This procedure allows someone legally entitled to inherit a decedent's personal property to get that property without going through probate. A Small Estate Affidavit, along with a copy of a certified death certificate, should be taken to the bank that holds the account.Begin the probate process. A small estate affidavit can offer a practical solution for managing the assets of a deceased without the need for probate. Washington law (RCW 30A. 22.100) permits several ways to title a checking account, savings account, or Certificate of Deposit, whether at a bank or credit union. The purposes of this chapter are: (1) To provide a consistent law applicable to all financial institutions authorized to accept deposits from individuals. Ask the bank how much this estate account will cost, as well as what they need you to submit: a Will, a death certificate, etc. Discover the pitfalls of adding children to your bank account or property deed in estate planning. If there is an estate where things will be sold, like a house, you just tell the bank you need to open an estate account.