King County small estate affidavit: where to take it, fee and local requirements
In King County, Washington, a small estate affidavit is never filed with a court — it goes straight to the bank, DMV or employer. The state rule is the same everywhere in Washington: $100,000, 40-day wait, with or without a will. What the county controls is below.
| Where it goes | No court filing — present to the holder after the DSHS notice period |
|---|---|
| Fee | $0; notary ≈ $10 |
| Local note | No county-specific requirement beyond the state form |
| State limit | $100,000 — of probate assets (assets that would otherwise need probate) |
| Waiting period | 40 days from death |
| Form | Small Estate Affidavit (RCW 11.62.010) RCW 11.62 · official source |
| Signing | Notarized; a copy must be mailed to the Department of Social and Health Services (Office of Financial Recovery) 10 days before it's presented, and to every other heir |
Check the estate against the Washington rule
King County · six questions
Some states file with the county court; others never go to court — the affidavit goes straight to the bank or DMV. The county decides the office and the fee.
Bank accounts, vehicles, final paychecks, personal property. Leave out joint accounts, accounts with a named beneficiary, and life insurance — those pass without probate anyway.
Most states make you wait 10–45 days before the affidavit can be signed or filed.
Your next 60 days
King County procedure
- Certified death certificates from Washington vital records or the county registrar — five or more.
- Inventory everything in the person's sole name; stop if the total is over $100,000.
- Wait 40 days — the affidavit cannot be presented earlier.
- Complete the Washington form — Notarized; a copy must be mailed to the Department of Social and Health Services (Office of Financial Recovery) 10 days before it's presented, and to every other heir.
- Present it to each holder — $0; notary ≈ $10. Bring a certified death certificate for each.
- Collect, pay debts, distribute — keep every receipt; the affiant is liable up to the amount collected.
What makes Washington different
Washington adds a step nobody expects: a copy of the affidavit has to go to DSHS Office of Financial Recovery at least 10 days before you use it, so the state can claim any Medicaid recovery first. Skip it and the bank's legal department will ask for proof of mailing.
The $100,000 counts only probate assets — community property passing to a spouse by agreement, joint accounts and beneficiary accounts are outside it.
Common questions
Where do I file a small estate affidavit in King County?
Nowhere — Washington affidavits are not filed with a court. No court filing — present to the holder after the DSHS notice period. $0; notary ≈ $10.
How much does a small estate affidavit cost in King County?
$0; notary ≈ $10. Court forms are free; certified death certificates are $10–$25 each; a notary is $10–$15 per signature.
What is the small estate limit for King County?
The limit is set by Washington law, not the county: $100,000 — of probate assets (assets that would otherwise need probate).
Does King County have its own form?
No county-specific version; use the Washington form (Small Estate Affidavit (RCW 11.62.010)).
Other Washington counties: Pierce County · Snohomish County · Spokane County · Washington overview