Overview
Dickinson County is located in Kansas with a population of approximately 18,400. The Dickinson County District Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Kansas probate is governed by Kansas Statutes Chapter 59. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will (Form 501) or Petition for Administration to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Kansas offers a "Refusal to Grant Letters" for very small estates and a "Determination of Descent" for property transfer after 6 months from death. If the estate is valued at $75,000 or less, you may be able to use a simplified affidavit process to transfer assets without full probate.
Fees are generally based on a flat filing fee schedule rather than a percentage of the estate value.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Dickinson County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Dickinson County District Court
Probate matters in Dickinson County are handled at the Dickinson County Courthouse.
Address: 109 East 1st Street, 2nd Floor, Abilene, KS 67410
Phone: (785) 263-3142 (Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The District Court is located on the 2nd floor of the historic Dickinson County Courthouse in Abilene.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square. Security screening is required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $75,000 or less, you may be able to use a simplified affidavit process to transfer assets without full probate.
- Refusal to Grant Letters: The court may refuse to grant letters of administration if the estate value is not greater than the allowances due to the surviving spouse or minor children.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate of Will (Form 501) or Petition for Administration with the Dickinson County District Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Petition for Probate
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Filing fee (approx. $109.50 - $195.00 depending on the petition)
- List of heirs and beneficiaries
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants in the 8th Judicial District.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before the hearing
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Dickinson County for three consecutive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 3 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify known creditors and publish notice for unknown creditors. The creditor claim period is 4 months from the date of first publication.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 30 days of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Dickinson County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: The 8th Judicial District requires e-filing for attorneys.
- Exact Cash Payments: As of Dec 1, 2025, the Clerk's office accepts cash payments only in the exact amount.
- Local Court Rules: Consult the 8th Judicial District local rules for specific formatting and procedural requirements.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Dickinson County for three consecutive weeks.
Attorneys must e-file. Cash payments must be exact.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Dickinson County)
- Petition for Probate of Will / Administration: approximately $109.50
- Determination of Descent: approximately $71.50
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $10-$15 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Filing Will & Affidavit: approximately $70.50
Kansas does not have a statutory percentage fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be "reasonable" and approved by the court.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash (exact amount), checks, money orders, and credit cards (with fee). Credit card payments may incur a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum duration for most formal probates.
Local Resources
Dickinson County Court Resources
- Court Website: 8thkscourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Kansas Judicial Council Probate Forms
- Kansas Probate Forms: Kansas Judicial Council
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Kansas Bar Association: (785) 234-5696 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Kansas Legal Services: (785) 263-2412 — Legal Aid Organization
- ksbar.org: ksbar.org
Publication
- Dickinson County News-Times: (785) 524-4200 — Official Legal Publication
- Abilene Reflector-Chronicle: (785) 263-1000 — General Circulation