely, from a few weeks or less to many years, depending on many factors.
Mr. Williams’ flat fee for a probate is $1,500 plus costs, assuming there is no litigation or complex issue involved.
More information on probate is available at the Washington State Bar Association’s website on
Probate.