Overview
Mason County is located in Washington with a population of approximately 69,632. The Mason 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 RCW. The process begins with filing a Petition for Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary 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 "Small Estate Affidavit" procedure for estates valued at $100,000 or less that do not include real property. This process can be used 40 days after death without opening a full probate.
Washington does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable and are typically based on the time and complexity of the work rather than a percentage of the estate.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Mason 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
Mason County Superior Court
Probate matters in Mason County are handled at the Mason County Courthouse.
Address: 419 N 4th St, Shelton, WA 98584
Phone: (360) 427-9670 (Clerk's Office ext. 348)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Superior Court Clerk's office is located on the second floor of the courthouse. This is where you will file all probate documents.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available around the courthouse in downtown Shelton. There are also public parking lots nearby. Security screening is required upon entering the courthouse building.
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 $100,000 or less and contains no real property, you may be able to use this simplified procedure after a 40-day waiting period.
- Community Property Agreement: If the decedent and spouse had a valid agreement, assets may transfer automatically to the surviving spouse 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 Probate with the Mason County Superior Court. Include:
- Case Information Cover Sheet
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $240)
- Proposed Order and Oath of Personal Representative
Check with the court regarding the availability of e-filing; typically, initial petitions must be filed in person or by mail with the original will.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing and appointment, you must:
- Mail notice of the appointment to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 20 days.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Mason County (such as the Shelton-Mason County Journal) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many probate petitions in Washington can be approved ex parte (without a formal hearing) if all documents are in order. If a hearing is required, the court will schedule it, typically 2 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:
- Publish a Notice to Creditors and mail a copy to known creditors (the creditor claim period is generally 4 months).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months.
- Pay valid creditor claims.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Declaration of Completion to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Mason County-Specific Procedures
- Case Cover Sheet: A specific Case Information Cover Sheet is required for all new filings.
- Original Will: The original will must be filed with the Clerk's office.
- Ex Parte: Mason County has specific times for ex parte matters; check the current court schedule if you need immediate orders signed.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Mason County for three consecutive weeks.
Always check the current Mason County Local Court Rules (LCR) for any updates to filing procedures.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Mason County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $240
- Ex Parte Fee: approximately $30
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Non-Judicial Probate Filing: approximately $20
Washington fees are based on "reasonable compensation" rather than a percentage.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a fee). A service fee applies to card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years+
The mandatory creditor claim period is 4 months, which sets the minimum duration for most probates.
Local Resources
Mason County Court Resources
- Court Website: masoncountywa.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Washington LawHelp
- Washington Probate Forms: WA Courts Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Mason County Bar Association: (360) 426-7198 — Local legal community resources
- Northwest Justice Project: 1-888-201-1014 — Civil legal aid for low-income residents
- WSBA Lawyer Referral: wsba.org
Publication
- Shelton-Mason County Journal: (360) 426-4412 — Official newspaper of record