Overview
Stevens County is located in Washington with a population of approximately 49,000. The Stevens 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 (Revised Code of Washington). 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 (excluding liens and encumbrances), provided the decedent had no real property in the state. This allows successors to claim assets without full probate after a 40-day waiting period.
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 Stevens 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
Stevens County Superior Court
Probate matters in Stevens County are handled at the Stevens County Courthouse.
Address: 215 South Oak Street, Room 209, Colville, WA 99114
Phone: 509-684-7527 (Superior Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed for lunch 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM)
The Superior Court Clerk's office is located on the second floor (Room 209). The court handles all filings, including probate, civil, and criminal matters.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Colville. The building is accessible to the public during business hours, with security screening at the entrance.
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 waiting 40 days from the date of death.
- 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 with the Stevens County Superior Court. Include:
- Case Information Cover Sheet
- Original Will and Codicils (if any) — Note: If e-filing, the original will must be mailed or delivered to the Clerk.
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $240-$290)
- Proposed Order Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
Stevens County has transitioned to E-File Washington (Odyssey) for electronic filing.
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 Stevens County (e.g., The Statesman-Examiner) for three successive weeks to alert creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many probate petitions in Washington can be handled "ex parte" (without a formal hearing) if all consents are filed or if non-intervention powers are requested and requirements are met. If a hearing is required, the judge will review the petition and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services)
- 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 of Probate to close the estate
Local Requirements
Stevens County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Stevens County uses the E-File Washington system. While you can e-file the petition and a copy of the will, the original will must be physically filed with the Clerk's office.
- Local Court Rules: Be aware of Stevens County Local Court Rules (LCR), particularly regarding case schedules and ex parte procedures.
- Bench Copies: Judges may require bench copies of documents filed shortly before a hearing. Check with the Court Administrator.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in The Statesman-Examiner or The Independent.
Always check with the Superior Court Clerk for the most current local forms and procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Stevens County)
- Probate Filing Fee: approximately $240-$290 (Fees subject to change; verify with Clerk)
- Small Estate Affidavit Filing: Generally no court filing fee if not filed with court, but a small fee applies if filing the affidavit is required for specific assets.
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Ex Parte Fee: May apply for presentation of orders ($30)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit card payments are accepted via nCourt (online or by phone at 1-877-246-3373) 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
Washington law requires a minimum 4-month creditor claim period after publication of notice before the estate can be fully closed.
Local Resources
Stevens County Court Resources
- Court Website: stevenscountywa.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Washington LawHelp
- Washington Probate Forms: Washington Courts Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Stevens County Bar Association: Contact local court administration for current officers.
- CLEAR (Northwest Justice Project): 1-888-201-1014 — Low-income legal assistance.
- WSBA Lawyer Referral: wsba.org
Publication
- The Statesman-Examiner: 509-684-4567 — statesmanexaminer.com
- The Independent: 509-935-8422 — chewelahindependent.com