Overview
Pierce County is located in Washington with a population of approximately 941,170. The Pierce 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 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 "Small Estate Affidavit" procedure for estates valued at $100,000 or less, provided at least 40 days have passed since the death and no personal representative has been appointed.
Washington does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable and are subject to court review if contested.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Pierce 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
Pierce County Superior Court
Probate matters in Pierce County are handled at the County-City Building.
Address: 930 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 798-7455 (Clerk's Office)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk's Office is located in Room 110 on the first floor. Probate filings are processed here. The Superior Court Administration is located in Room 334.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available at the "Green Lot" located at 701 S 11th St, as well as other nearby lots managed by LAZ Parking. Street parking is limited and strictly enforced. The courthouse is also accessible via Pierce Transit bus routes.
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 includes no real estate, 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 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 with the Pierce County Superior Court. Include:
- Case Information Cover Sheet
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $292)
- Proposed Order and Letters
Attorneys are required to e-file via the LINX system. Pro se litigants may file in person at the Clerk's Office.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (if applicable) or notice of appointment to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 20 days of appointment.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Pierce County for three successive weeks to alert creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many probate petitions in Pierce County can be handled ex parte (without a hearing) if all documents are in order. If a hearing is required, the judge or commissioner 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 and allow a 4-month period for claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Declaration of Completion to close the estate
Local Requirements
Pierce County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Pierce County uses the LINX (Legal Information Network Exchange) system. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys.
- Ex Parte Probate: Routine probate matters are often handled on the Ex Parte docket.
- Local Forms: Pierce County has specific local forms available on the LINX website or Clerk's office.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Pierce County for three successive weeks. Common choices include the Tacoma Daily Index and The News Tribune.
Always check the current Pierce County Local Court Rules (PCLCR) for specific formatting and procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Pierce County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $292
- Small Estate Affidavit: Filing not always required with court, but recording fees may apply if real estate is involved (though small estate affidavits are generally for personal property).
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5 for the first page, $1 per additional page
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$500 depending on the newspaper
- Ex Parte Fee: approximately $30 (if applicable)
Washington does not set statutory attorney fees; they 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 in Washington is generally 4 months after first publication of notice.
Local Resources
Pierce County Court Resources
- Court Website: Pierce County Superior Court
- Probate Self-Help: Washington LawHelp
- Washington Probate Forms: Washington Courts Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (253) 383-3432
- Tacoma Pro Bono: (253) 572-5134 — Legal aid for low-income residents
- Washington State Bar Association: wsba.org
Publication
- Tacoma Daily Index: (253) 627-4853 — tacomadailyindex.com
- The News Tribune: (253) 597-8200 — thenewstribune.com