On July 10, 2025, Washington state made headlines in the realm of wills and probate with the introduction of new legislation that will significantly impact how estates are handled in the state. The changes come as part of ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline the probate process, making it more accessible and efficient for all parties involved.One of the key provisions of the new legislation is the establishment of a digital will registry, where individuals can securely store and access their wills online. This will not only make it easier for loved ones to locate and execute a deceased individual's will but will also help prevent the risk of wills being lost or misunderstood. The registry will be maintained by the state government and will be accessible to authorized individuals including family members, attorneys, and designated executors.Another significant change introduced by the legislation is the simplification of the probate process for small estates. Under the new law, estates valued at less than $100,000 will be eligible for expedited probate procedures, which will help reduce the time and cost associated with settling these estates. This change is expected to benefit many families and individuals with modest estates who may have previously found the probate process burdensome and costly.In addition to these changes, the new legislation also includes provisions aimed at addressing issues of estate planning for digital assets. With the rise of online accounts, cryptocurrency, and other digital assets, it has become increasingly important for individuals to include these assets in their estate plans. The new law provides guidance on how to address digital assets in wills and ensures that they are properly accounted for and distributed according to the deceased individual's wishes.Overall, the introduction of this new legislation reflects Washington state's commitment to keeping its probate laws up to date with the changing times and needs of its residents. By modernizing the probate process, the state aims to make it more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible for all individuals involved. The new laws are set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, and are expected to have a significant impact on how estates are handled in the state moving forward.