Overview
Greeley County is located in Western Kansas with a population of approximately 1,200. The Greeley County District Court (part of the 25th Judicial District) handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Kansas probate is governed by Chapter 59 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.). The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will (testate) or Petition for Administration (intestate) to appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
For smaller estates, Kansas offers a Small Estate Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $75,000 or less (K.S.A. 59-1507b). There is also a "Refusal to Grant Letters" procedure for certain small estates where assets are needed to pay funeral expenses or statutory allowances.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Greeley 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
Greeley County District Court
Probate matters in Greeley County are handled at the Greeley County Courthouse.
Address: 616 2nd Street, Tribune, KS 67879
Phone: (620) 272-3652 (District Court Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Mountain Time)
The District Court is located on the main floor of the courthouse. The Clerk of the District Court accepts filings and maintains probate records.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is available around the courthouse square in Tribune. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.
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 and there is no real estate (or real estate is not the primary issue), successors may be able to use an affidavit to collect assets.
- Refusal to Grant Letters: A simplified court procedure for small estates where assets are limited to statutory allowances or funeral costs.
- 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 or Petition for Administration with the Greeley County District Court. Include:
- The original Petition (signed and verified)
- The original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- The filing fee (typically around $195.00, but verify with the clerk)
- A list of heirs and beneficiaries
Kansas courts generally require documents to be filed by an attorney or a pro se litigant who follows strict formatting rules. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in Kansas.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties as required by statute (typically at least 10 days before the hearing).
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Greeley County, such as The Greeley County Republican, 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 (for wills) or Letters of Administration (no will).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors: Creditors have four months from the date of the first published notice to file claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 30 days of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will or state intestate laws.
- File a Final Accounting and Petition for Final Settlement to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Greeley County-Specific Procedures
- Judicial District: Greeley County is part of the 25th Judicial District (along with Finney, Hamilton, Kearny, Scott, and Wichita counties).
- E-Filing: Attorneys are required to file electronically via the Kansas Courts e-filing system. Pro se litigants may file in paper at the clerk's office.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in The Greeley County Republican.
- Hearings: Hearings are scheduled based on the judge's rotation in the district. Confirm dates with the clerk.
Always check with the Clerk of the District Court for the most current local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Greeley County)
Fees are subject to change. Contact the court for the exact current schedule.
- Probate of Will / Administration: approximately $195.00 (includes docket fee and surcharges)
- Small Estate Affidavit / Refusal to Grant Letters: approximately $48.50 - $70.50
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $10.00 - $15.00
- Publication costs: approximately $150.00 - $200.00 (payable to the newspaper)
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a processing fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months (due to the 4-month creditor period)
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The mandatory four-month creditor claim period sets the minimum duration for most formal probates.
Local Resources
Greeley County Court Resources
- Court Website: 25th Judicial District
- Probate Self-Help: Kansas Judicial Council - Probate Forms
- Kansas Bar Association: Public Resources
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Kansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 928-3111
- Kansas Legal Services: (785) 233-2068 — kansaslegalservices.org
Publication
- The Greeley County Republican: (620) 376-4264 — Official county newspaper for legal notices.