No, as with any case, you are always free to represent yourself. However, by hiring an attorney to help you with a probate, you benefit from the training, skills and experience of that attorney.
A probate attorney will be much more familiar with the necessary forms, procedures, and practices necessary to successfully complete a probate. This will save you time, and can also speed up the overall process in many cases.
If you do decide to do a probate on your own, some forms can be found online, or at the local county law library. However, librarians and court clerks are not allowed to give legal advice or advise on the proper completion of such forms.
The Washington Supreme Court recently passed a rule authorizing the licensing of “legal technicians” who will be permitted to provide some limited advice and assistance with filling out forms and otherwise navigating the legal process. However, at this time, there are no legal technicians in the area of probate.
