Free Washington Affidavit of Heirship Form

1Who is Making

2Deceased Person

3Decedent and Relationship

4Property

5Personal Property items

6Address of the property

7Decedent Married

8Marital History

9Surviving Heirs

10Affidavit be signed

11Person making affidavit

• Who is making this Affidavit?

  Enter the name and contact information of the person making the declaration in this
  Affidavit. In legal terms, this person is called the "Affiant."

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code

• What is the deceased person's name, date, and place of death?

  Enter the decedent's full legal name and the date and place of death listed on his or her death certificate.

• Name
• Date of Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• City of Death
• State of Death
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

• How and for how long did you know the Decedent?

  Enter the start and end dates you knew the Decedent and your relationship to him or her.

• From
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Until
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• The Decedent was my:
  AuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife

• What type of property did the Decedent leave?

• Real estate and personal property should be covered in separate affidavits to ensure the original can be recorded with the proper authority.
  • Personal Property
  • Real Property (Land, Residence, Real Estate)

• List the personal property items left by the Decedent.

  List each item one at a time. You will be able to enter as many items as necessary. The location refers to the bank, business or individual who currently maintains the property.

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Second Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Third Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Fourth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Fifth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Sixth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Seventh Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Eighth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Ninth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Tenth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value

• What is the address of the property owned by the deceased party?

  You should also indicate the county where the property is located and the legal description. The legal description can be found on the deed to the property. This Affidavit should only cover property located in the same county.

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• rental add another
  • Add another

• Second Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Third Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Fourth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Fifth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Sixth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Seventh Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Eighth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Ninth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Tenth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description

• Did the Decedent ever marry?

• Select "Yes" if the Decedent was ever married in his or her life.
• Did the Decedent ever marry
  • Yes
  • No, never married

• Describe the marital history of the Decedent here.

  Leave blank any fields that do not apply.

• First Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Second Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Third Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Fourth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Fifth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Sixth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Seventh Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Eighth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Ninth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Tenth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• Who are the remaining surviving legal heirs of the Decedent?

  You can enter the names of the deceased's parents, children, grandchildren or other immediate relatives.

• Who are the surviving legal heirs of the Decedent?

  You can enter the names of the deceased's parents, children, grandchildren or other immediate relatives.

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Second Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Third Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Fourth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Fifth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Sixth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Seventh Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Eighth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Ninth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Tenth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• When will this Affidavit be signed?

  You can leave this question blank if you are unsure of the signing date.

• Date
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• Did the Decedent address the property in a Last Will and Testament?

  Select the option that applies to your situation. If the property was addressed in a Will, this document is not needed.

• Addressed in a Will, this document is not needed
  • No, the Will did not specifically refer to the property
  • No, decedent did not leave a Will

• Where will the person making the Affidavit sign the document?

• This document must be signed by a notary public. Choosing the state where the Affidavit is signed will determine the proper format for the notary section. Certain states may require witnesses to sign the affidavit as well.

• County (not country)
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

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Navigating Inheritance in Washington State: Understanding the Affidavit of Heirship

Losing a loved one is a difficult time, and dealing with the legalities of their estate can add further stress. When a person passes away in Washington State without a valid will, the process of transferring their assets to their rightful heirs can seem complicated. While formal probate is often required, there's a simplified procedure that might be available in certain situations: the Affidavit of Heirship.

If you find yourself in a position where you need to understand how to transfer property from a deceased relative who didn't leave a will in Washington State, this blog post is for you. We'll break down what an Affidavit of Heirship is, how it's used, and whether it might be the right option for your situation.

What is an Affidavit of Heirship?

An Affidavit of Heirship is a legal document that serves as a sworn statement identifying the legal heirs of a deceased person and their respective interests in the deceased's estate. It's essentially a way to establish who the rightful inheritors are when there is no will (also known as dying intestate) or when there are uncertainties about the heirs.

Think of it as a less formal alternative to a full probate proceeding. Instead of going through a potentially lengthy and costly court process, an Affidavit of Heirship can sometimes be used to transfer ownership of certain assets directly to the heirs.

How Does it Work in Washington State?

In Washington State, an Affidavit of Heirship is typically used for smaller estates or specific types of property. It's crucial to understand that not all estates qualify for this simplified procedure.

Here are some key aspects of how an Affidavit of Heirship works in Washington State:

• Who Can Use It: Generally, this affidavit is used when the estate's value is below a certain threshold (currently $100,000 in Washington State for a Small Estate Affidavit, which is closely related in purpose). It's primarily for collecting and distributing personal property. Real property title generally cannot be transferred using this method.

• Requirements: The affidavit must contain specific information, including:
  • The deceased person's name, date of death, and place of residence.
  • Information about the deceased's marital history, including the names of all spouses and the dates of marriage and divorce (if applicable).
  • A complete list of all the deceased's legal heirs, including their full names, addresses, dates of birth, and their relationship to the deceased.
  • A description of the property being claimed.
  • A statement that the affiant (the person making the statement) has personal knowledge of the facts stated in the affidavit.
  • A statement that there are no other heirs than those listed.
  
  

• Signatures and Notarization:The affidavit must be signed by one or more disinterested parties who have personal knowledge of the deceased's family history and the identity of the heirs. These individuals cannot be the heirs themselves. Their signatures must be notarized by a licensed notary public to be legally valid.

• Filing:While not always required to be filed with the court, the Affidavit of Heirship may need to be presented to banks, financial institutions, or other entities holding the deceased's assets to facilitate the transfer of ownership. In some cases, it might be recorded in the county's property records, especially if it involves the transfer of personal property like a vehicle.

When is an Affidavit of Heirship Used in Washington State?

An Affidavit of Heirship can be a useful tool in specific situations in Washington State, such as:

• Transferring Bank Accounts: If the deceased had a bank account with a relatively small balance, the bank might accept an Affidavit of Heirship to release the funds to the rightful heirs.

• Transferring Vehicle Titles: The Department of Licensing (DOL) in Washington State may accept an Affidavit of Heirship to transfer the title of a vehicle to the heirs.

• Collecting Personal Property: For other personal belongings of the deceased, such as furniture or jewelry, an Affidavit of Heirship can help establish ownership for the heirs.

• Small Estates: When the total value of the probate estate (excluding the surviving spouse's community property interest) does not exceed $100,000, a Small Estate Affidavit (which functions similarly to an Affidavit of Heirship in this context) can be used to collect and distribute assets.

Limitations of an Affidavit of Heirship

While an Affidavit of Heirship can simplify the inheritance process in some cases, it's important to understand its limitations in Washington State:

• Real Property: Generally, an Affidavit of Heirship cannot be used to transfer the title of real estate. For real property, a formal probate proceeding is usually required.

• Complex Estates: If the estate is large, involves numerous assets, or if there are disputes among potential heirs, an Affidavit of Heirship is likely not sufficient, and formal probate will be necessary.

• Legal Challenges: Even if an Affidavit of Heirship is used, it can still be challenged in court if someone believes they have a valid claim to the estate.

Key Information to Include

To ensure the Affidavit of Heirship is valid and effective in Washington State, it must accurately include:

• Full legal name and details of the deceased.
• Date and place of death.
• Marital history of the deceased.
• Names and details of all legal heirs.
• Relationship of each heir to the deceased.
• Description of the assets being claimed.
• Statement of the affiant's knowledge and lack of interest.
• Notarized signatures of disinterested witnesses.

Conclusion

The Affidavit of Heirship can be a valuable tool for streamlining the transfer of certain assets when a loved one passes away without a will in Washington State. By understanding its purpose, requirements, and limitations, you can better navigate the inheritance process and ensure that the deceased's assets are properly distributed to their rightful heirs.