What is the procedure during probate of an estate with no will?

Marie was not married to James who died before making a will. James parents became executor of the estate. Does Marie have any rights to his estate after living as man and wife for about 17 years? Plus Maries name was on the court document that awarded Jamses parents excecutive privelages as a person with a claim towards the estate. Should she get her own laywer or can she use the lawyer that is currently helping James parents with the probate? This is in Washington State.