State of Washington. How to Probate a Washington Descendant's Estate --- To "Do It Yourself" without a Lawyer Blank Forms AlphabeticalHow do I fill this out? The vast majority of surviving spouses have to hire a lawyer and go through a formal probate in the State of Washington. The informant who is listed on the death record and the surviving spouse must complete and sign the affidavit. To claim the money, the legal next-of-kin must submit a completed and notarized Affidavit for Distribution of Decedent's Property. It shows how to complete and file federal income tax returns and explains their responsibility to pay any taxes due on behalf of the decedent. Your next of kin may extend further down your bloodline if you have no surviving spouse or living children. If no spouse or child exists, parents, siblings, grandparents, or other next of kin inherit the estate. What Does a Will Do?