Dying Without A Will
RCW 11.04.015 — the spouse's community share, and a half, three-quarters or all of the separate estate
In Washington, the surviving spouse or registered domestic partner of a person who dies without a will receives all of the person's share of the net community estate, and a share of the net separate estate.
| Who else survives | The spouse's share of the separate estate |
|---|---|
| Who else survivesIssue | The spouse's share of the separate estateOne-half |
| Who else survivesNo issue, but a parent or a parent's issue | The spouse's share of the separate estateThree-quarters |
| Who else survivesNo issue, parent, or issue of a parent | The spouse's share of the separate estateAll of it |
- What does not go to the spouse, or all of it if there is none, goes first to the issue.
- With no issue, to the surviving parent or parents.
- With neither, to the parents' issue: brothers, sisters and their descendants.
- Then to the grandparents, half to each side, and then to the grandparents' issue.
Sources for this section (1)
- RCW 11.04.015 — Descent and distribution
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.