Probate in Ada County runs through the Magistrate Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Ada County, settling their estate runs through the Magistrate Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Ada County · 4th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
The 4th Judicial District includes Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley counties. First hour of parking is free, then $1/hour thereafter. Payments may be made by phone at 208-287-6900 option 2. Email: clerk@adacounty.id.gov
Verified July 3, 2026 · Source
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Ada County, probate runs through the Magistrate Court at 200 West Front Street, Boise. The court sits in the 4th Judicial District. The same 4th Judicial District also serves Boise, Elmore and Valley.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Idaho intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Idaho estates take 6 months to 12 months to move through this process. The 4 monthsIdaho Code § 15-3-801Verified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What probate costs in Ada County, Idaho comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Magistrate Court at 200 West Front Street, Boise. The court is part of the 4th Judicial District.
Ada County runs a probate self-help center (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), which is the single biggest cost-saver for families who can self-file. Staff can walk you through the paperwork and explain procedures, though they cannot give legal advice on your specific case. Call 208-287-6963.
Idaho charges $166IRCP Appendix A, Category A (eff. 7/12/2024); Idaho Code § 31-3201A(1) — api.isc.idaho.gov/uploads/Rules_PDFs/1775633983169-Appendix-A-Civil-Case-Filing-Fees-071224.pdf (Verified 2026-09-08)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The Magistrate Court accepts e-filing (https://isc.idaho.gov/irefs). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Idaho are negotiated, typically 1.8%Idaho Code § 15-3-721 (court reviews reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage) — see also § 15-3-720 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.8%Idaho Code § 15-3-721 (court reviews reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage) — see also § 15-3-720 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort — the states that do set a schedule pay 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Idaho requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
Probate in Idaho typically runs 6 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
Probate documents in Ada County can be filed in person at the Magistrate Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the 4th Judicial District.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationPaper Filing Required For
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Magistrate Court is realistic. Ada County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Ada County Self-Filing Assessment.
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Original will required for informal probate
An application for informal probate must be accompanied by the original of the decedent's last will (or have the original already in the court's possession), or by a certified copy of a will probated in another jurisdiction.
SourceCertified copy fees
The clerk charges $1.00 per page for copies of probate court records and an additional fee per seal for certified copies. Record requests can be submitted online and are processed within about ten business days.
SourceBefore You Go
You can file in person without an appointment. Court Assistance Office form reviews are walk-in, first-come first-served, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM weekdays. For filing information and fees, call the Clerk at 208-287-6900 option 4.
To file at the Magistrate Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Recorder.
Deeds and other real property documents for Ada County are recorded with the County Recorder at 200 West Front Street, Room 1207, Boise, ID 83702. Phone: 208-287-6840. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
The County Recorder charges $15 for the first 30 pages plus $3 for each page beyond 30.
Ada County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, eRecording Partners Network (ePN), CSC eRecording, Indecomm.
Recording Office Record
Ada County
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first 30 pages) | $15 |
| Each page beyond 30 | $3 |
Idaho Code 31-3205 (recorder's fees). Deeds, grants and transfers of title to real property of 30 pages or fewer: $15.00 flat. All other instruments: $10.00 first page + $3.00 each additional page.
Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Idaho allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Ada County without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Idaho are based on reasonable compensation — typically 1.8%Idaho Code § 15-3-721 (court reviews reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage) — see also § 15-3-720 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.8%Idaho Code § 15-3-721 (court reviews reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage) — see also § 15-3-720 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Ada County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Magistrate Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Solo PracticeBoise, ID
Boise and Ketchum practice of Cheryl Allaire, formerly a co-managing member of Mathieu, Ranum & Allaire. Prepares wills and powers of attorney for individuals and families with non-taxable estates and handles uncontested probate administration. Also advises on business, securities, and real estate matters.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate Administration
FirmMeridian, ID
Multi-office Idaho firm serving Southern Idaho with estate planning, asset protection, wills, trusts, living trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives. John O. Avery is admitted to the Bar of the United States Supreme Court.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmBoise, ID
Boise solo practice limited to elder law, estate planning, guardianship, conservatorship, probate, and Medicaid planning. Donna Schuyler is a member of the Idaho State Bar Taxation, Probate and Trust Law Section and the Treasure Valley Estate Planning Council.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawConservatorshipGuardianshipand 3 more
FirmBoise, ID
Downtown Boise firm founded in 2016, serving Ada and Boise counties. Handles estate planning, probate administration, conservatorships and guardianships, and contested estate and trust litigation alongside business and real estate work.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationBusiness SuccessionProbate Administration
FirmMeridian, ID
The largest and oldest law firm in Meridian, Idaho with over 40 years of service. Provides estate planning, probate, and trust administration services throughout Ada County.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate Administration
FirmBoise, ID
Boise firm focusing on estate planning, probate, trust administration, estate and trust litigation, and tax planning. Four attorneys with combined decades of experience in Ada County estate matters.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationTax PlanningProbate Administration
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Data sourced from Idaho statutes and official state code. How we research.
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Vehicles, jewelry, collectibles, etc.
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Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
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Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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Cost comparison vs. hiring an attorney
This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Step-by-step tools for families in Ada County, Idaho.
Get a personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
Get a personalized plan for settling a trust after the grantor passes away. Covers beneficiary notification, asset transfers, creditor handling, taxes, and distributions.
Get a score-based recommendation on whether self-filing probate is right for your situation. See estimated savings vs. hiring an attorney and get a step-by-step checklist.
Browse vetted Idaho attorneys handling probate matters.
