How to Stay Updated on Probate Laws

Probate laws aren’t set in stone—they change from time to time based on court rulings, legislation, and updates at both the state and county levels. If you're working in probate real estate or serving families navigating estate transitions, staying informed isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Here’s how to stay up-to-date on probate laws so you can serve your clients confidently and compliantly.

1. Follow Your State's Official Probate Resources

In Washington State, the best place to begin is the Washington Courts website and the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Title 11—which covers probate and trust law. Bookmark these pages and check for updates every few months.

You can also monitor:

• Local Superior Court websites

• County-level probate court resources (especially if you serve multiple counties)

2. Attend Legal or Industry Workshops

Workshops, CLE (Continuing Legal Education) events, and real estate webinars often include probate updates. Even if you’re not an attorney, many are open to professionals like you.

Pro Tip: Join mailing lists from trusted probate attorneys or local bar associations. They often send out updates when probate statutes change.

3. Connect with Probate Attorneys and Estate Planners

Your network is one of your greatest assets. Build strong relationships with probate attorneys, paralegals, and financial planners. When laws shift, they’re often the first to know—and sharing insights keeps you aligned as a valuable resource to each other.

4. Stay Active in Professional Communities

Join professional groups focused on probate, senior transitions, or real estate planning—especially those that offer training or certification, like CPRES or Real Estate Planners™. They often publish real-time updates that matter most to practitioners in the field.

Conclusion

Laws change, but your value grows when you stay informed. Staying current on probate updates helps you serve your clients with accuracy, build stronger professional relationships, and position yourself as a go-to expert in your niche.

Want to stay ahead of local changes in Washington’s probate process? Let’s connect—I’m committed to keeping families and professionals informed, supported, and protected.