Overview
San Juan County is located in Washington with a population of approximately 18,668. The San Juan 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 40 days have passed since the date of death and the decedent had no unpaid debts.
Washington does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "reasonable" based on the services performed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the San Juan 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
San Juan County Superior Court
Probate matters in San Juan County are handled at the San Juan County Courthouse.
Address: 350 Court Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Phone: 360-378-2163 (County Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed for lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
The Superior Court Clerk's office is located on the 2nd floor of the courthouse.
Parking and Access
Eight-hour street parking is generally available on the Courthouse side of Court Street. There is also a county-owned parking lot on 2nd Street adjacent to the courthouse.
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 property, you may be able to transfer assets via affidavit after a 40-day waiting period.
- Community Property Agreement: If the decedent and spouse had a valid agreement, assets may transfer automatically.
- 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 Testamentary or Administration with the San Juan County Superior Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Case Information Cover Sheet
- Proposed Order and Letters
- Filing fee ($290.00)
San Juan County requires attorneys to file electronically via eFileWA. Self-represented litigants may file electronically or in paper.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (if non-intervention powers are not granted immediately) or notice of appointment to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in San Juan County (e.g., The Journal of the San Juan Islands) for three successive weeks to trigger the creditor claim period.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many probate petitions in Washington can be handled "ex parte" (without a formal hearing) if all consents are filed. If a hearing is required, 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 notice to creditors and mail notice to known creditors (4-month claim period)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Declaration of Completion of Probate to close the estate
Local Requirements
San Juan County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys via eFileWA (Odyssey File & Serve); optional for pro se litigants.
- Ex Parte: Probate petitions are often reviewed ex parte. Check with the Clerk for specific submission times and requirements.
- Local Rules: Consult San Juan County Local Court Rules (LCR) for specific formatting and service requirements.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in San Juan County for three consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Superior Court Clerk for the most current local forms and procedural updates.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (San Juan County)
- Probate Filing Fee: approximately $290.00
- Will Filing Only: approximately $20.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 for the first page, $1.00 per additional page
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
Washington law requires attorney and personal representative fees to be "reasonable" but does not set a specific percentage.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted for a convenience fee, especially via e-filing.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period in Washington is generally 4 months after the first publication of notice.
Local Resources
San Juan County Court Resources
- Court Website: San Juan County Superior Court
- County Clerk: San Juan County Clerk
- WA State Probate Forms: Washington Courts Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- San Juan County Bar Association: Contact local listings
- Northwest Justice Project: 1-888-201-1014 — Low-income legal assistance
- WSBA Moderate Means Program: wsba.org
Publication
- The Journal of the San Juan Islands: 360-378-5696 — sanjuanjournal.com
- The Islands' Sounder: 360-376-4500 — islandssounder.com