Overview
Slope County is located in North Dakota with a population of approximately 660. The Southwest Judicial District Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
North Dakota probate is governed by North Dakota Century Code Title 30.1 (Uniform Probate Code). The process begins with filing an Application for Informal Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative 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.
North Dakota offers a simplified process for small estates valued at $100,000 or less (effective July 1, 2025). An Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property can be used 30 days after death to collect assets without full court administration.
North Dakota does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on the services provided and the complexity of the estate.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Slope 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
Slope County District Court
Probate matters in Slope County are handled at the Slope County Courthouse.
Address: 206 Main St, Amidon, ND 58620
Phone: (701) 879-6275 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of Court's office is located within the county courthouse in Amidon. This court is part of the Southwest Judicial District.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available around the courthouse building. The facility is accessible to the public during standard business hours.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property: If the estate is valued at $100,000 or less (less liens/encumbrances) and no real property is involved, you may be able to use this affidavit 30 days after death.
- Summary Administration: For estates where the value of the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed the homestead allowance, exempt property, family allowance, costs of administration, reasonable funeral expenses, and reasonable medical expenses of the last illness.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file an Application for Informal Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative with the Slope County District Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Application for Informal Probate
- Certified death certificate
- $80.00 filing fee
- Statement of Informal Probate and Letters Testamentary/Administration
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants via the Odyssey File & Serve system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (if formal) or notice of appointment (if informal) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Slope County (typically The Bowman County Pioneer) for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing is typically not required unless the application is contested. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing. If approved, the judge or clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors by publication (creditors have 3 months from the first publication to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months 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 or closing statement
Local Requirements
Slope County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys must file electronically. Self-represented parties may file in paper or electronically via Odyssey File & Serve.
- Local Court Rules: Consult the Southwest Judicial District for specific local administrative orders.
- Form Format: Forms should generally follow the North Dakota Legal Self Help Center templates.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Slope County for three consecutive weeks.
The court may require a bond unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries agree to waive it.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Slope County)
- Probate Filing Fee: approximately $80
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $10 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Recording fees: vary by document type and page count for real estate
North Dakota does not set statutory attorney or executor fees; they must be reasonable.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years
The creditor claim period is 3 months from the first date of publication, which sets a minimum timeline for closing the estate.
Local Resources
Slope County Court Resources
- Court Website: ndcourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: North Dakota Legal Self Help Center
- North Dakota Probate Forms: ND Courts Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar Association of North Dakota: (701) 255-1404 — Attorney referral service and legal resources.
- Legal Services of North Dakota: (800) 634-5263 — Legal assistance for low-income residents.
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: sband.org
Publication
- The Bowman County Pioneer: (701) 523-5622 — Official newspaper for legal notices in the region.
- The Dickinson Press: (701) 456-1100 — Regional newspaper covering Southwest North Dakota.