A Personal Representative is permitted to advance expenses out of pocket in caring for, managing, and settling the estate.

In Washington, a Personal Representative (formerly called an Executor or Administrator) is statutorily permitted to advance necessary and reasonable expenses out of pocket on behalf of the probate estate — including funeral costs, filing fees, property maintenance, travel, professional services, and other charges incurred in caring for, managing, and settling the estate (RCW 11.48.050). These expenditures should be documented meticulously and later included in the final accounting to the court, supported by receipts or canceled checks, except that small items under $20 may be sworn without a receipt — up to a total of $300 per estate (RCW 11.76.100). Reimbursement is typically made from estate funds once assets are liquidated or deposits shifted to the estate bank account and must be approved by the court at the time of the final distribution, unless interim allowances have previously been authorized. This process safeguards fiduciary duties, ensuring transparency and fairness to beneficiaries.

If you’ve been named Personal Representative of a loved one’s estate and have questions about estate administration, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help.