Funds belonging to a deceased depositor which remain on deposit in a joint account without right of survivorship belong to the depositor's estate. Discover when a surviving spouse in Washington needs to initiate probate.Understand the probate process and community property issues. 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. Overview of the Administering Process. A Small Estate Affidavit, along with a copy of a certified death certificate, should be taken to the bank that holds the account. A transfer on death deed (TODD) is a legal document that allows a person to transfer ownership of their property after they die. The small estate affidavit process in Washington is designed to be straightforward, requiring minimal paperwork compared to traditional probate. A medallion signature guarantee must be completed in person because it confirms your identity, signature and legal authority to transfer securities.