Mother's bank account

What is the name of your state? Washington state: My mother has recently passed away and only prepared for minimal expenses of her death. Being her only child, and on Social Security/Disability myself these added expenses have caused a hardship for me. Even though I had Power of Attorney while she lived, I am unable to collect funds from her checking account, as she forgot to add my name to her account. I am possitive that I am entitled to this money beings that I am her only child AND that I am disabled (although, she did not claim me as a dependent for tax purposes). I have been told there is a 'form' to be submitted....either to the courts or just to her bank...that would make 'official' claim to these funds. I need to know the name of this form and the process needed to file it properly. I would thank in advance anyone who can help/give me direction...

If there is no real property involved and the personal property is less than $100,000, you should be able to use a Small Estate Affadavit. This website has extensive information about probate in Washington:

http://www.wa-probate.com/

The website's page dealing with small estates is here:

http://www.small-estate-affidavit.com/Small-Estate-Affidavit-Proc.htm