Updated September 7, 2026. Quick answer: In Washington, washington’s RCW 11.28.185 makes bond the general expectation for a personal representative but lists several grounds on which bond or other security is not required.
Does Washington require an executor to post a bond?
Washington’s RCW 11.28.185 makes bond the general expectation for a personal representative but lists several grounds on which bond or other security is not required.
“When the terms of the decedent’s will manifest an intent that the personal representative appointed to administer the estate shall not be required to furnish bond or other security”
Source: Wash. Rev. Code § 11.28.185
Can the will waive it in Washington?
Yes. Bond is not required when the terms of the decedent’s will manifest an intent that the personal representative shall not be required to furnish bond or other security.
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Can the heirs or beneficiaries waive it in Washington?
Sometimes. Bond is not required if the personal representative is the surviving spouse or domestic partner and the entire estate will be distributed to that person; the court otherwise retains discretion to waive or reduce bond.
If a bond is required, how much?
Washington lets a successor collect a small estate by affidavit, without a bond, once it is worth $100,000 or less.“the personal representative shall give such bond or other security, in such amount and with such surety or sureties, as the court may direct”
Source: Wash. Rev. Code § 11.28.185
What makes Washington different
Washington ties one of its automatic no-bond grounds specifically to a surviving spouse/domestic partner who is also the sole beneficiary; narrower than a generic ‘sole beneficiary’ rule; and separately lets the court substitute alternative security arrangements in lieu of a traditional surety bond.
| Bond-requirement source | Wash. Rev. Code § 11.28.185 |
| Washington courts (general reference) | Washington judicial branch |
| Supplemental-figure source | Wash. Rev. Code § 11.62.010 |
| Confidence | High |
Every statute quoted on this page was read directly from the state’s own legislature/code site this session, or, where that site blocked automated access, from a reputable legal-citation mirror quoting the same official text with its official citation (disclosed below). General information, not legal advice; a probate court has final discretion over bond in every state; confirm your own case with the court or a local attorney before relying on the default described here.
Related: how long creditors have to file a claim against an estate in Washington.