What Happens to Your Washington Home If You Die Without a Will? (It's Not What You Think)

Most Washington homeowners assume their spouse will automatically inherit the family home if they die without a will. The reality under Washington’s intestate succession laws is more complicated – especially for blended families, unmarried partners, and anyone who owns separate property acquired before marriage. Community property rules mean a surviving spouse may inherit only a fraction of the home, with the rest passing to children from prior relationships. Probate in these cases routinely takes 6 to 18 months and can consume a meaningful portion of the estate’s value. A basic will, a revocable living trust, or a community property agreement can prevent these outcomes – but only if the planning is done before it’s needed. This piece breaks down how Washington intestate law actually works, where the biggest risks are for real families in 2026, and what steps homeowners can take now to keep the decision-making where it belongs: with them.