Are there ways to avoid the probate process?

Washington is a community property state. If you and your spouse have signed a Community Property Agreement, all assets will pass to the surviving spouse without the probate process. There are several methods to use to avoid the probate process. These methods include creating a joint ownership with right to survival in property such as real estate, automobiles and other titled property; making beneficiary designations on accounts such as payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts and transfer-on-death (TOD) securities; and placing property in a revocable living trust. Your attorney can help you manage your property to avoid probate and to transfer property smoothly to your beneficiaries after your death.