Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington

Re: Wills

First, I grew up in Denison, Iowa (about 25 miles down the road from you). To answer your question, as a matter of law the Will may be read anytime (or for that matter never formally read, just have notices sent out to the heirs, beneficiaries and legatees). I can however imagine logistical problems that may result in having to open a probate case in order to obtain letters of administration, these would be required to have a bank grant access to a safe deposit box in the testator's name or the death certificate would be required to withdraw a will from a County Will Repository. To open a probate case a certified copy of the death certificate is required.