Overview
Kingman County is located in Kansas with a population of approximately 6,946. The Kingman 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 Chapter 59 of the Kansas Statutes. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will (testate) or Petition for Administration (intestate) 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 simplified process for small estates. If the total value of the estate is $75,000 or less, heirs may be able to use a Small Estate Affidavit to transfer assets without full court administration.
Kansas law does not set a mandatory statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be "reasonable" and are subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Kingman 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
Kingman County District Court
Probate matters in Kingman County are handled at the Kingman County Courthouse.
Address: 130 N Spruce, Kingman, KS 67068
Phone: (620) 532-5151 (Clerk of the District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The District Court is located on the 3rd floor of the historic Kingman County Courthouse. The Clerk's office accepts filings and can answer procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is generally available around the courthouse square. The building is accessible to the public during business hours, with security screening required at the entrance.
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 involved (or real estate is handled separately), you may be able to use an affidavit.
- Transfer on Death (TOD): Assets with named beneficiaries (like bank accounts or real estate with a TOD deed) bypass probate.
- 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 with the Kingman County District Court. Include:
- The original Petition (signed and verified)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $195.00)
- Order for Hearing and Notice of Hearing
Kansas courts utilize the eFlex electronic filing system, which is mandatory for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may file in paper at the Clerk's office.
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 (timelines may vary by specific procedure).
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Kingman County, such as the Kingman Leader-Courier, for three successive 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 creditors (Kansas has a 4-month creditor claim period 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 final settlement
Local Requirements
Kingman County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys are required to file electronically via the Kansas Courts eFlex system. Pro se litigants may file paper documents.
- Bond requirements: A bond is typically required for administrators unless waived by the will or by all heirs/beneficiaries.
- Local court rules: The 30th Judicial District may have specific local rules regarding scheduling and document formatting. Check with the Clerk.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Kingman County for three consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Clerk of the District Court for the most current local forms and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Kingman County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $195.00
- Simplified Estate / Determination of Descent: approximately $70.00 - $100.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $10.00 - $15.00 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150.00-$200.00 depending on the newspaper
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court filing fee (filed with holder of property)
Kansas law allows for reasonable attorney and executor fees, which are subject to court approval based on the complexity of the estate.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 4-6 months
- Average estates: 6-9 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The creditor claim period in Kansas is 4 months from the first date of publication, which sets a minimum duration for most formal probates.
Local Resources
Kingman County Court Resources
- Court Website: kscourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Kansas Judicial Council
- Kansas Probate Forms: Kansas Judicial Council Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Kansas Bar Association: (785) 234-5696 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Kansas Legal Services: (800) 723-6953 — Legal aid for qualifying residents
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: ksbar.org
Publication
- Kingman Leader-Courier: (620) 532-3151 — Official county newspaper