Estate Planning & Probate in Ward County, North Dakota
Most Ward County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local District Court details.
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 Ward County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Ward County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Ward County→The Probate Process in Ward 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 Ward County, probate runs through the District Court at 315 3rd St SE, Minot. The court sits in the North Central Judicial District. The same North Central Judicial District also serves Burke and Mountrail.
Full Ward Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Ward County · North Central Judicial District
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Ward County · County Recorder · Kristin Kowalczyk
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
$20 for the first 6 pages plus $3 for each page beyond 6; a 2-page TOD deed records for $20; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
North Dakota Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Ward County.
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