What to Do When Someone Dies in Bingham County, Idaho

How probate works in Bingham County: the Magistrate Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.

Probate Court Record

Bingham County Magistrate Court

Bingham County · 7th Judicial District

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM (open during the lunch hour)

Office

501 North Maple Street, Suite 402, Blackfoot, ID 83221

E-filing

Self-represented filing

Allowed

Self-help forms

E-filing

OptionalAttorneys must e-file through iCourt File and Serve (I.R.E.F.S. Rule 4(a)). Self-represented individuals may e-file or file on paper; one who chooses to e-file continues to e-file for the life of the case unless the court grants a motion to withdraw (Rule 4(b)). An original will is filed both electronically and on paper, the paper filing within seven business days of the electronic one (Rule 5(a)). On paper: Original wills (must also be filed conventionally within 7 business days).

Self-represented filing

AllowedSelf-represented individuals may file probate. The Idaho Court Assistance Office publishes probate guidance in the Wills & Probate section of its publications page.

Self-help center

  • 605 North Capital Avenue, Idaho Falls1-208-589-9872 · d7cao@idcourts.gov · Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (closed noon to 1 p.m.)The Seventh District Court Assistance Office in Idaho Falls serves Bingham County. Its line takes calls, messages and text messages, and it reviews Idaho Supreme Court-approved forms and holds form workshops; it does not give legal advice.

Verified October 15, 2026 · Source

How Probate Works in Bingham County

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 Bingham County, probate runs through the Magistrate Court at 501 North Maple Street, Suite 402, Blackfoot. The court sits in the 7th Judicial District.

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. Creditors have 4 monthsIdaho Code §§ 15-3-801, 15-3-803, 15-3-804, 15-3-805, 15-3-806Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the first publication of the notice to creditors.

What Probate Costs in Bingham County

What probate costs in Bingham 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 501 North Maple Street, Suite 402, Blackfoot. The court is part of the 7th Judicial District.

Idaho charges $166IRCP Appendix A, Category A (eff. 7/12/2024); Idaho Code § 31-3201A(1)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.

Estimate the costs for this estate:

Attorney fees in Idaho are negotiated, typically 1.8%Modeled estimate under 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): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.8%Modeled estimate under 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): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.

Idaho allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules payIdaho Code § 15-3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.

Idaho requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.

Probate in Idaho typically runs 6 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.

How to File Probate at the Magistrate Court

Probate documents in Bingham 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 7th Judicial District.

Beside the filing office, the court lists separate lines for District Civil, District Criminal, Treatment Court, and Small Claims/Infractions.

The Seventh District Court Assistance Office in Idaho Falls serves Bingham County. Its line takes calls, messages and text messages, and it reviews Idaho Supreme Court-approved forms and holds form workshops; it does not give legal advice.

Can You File Without an Attorney?

Idaho has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is availableIdaho Code § 15-3-301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.

For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Bingham County Self-Filing Assessment.

Bingham County Filing Requirements

These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.

Records Access

Court record copies and certified copies

The court charges $1.00 per page for copies and $1.00 per document for certification. The requester is notified within three working days, and the clerk's office attempts to locate the file within ten working days.

Source

What to Bring

Filed with the opening petition at the Magistrate Court: Certified copy of the death certificate (proof of death — I.C. § 15-1-107(a)); Original will and any codicils (filed both electronically and conventionally per I.R.E.F.S. 5); Verified application (informal) or petition (formal) reciting the statutory contents (I.C. §§ 15-3-301, 15-3-402); Acceptance/qualification of the personal representative and statement of informal appointment, or the court order (I.C. § 15-3-103); Renunciations/nominations by persons with higher priority for appointment, if any (I.C. § 15-3-203)Idaho Code §§ 15-3-103 (appointment & letters required), 15-3-301 to 15-3-311 (informal), 15-3-401 to 15-3-414 (formal)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Death Certificates and the Coroner in Bingham County

In Bingham County certified copies of the death certificate come from Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics; the Local Registrar files the certificate and issues no copies to the public.

Vital Records Office Record

Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics

Bingham County · State vital records office

Certified copies

From Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics; the Local Registrar files the certificate and issues no copies to the public

Mail

Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0036

Verified October 15, 2026 · Source

Coroner or Medical Examiner Record

Coroner

Bingham County · Bingham County Coroner's Office

Office

490 North Maple Street, Suite B, Blackfoot, ID 83221

Mail and offices

Mail

Bingham County Coroner's Office 501 North Maple Street Suite 303 Blackfoot, ID 83221

Fax

1-208-684-6275

Verified November 3, 2026 · Source

Transferring Property in Bingham County

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 Bingham County are recorded with the County Recorder at 501 North Maple Street, Blackfoot, ID 83221. Phone: 1-208-782-3160. 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.

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Bingham County

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Office

501 North Maple Street, Blackfoot, ID 83221

Fax

1-208-785-4131

Verified October 16, 2026 · Source

Forms that put a death on the title

Probate Attorneys Serving Bingham County

Idaho allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Bingham 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, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Bingham 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.

FirmBlackfoot, ID

Baker & Harris Law

Since 1996 · Serves 1 county

Blackfoot-based firm serving Bingham County since 1996. Practice covers estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, real estate, and business law. Two generations of attorneys serving the community.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateWills Trusts

Office
266 W Bridge StBlackfoot, ID 83221

FirmPocatello, ID

Echo Hawk & Olsen, PLLC

Serves 2 counties

Full-service Pocatello firm with 7 attorneys handling estate planning, probate, trust administration, tribal law, business law, and litigation. Serves Bannock and Bingham counties in Southeast Idaho.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateWills Trusts

Office
505 Pershing Ave, Suite 100Pocatello, ID 83201

FirmBlackfoot, ID

Esplin & Packer LLP

Serves 1 county

Blackfoot firm serving Bingham County since 1999. Thomas W. Packer has over 40 years of experience in estate planning, probate, real property, and general civil practice.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateWills Trusts

Office
186 E Judicial StBlackfoot, ID 83221

FirmPocatello, ID

May, Rammell & Wells

Since 1975 · Serves 4 counties

A well-established Pocatello firm with roots dating back to 1975. Has helped many individuals, couples, and families throughout Southeastern Idaho create thorough estate plans. Handles wills, trusts, and estate administration. Attorneys in Pocatello and Burley with 70+ years of collective experience.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateWills Trusts

Office
216 West Whitman StreetPocatello, ID 83204

FirmPocatello, ID

Snake River Law PLLC

Since 2009 · Serves 3 counties

Pocatello firm serving Bannock, Bingham, and Bonneville counties across Southeast and Eastern Idaho since 2009. Focuses on estate planning and small business law, with added depth in elder law, special needs planning, and guardianship of minor children.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 4 more

Office
1156 East Center StreetPocatello, ID 83201

FirmIdaho Falls, ID

Hopkins Roden Crockett Hansen & Hoopes, PLLC

Since 1973 · Serves 2 counties

Idaho Falls firm established in 1973, serving Bonneville and Bingham counties. Handles estate planning, probate, trust administration, and estate tax planning, with the depth of one of Eastern Idaho's larger and longer-running practices.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningWills Trusts

Office
428 Park AveIdaho Falls, ID 83402
See all 11 firms serving Bingham County →

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.

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Legal Sources

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Data sourced from Idaho statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.

Tools for Settling an Estate in Idaho

Free tools for settling an estate in Idaho: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Idaho.

How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Idaho: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysIdaho Code §§ 15-3-706, 15-3-707, 15-3-708Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsIdaho Code §§ 15-3-801, 15-3-803, 15-3-804, 15-3-805, 15-3-806Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.

See the Steps

How Do I Settle a Trust?

Settling a trust in Idaho happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's trust statuteIdaho Code §§ 15-7-101 to 15-7-701 (UPC Trust Administration); Idaho Code §§ 68-104 to 68-113 (Uniform Trustees' Powers Act); Idaho Code § 32-906A (community property in revocable trusts)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 30 daysIdaho Code §§ 15-7-303, 15-7-307Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.

See the Steps

Can I Self-File Probate?

Idaho has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is availableIdaho Code § 15-3-301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.

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