Washington § 11.54.008 - Property of decedent exempt from legal process remains exempt — Additional designated property.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 11.54.008 — Property of decedent exempt from legal process remains exempt — Additional designated property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 11.54.008. Property of decedent exempt from legal process remains exempt — Additional designated property.

(1) Any homestead or other property exempt from attachment, execution, and forced sale under Title 6 RCW immediately before a decedent's death remains exempt from attachment, execution, and forced sale for the debts of the decedent and the debts of the community composed of the decedent and the decedent's spouse or registered domestic partner that arose before the decedent's death, up to the amount specified in RCW 11.54.020(1), except as otherwise provided in Title 6 RCW or in this chapter.

(2) If the decedent resided or was domiciled in the state of Washington when the decedent died, and either:

(a) No homestead or other property was exempt from attachment, execution, and forced sale under Title 6 RCW immediately before the decedent's death; or

(b) The total value of the property exempted from the claims of creditors under subsection (1) of this section or under the laws of another state (together with the value of any separate property of the decedent's surviving spouse or surviving registered domestic partner that is exempt from attachment, execution, and forced sale for the debts of the decedent's surviving spouse or surviving registered domestic partner) is less than the amount specified in RCW 11.54.020(1)(b);

then the court shall designate other property of the estate, either community or separate, that, when added to the value of: (i) The property exempted under subsection (1) of this section; (ii) the property exempted from attachment, execution, and forced sale under the laws of another state; and (iii) the separate property of the decedent's surviving spouse or surviving registered domestic partner that is exempt from attachment, execution, and forced sale for the debts of the decedent's surviving spouse or surviving registered domestic partner, has an aggregate value that does not exceed the amount specified in RCW 11.54.020(1)(b). This additional designated property, together with any additional award that a court may grant for family support under RCW 11.54.040, shall also be exempt from attachment, execution, and forced sale for the debts of the decedent and the debts of the community composed of the decedent and the decedent's spouse or registered domestic partner that arose before the decedent's death, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

[ 2024 c 20 s 3.]

Notes

Effective date—Savings—2024 c 20: See notes following RCW 11.54.001.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 11.54.008

What does Revised Code of Washington § 11.54.008 cover?

Section 11.54.008 ("Property of decedent exempt from legal process remains exempt — Additional designated property.") 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 § 11.54.008?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 11.54.008" (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 § 11.54.008 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 § 11.54.008 at the Washington source

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