Washington § 11.40.020 - Notice to creditors — Manner — Filings — Publication.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 11.40.020 — Notice to creditors — Manner — Filings — Publication., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 11.40.020. Notice to creditors — Manner — Filings — Publication.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, a personal representative may give notice to the creditors of the decedent, in substantially the form set forth in RCW 11.40.030, announcing the personal representative's appointment and requiring that persons having claims against the decedent present their claims within the time specified in RCW 11.40.051 or be forever barred as to claims against the decedent's probate and nonprobate assets. If notice is given:

(a) The personal representative shall file the notice with the court;

(b) The personal representative shall cause the notice to be published once each week for three successive weeks in a legal newspaper in the county in which the estate is being administered;

(c) The personal representative may, at any time during the probate proceeding, give actual notice to creditors who become known to the personal representative by serving the notice on the creditor or mailing the notice to the creditor at the creditor's last known address, by regular first-class mail, postage prepaid; and

(d) The personal representative shall also mail a copy of the notice, including the decedent's social security number, to the state of Washington department of social and health services office of financial recovery.

The personal representative shall file with the court proof by affidavit of the giving and publication of the notice.

(2) If the decedent was a resident of the state of Washington at the time of death and probate proceedings are commenced in a county other than the county of the decedent's residence, then instead of the requirements under subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section, the personal representative shall cause the notice to creditors in substantially the form set forth in RCW 11.40.030 to be published once each week for three successive weeks in a legal newspaper in the county of the decedent's residence and shall file the notice with the superior court of the county in which the probate proceedings were commenced.

[ 2005 c 97 s 4; 1999 c 42 s 601; 1997 c 252 s 8; 1974 ex.s. c 117 s 34; 1965 c 145 s 11.40.020. Prior: 1917 c 156 s 108; RRS s 1478; prior: 1883 p 29 s 1; Code 1881 s 1468.]

Notes

Effective date—1999 c 42: See RCW 11.96A.902.

Application—1997 c 252 ss 1-73: See note following RCW 11.02.005.

Application, construction—Severability—Effective date—1974 ex.s. c 117: See RCW 11.02.080 and notes following.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 11.40.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 11.40.020 cover?

Section 11.40.020 ("Notice to creditors — Manner — Filings — Publication.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 11.40.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 11.40.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 11.40.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 11.40.020 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.