The information entered in this tab forms the foundation of the probate pleadings. It establishes the decedent’s identity, domicile, marital status, and property characterization — all of which directly affect heirship determinations and notice requirements under Washington law.
Purpose of This Tab
The Decedent Information tab:
Establishes the decedent’s legal identity for the caption and Petition
Confirms date of death and county of residence for venue
Captures marital status at death
Identifies how property was characterized during marriage
Provides information necessary to determine heirs for notice purposes
Several selections in this tab directly affect who must receive notice of the probate proceeding.
Name and Identifying Information
Enter the decedent’s full legal name exactly as it appears on the death certificate.
This name will populate the caption and all probate pleadings. Use the decedent’s legal name, even if the Will uses a shortened name or variation.
If there is a discrepancy between the legal name and how the decedent is identified in the Will, the generated documents may require manual revision after drafting to reconcile the difference (for example, by adding “also known as” language where appropriate).
County of Residence and Venue
Enter the decedent’s county of residence at the time of death. This determines:
Proper probate venue; or
If the probate is filed in a different county, the county of publication for the Notice to Creditors.
Accurate entry of the county is necessary to ensure proper venue statements and creditor notice language.
Address Information
If the decedent lived at the same address as the client, you may select the option to copy the Client’s address. This automatically populates the address fields for efficiency and consistency. If the decedent’s address differs, enter the decedent’s last residence manually.
Marital Status at Death
You must indicate the decedent’s marital status at the time of death. This selection is critical because marital status affects:
Identification of heirs
Community property analysis
Notice requirements
Recitals in the Petition
Even in a testate probate, heirship matters for statutory notice purposes. Be sure the marital status accurately reflects the decedent’s status on the date of death.
Character of Property with Spouse
If the decedent was married at death, you must indicate how the decedent owned property with their spouse:
All as community property
None, all as separate property
Some as community property and some as separate property
The characterization of property affects:
The spouse’s property rights
Identification of heirs
Who must receive notice
Statements included in the Petition
Accurate property characterization supports proper heir determination and ensures required notice is provided to the correct individuals.
Why This Section Matters for Notice
Even when there is a valid Will, Washington probate law requires notice to certain heirs. The combination of:
Marital status
Children and descendantsProperty characterization
determines who qualifies as an heir for notice purposes. Incorrect entries in this section can result in incomplete notice or incorrect heir identification in the pleadings.
Even in a testate probate, Washington law requires notice to certain heirs. Marital status and property characterization — together with the decedent’s children and descendants — determine who qualifies as an heir for notice purposes. Incorrect entries may result in incomplete or improper notice.