How Do I File Probate in Custer County, Idaho?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Magistrate Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate documents in Custer 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.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
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
- •Original wills (must also be filed conventionally within 7 business days)
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Magistrate Court is realistic for your situation. Custer County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.
For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Custer County Self-Filing Assessment.
Custer County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Court division is at a separate location from the historic courthouse
The Custer County Courts (Seventh Judicial District), which handle probate, are located at 269 South 9th Street in Challis, not at the historic county courthouse on East Main Avenue where the County Clerk is based. Court mailing address is PO Box 1128, Challis, ID 83226; general court inquiries can be emailed to custercourtclerks@custer.idcourts.gov.
SourceIn-Person Filing
The Magistrate Court is located at 269 South 9th Street, Challis, ID 83226. Phone: 208-879-2359. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Probate hearings are typically scheduled Magistrate Court (which handles probate) sits Mondays and Tuesdays; District Court the 2nd Tuesday of each month; Small Claims on Wednesday of the 2nd full week of the month.
What to Bring
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.
Court Resources
The Magistrate Court runs a self-help center for filers without attorneys. Call 208-589-9872. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they can't give legal advice on a specific case.
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Magistrate Court website.
Court information verified June 2, 2026 · Source
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Magistrate Court in Custer County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($166). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Custer County uses the standard Idaho probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Idaho allows informal (unsupervised) probate, which many families handle themselves for simple estates. The Magistrate Court in Custer County does not require attorney representation. Use the Idaho self-filing assessment to see if your estate qualifies.
Yes. The Magistrate Court in Custer County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
Magistrate Court
Custer County
269 South 9th Street
Challis, ID 83226
Phone:
208-879-2359Fax:
208-879-6412
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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