Overview
King County is located in Washington with a population of approximately 2,340,000. The King County Superior Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Washington probate is governed by Title 11 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will, Letters Testamentary, or Letters of 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.
Washington offers a simplified process for small estates called the Small Estate Affidavit procedure. This is available if the value of the probate estate (excluding liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $100,000, and at least 40 days have passed since the date of death.
Washington does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "reasonable" based on the services provided.
This guide provides an informational overview of the King 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
King County Superior Court
Probate matters in King County are handled at the King County Courthouse in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.
Address: 516 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-296-9300 (Clerk's Office)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Ex Parte and Probate Department handles the initial appointment of personal representatives. In Seattle, this is located in Room W-325.
Parking and Access
Parking around the King County Courthouse in Seattle is limited and expensive. Public parking garages, such as the Goat Hill Garage, are available nearby. The courthouse is well-served by public transit, including King County Metro buses and Sound Transit Link Light Rail (Pioneer Square station). Security screening is required for entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the probate estate is valued at $100,000 or less and includes no real property (unless the affidavit is used to clear title to real property under specific conditions), you may be able to use a Small Estate Affidavit after a 40-day waiting period.
- Community Property Agreement: If the decedent and spouse had a valid Community Property Agreement, assets may transfer automatically without 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 Letters of Administration or Probate of Will with the King County Superior Court. Include:
- Case Information Cover Sheet
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee ($290)
- Proposed Order Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
King County requires electronic filing (e-filing) for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may file in person or use the electronic filing system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the appointment to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 20 days of appointment.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in King County (e.g., Daily Journal of Commerce) for three successive weeks to alert creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many probate petitions in King County can be presented ex parte (without a formal hearing) if all documents are in order. If a hearing is required, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, signs the Order. The Clerk then issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish notice to creditors and allow a 4-month creditor claim period.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and administrative expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Declaration of Completion of Probate to close the estate.
Local Requirements
King County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys are mandated to e-file. Pro se litigants are encouraged to use the KC Script Portal for e-filing but may file in paper.
- Ex Parte Department: Initial probate petitions are typically presented to the Ex Parte Department.
- Case Assignment: Upon filing, the case is assigned a case number and may be assigned to a specific judge, though probate matters often stay in the Ex Parte department unless contested.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is commonly published in the Daily Journal of Commerce or Seattle Times.
Always check the King County Local Civil Rules (LCR) for the most up-to-date procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (King County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $290
- Small Estate Affidavit Filing: generally no fee if not filed with court (filing optional but sometimes required for real estate)
- Certified copies of Letters: $5.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Ex Parte Presentation Fee: may apply for certain motions ($30)
Washington does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees are based on reasonable compensation.
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): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The creditor claim period is 4 months from the date of first publication, which sets a minimum duration for the process.
Local Resources
King County Court Resources
- Court Website: King County Superior Court
- Probate Information: King County Department of Judicial Administration
- Washington LawHelp: Washington LawHelp
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- King County Bar Association: 206-267-7010 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Eastside Legal Assistance Program: 425-747-7274 — Legal aid for low-income residents
- Washington State Bar Association: wsba.org
Publication
- Daily Journal of Commerce: 206-622-8272 — Common for legal notices
- Seattle Times: 206-464-2121 — General circulation newspaper