Boutique law firm in Hailey serving the Wood River Valley and surrounding Magic Valley communities. Laura Smithman manages the estate planning practice, offering wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate services. Also serves Jerome, Gooding, and Mountain Home areas.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Blaine County, Idaho
How probate works in Blaine County: the Magistrate Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Blaine County Magistrate Court
Blaine County · 5th Judicial District
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (closed during the noon hour and on judicial holidays)
Office
201 South 2nd Avenue, Suite 106, Hailey, ID 83333
Website
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, and the Clerk of the District Court offers state-approved forms, referrals and brochures.
Self-help center
- Kramer Judicial Building, 201 South 2nd Avenue, Hailey1-208-788-5521The Blaine County Court Assistance Officer works from the court office and is reached on the main court line. The Fifth District's districtwide Court Assistance Officer (208-736-4136) also sees people at the courthouse on scheduled days, booked through the courthouse or that officer.
Fax
1-208-788-5527
About the court
- The court office is in the Kramer Judicial Building, separate from the Old County Courthouse at 206 South 1st Avenue. The 5th Judicial District includes Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls counties.
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Blaine 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 Blaine County, probate runs through the Magistrate Court at 201 South 2nd Avenue, Suite 106, Hailey. The court sits in the 5th 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 Blaine County
What probate costs in Blaine 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 201 South 2nd Avenue, Suite 106, Hailey. The court is part of the 5th 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 Blaine 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 5th Judicial District.
The Blaine County Court Assistance Officer works from the court office and is reached on the main court line. The Fifth District's districtwide Court Assistance Officer (208-736-4136) also sees people at the courthouse on scheduled days, booked through the courthouse or that officer.
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 Blaine County Self-Filing Assessment.
Blaine 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
Copies of court records by email
Requests for copies of court records go to the court records email, blainerecords@blaine.idcourts.gov. Jury questions go to blainejury@blaine.idcourts.gov.
SourceWhat 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 Blaine County
In Blaine 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
Blaine County · State vital records office
Phone
Website
Certified copies
From Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics; the Local Registrar files the certificate and issues no copies to the public
Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $16 |
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Coroner
Blaine County · Blaine County Coroner
Phone
Website
Mail and offices
Fax
1-208-788-4792
Verified November 3, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Blaine 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 Blaine County are recorded with the County Recorder at 206 1st Avenue South, Suite 200, Hailey, ID 83333. Phone: 1-208-788-5505. Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM (recording window).
The County Recorder charges $15 for the first 30 pages plus $3 for each page beyond 30.
Blaine County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Blaine County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM (recording window)
Office
206 1st Avenue South, Suite 200, Hailey, ID 83333
Website
E-recording
Fax
1-208-788-5501
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 October 16, 2026 · Source
Forms that put a death on the title
- Free forms: Affidavit of Death Form · Affidavit of Heirship Form
Probate Attorneys Serving Blaine County
Idaho allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Blaine 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 Blaine 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.
Twin Falls firm serving the Magic Valley — Twin Falls, Bannock, Blaine, and Cassia counties, plus Ketchum, Hailey, Burley, and Hagerman. Handles estate planning, wills, probate, special needs and elder-law planning, and guardianships, with a focus on parents of minor children and flat-fee billing.
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.
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.
Provides probate, estate planning, and estate & trust litigation services throughout Idaho, including Boise, Meridian, Twin Falls, and surrounding areas. Formerly known as Angstman Johnson.
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.
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.
Legal Sources
(9)·
- Idaho Code § 15-3-301
- Idaho Code § 15-3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- Idaho Code §§ 15-3-103 (appointment & letters required), 15-3-301 to 15-3-311 (informal), 15-3-401 to 15-3-414 (formal)
- Idaho Code §§ 15-3-801, 15-3-803, 15-3-804, 15-3-805, 15-3-806
- IRCP Appendix A, Category A (eff. 7/12/2024); Idaho Code § 31-3201A(1)
- 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.
- Blaine County Magistrate Court, official page
- Blaine County Recorder, official page
- Blaine County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
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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