DAL Law Firm: How long does Probate take in Washington state? In some cases, it may take longer, especially if there are complications, disputes, or real estate that needs to be sold. It involves validating the will, appointing a personal representative, gathering assets, paying debts, filing tax return(s), and making distributions to the beneficiaries. In Washington State, the process is often smoother than in many other states because Washington has a relatively straightforward probate system. If the probate estate includes real property, such as a home that needs to be sold, that can extend the timeline.