Estate Planning & Probate in Ellis County, Kansas
Most Ellis County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the District Court.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the District Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Ellis County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Ellis County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Ellis County→The Probate Process in Ellis 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 Ellis County, probate runs through the District Court at 107 W 12th Street, Hays. The court sits in the 23rd Judicial District. Ellis County shares the 23rd Judicial District with Gove, Rooks and Trego.
Full Ellis Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Ellis County · 23rd Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Register of Deeds
Ellis County · Rebecca Herzog
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
$21 for the first page plus $17 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $38; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the District Court
The court offers a self-help center, in Ellis County District Court, 107 W 12th Street, Hays, KS 67601. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice.
Kansas Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Ellis County.
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