Estate Planning & Probate in Williams County, North Dakota
Williams County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. Start with your situation below; both paths use Williams County's actual court and recording 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 Williams County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Williams County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Williams County→The Probate Process in Williams 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 Williams County, probate runs through the District Court at 205 E Broadway, Williston. The court sits in the Northwest Judicial District. The same Northwest Judicial District also serves Divide and McKenzie.
Full Williams Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Williams County · Northwest Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Williams County · County Treasurer/Recorder · Patti Ogurchak
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 Williams County.
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