A step-by-step interactive guide written by someone who's been through it — without an attorney.
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No legal jargon. No endless searching. Just clear, practical guidance through every step.
Every phase of probate explained in plain language — from determining if probate is required to closing the estate. Available for all 50 states.
Task-by-task checklists for every step. Check things off as you go — the app remembers your progress.
7 pre-written letters — creditor notices, Social Security notification, executor authority letter, distribution notices, and more. Edit and print in seconds.
Track all assets, debts, and distributions with live running totals. Generates the summary you need for the court's final accounting.
Every required court form with direct download links and field-by-field fill-in instructions. No guessing what goes where.
Enter the estate value and answer one question — the app immediately tells you whether you qualify for the simplified Small Estate Affidavit path.
Every step is this clear. No fluff, no vague advice — just what to do and why.
Find out whether you need the small estate path or full probate.
Before diving into paperwork, ask: does this estate even need probate?
If the estate's total value is less than $100,000 and includes no real estate, you may qualify for the Small Estate Affidavit — a much faster, simpler process. File the affidavit form and present it directly to banks and other institutions holding assets.
Example: Aunt left $80,000 in savings and personal belongings but no home → Small Estate Affidavit applies.
If the estate is valued over $100,000 or includes real estate of any value, you'll need full probate. Don't be intimidated — broken into steps, it's very manageable.
Most estates are more straightforward than people think. Here's how to know if this is the right path for you.
"When my mother passed away, I was faced with a daunting list of tasks that needed immediate attention. Amid the grief and the endless to-dos, I quickly realized that probate — a process I'd heard about but never fully understood — was now my responsibility. Like many people in this situation, I started looking into hiring an attorney. But after getting a few quotes, I was taken aback by the cost. I knew my mother's estate wasn't large enough to justify such an expense. That's when I made a decision that, in hindsight, was one of the best I could have made: I decided to file probate myself."
"Now, let me be clear — this wasn't an easy decision. The process was unfamiliar, intimidating, and the last thing I wanted to deal with while grieving. I spent countless hours sitting in traffic, paying for parking, and waiting at the courthouse. I've lost count of how many times I visited the clerk's office, each time coming away with more questions than answers. But through determination, persistence, and a bit of trial and error, I managed to navigate the entire process on my own."
"This guide is what I wish I'd had when I started. If you're willing to put in a little effort, you can do this yourself too — and I'm here to help you every step of the way."
From verified reviews of Filing Probate: A DIY Guide for Washington State
"This book is an absolute lifesaver during one of the most difficult times anyone can go through. Losing a loved one is overwhelming on its own, and the probate process can feel confusing, expensive, and emotionally draining. This guide breaks everything down in a way that actually makes sense. The instructions are clear, step-by-step, and written in a calm, compassionate tone that makes a complicated legal process feel manageable."
"What I appreciated most were the practical tools — checklists, real guidance on paperwork, and explanations of what needs to be done and when. It doesn't just tell you what probate is; it shows you how to actually handle it yourself without immediately turning to costly legal help."
"This guide is especially valuable for executors who feel out of their depth. It helps you stay organized, avoid common mistakes, and move through each stage with more confidence and less stress. Highly recommended for anyone dealing with estate matters in Washington State. It truly empowers you to take control of the process."
"This guide made a very difficult process feel manageable. It breaks down probate in Washington State into clear, simple steps and removes a lot of the confusion and stress. The checklists and practical instructions are especially helpful for staying organized. A great resource for anyone handling an estate on their own."
"Clear, practical, and easy to follow. This book takes something overwhelming like probate and explains it in plain language with step-by-step guidance. It's a helpful resource that gives you confidence to handle the process without feeling lost or constantly second-guessing what to do next."
"Very helpful and straightforward guide. It explains probate in Washington State in a way that's easy to understand and actually doable without legal jargon. The step-by-step format makes a stressful process feel much more manageable."
"Exactly what you need during a difficult time. This book simplifies probate and keeps everything organized with clear instructions and useful checklists. It's practical, calm, and easy to follow from start to finish."
"A great resource for anyone dealing with estate matters. It walks you through the probate process in a clear, structured way and helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed. The guidance is simple, direct, and very useful."
"This book is incredibly helpful during a time that is already emotionally and mentally overwhelming. It takes the confusing probate process and breaks it down into clear, manageable steps. I especially appreciated the organization and checklists that keep you on track and help prevent costly mistakes. It gives you confidence that you can actually get through the process without immediately relying on expensive legal help."
"Exactly what many people need when they suddenly find themselves responsible for an estate. It explains each step in plain language, from filing paperwork to managing accounts and distributing assets, without overwhelming legal jargon. The tone is calm and supportive, which really helps reduce stress. A solid, reliable resource that makes a complicated process feel much more approachable."
"This guide does a great job of simplifying something most people are unprepared for. Probate can feel intimidating, but this book lays everything out in a logical order so you always know what to do next. What stands out most is how user-friendly it is — it feels like having someone walk you through the process step-by-step. A very useful tool for executors or anyone planning ahead."
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This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
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State Probate Guides
Learn the rules, thresholds, and timelines for probate in your state — before you buy.