Longview practice on Hudson Street, in business since 2016, handling probate for families in Cowlitz County. Probate work covers validating the will, inventorying assets, paying taxes and outstanding debts, and distributing the remaining assets, along with mediating asset disputes between beneficiaries. The office also handles adult guardianships, elder law, Medicaid planning, and special needs trusts.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Cowlitz County, Washington
How probate works in Cowlitz County: the Superior Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Cowlitz County Superior Court
Cowlitz County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-noon and 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Office
312 Southwest 1st Avenue, Suite 250, Kelso, WA 98626-1739
Website
Filing in person
Walk-ins accepted
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
Filing in person
Walk-ins acceptedWalk-in filing uses a take-a-number system at the County Clerk counter in Room 233, and the number machine is pulled at 4:15 p.m. Filings can also be mailed or dropped off.
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe court's forms page points to the statewide court forms, and the self-help page lists Timberland Legal Aid drop-in clinics at the Hall of Justice and the Northwest Justice Project. The courthouse facilitator assists with family law matters only.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCash, Money order, Check.The Clerk takes cash, cashier's checks, law firm checks and money orders; personal checks are not listed. The filing fee, ex parte fee and certified copy fee are paid with separate checks.
Hearing schedule
- The court holds no formal ex parte docket. Ex parte documents left with the Clerk go to the assigned judge, who generally acts by the next business day.
Departments
- County Clerk1-360-577-3016 · Room 233 · clerk@cowlitzwa.gov · Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PMProbate cases are filed with the County Clerk in Room 233 of the Hall of Justice, just outside Courtroom 2. Visitors take a number at the counter, and the number machine is pulled at 4:15 p.m.
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County, probate runs through the Superior Court at 312 Southwest 1st Avenue, Suite 250, Kelso. Cowlitz County is one of 4 Washington counties where probate filings are still paper-only; most probate courts in the state accept electronic filing.
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 Washington intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Washington estates take 6 months to 9 months to move through this process. Creditors have 4 monthsRCW 11.40.020, 11.40.040, 11.40.051, 11.40.100, 11.76.110Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the first publication of the notice to creditors.
What Probate Costs in Cowlitz County
What probate costs in Cowlitz County, Washington 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 Superior Court at 312 Southwest 1st Avenue, Suite 250, Kelso.
Procedures at this court that affect cost: Separate checks required per fee type.
Washington charges $290RCW 36.18.020(2)(f), (5)(c), (6)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 Washington are negotiated, typically 2.2%Modeled estimate under RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 9, 2026View source to 3.5%Modeled estimate under RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 9, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Washington allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules payRCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation set by the court; no statutory percentage; compensation provided in the will controls unless renounced in writing before qualifying)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Industry surety premium estimate; the bond itself under RCW 11.28.185Verified Sep 9, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Washington typically runs 6 months to 9 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
How to File Probate at the Superior Court
Probate cases in Cowlitz County are filed at the Superior Court. File in person during business hours or by mail.
Beside the filing office, the court lists a separate line for County Clerk.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Washington has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not available.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Cowlitz County Self-Filing Assessment.
Cowlitz County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Court Appearances
Ex parte handled by mail/drop-off, no docket
There is no ex parte docket; each day a judge reviews and signs ex parte orders as availability allows. The original motion and order are mailed or dropped off at the Clerk's Office with copies to be conformed and a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a $30 fee per case applies when copies are conformed. The process may take up to a week.
SourceWhat to Bring
Filed with the opening petition at the Superior Court: Death certificate — county clerk intake practice, NOT a statutory requirement, and not uniformly a certified copy. Nothing in Title 11 RCW or the Superior Court rules requires a death certificate to open probate or obtain Letters. Several counties ask for one anyway and word it differently: Thurston lists "Death Certificate (certified copy)"; Whatcom's official packets list only "Death Certificate". The largest counties do not list it at all — King, Pierce and Kitsap each publish a minimum-documents list that omits it. Confirm with the county Superior Court clerk before assuming a certified copy is neededRCW ch. 11.28 (letters testamentary & of administration); RCW 11.28.110 (petition contents, as amended by 2026 c 204 s 1), 11.28.120 (priority, as amended by 2026 c 204 s 2), 11.28.170 (oath), 11.28.185 (bond, as amended by 2026 c 204 s 3); RCW 11.68.011 (nonintervention powers, as amended by 2026 c 204 s 9)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Death Certificates and the Coroner in Cowlitz County
In Washington a death is registered locally, and in Cowlitz County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Cowlitz County Health & Human Services as well as by Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics.
Vital Records Office Record
Local Health Department
Cowlitz County · Cowlitz County Health & Human Services
Phone
Hours
Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM-5:00 PM
Office
1952 9th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632
Website
Certified copies
At the counter; copies are not issued the same day
Order online
Fax
1-360-425-7531
Local rule
- The office issues deaths from January 1, 2018 on and some from 2014 through 2017; paper records come from the state office. Walk-in orders are normally ready the next business day after 2 p.m.
Burial and cremation permits
- Issued byCowlitz County Health & Human Services
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $25 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Coroner
Cowlitz County · Cowlitz County Coroner's Office
Mail and offices
Fax
1-360-578-1458
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Cowlitz 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 Auditor.
Deeds and other real property documents for Cowlitz County are recorded with the County Auditor at 207 North 4th Avenue, Room 206, Kelso, WA 98626. Phone: 1-360-577-3002. Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM-4:30 PM.
The County Auditor charges $304 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page.
Cowlitz County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, ePN and CSC.
Recording Office Record
County Auditor
Cowlitz County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
207 North 4th Avenue, Room 206, Kelso, WA 98626
Website
E-recording
Fax
1-360-414-5552
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $303.5 |
| Each additional page | $1 |
| Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit$5 state technology fee on every transfer, plus $5 more when no tax is due because an exemption is claimed; $10 minimum in fee(s) and/or tax (RCW 82.45.180). Paid to the county treasurer, not the auditor. Not required for a TOD deed | |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax |
RCW 36.18.010; RCW 36.22.170; RCW 36.22.175; RCW 36.22.240; RCW 36.22.250; RCW 36.22.185
Verified October 17, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Cowlitz County
Washington allows independent administrationRCW 11.68Verified Sep 9, 2026View source, so the personal representative manages, pays and distributes the estate without returning to the court for approval at each step. 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 Washington are based on reasonable compensation, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Cowlitz County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Superior 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.
Vancouver firm founded in 2014 by Thomas Hackett, serving Clark County and Southwest Washington, with a second office in Portland. Handles probate from opening the estate and validating the will through administration and distribution, and assists trustees with trust administration. Also prepares estate plans, including elder law, asset protection, and estate tax planning.
Centralia firm established in 1965, serving the I-5 corridor through Thurston, Lewis, and Cowlitz counties. Handles probate and estate administration with or without a will, preparing all probate documents and handling all court appearances. Planning work includes wills, trusts, and community property agreements.
Serves Pierce, King, and Thurston counties from offices in Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia. Represents personal representatives in formal and summary probate and in estate and trust administration, and represents beneficiaries in will contests, undue influence claims, and trust litigation, including challenges to the actions of an executor or trustee. Also handles guardianships.
Multi-state firm with Washington offices in Seattle, University Place, Olympia, Spokane, Richland, Kennewick, and Dayton. Guides personal representatives through probate and estate administration, from gathering assets and paying debts to transferring ownership, and handles elder law matters including Medicaid planning and guardianship. Consultations are available by phone or video.
Walla Walla firm, formerly Burkhart and Burkhart, representing families, farms, and businesses. Handles probate and trust administration, including supporting successor trustees who distribute a deceased person's assets, and litigates estate and trust disputes, including will contests. Accepts clients throughout Washington State.
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)·
- RCW 11.40.020, 11.40.040, 11.40.051, 11.40.100, 11.76.110
- RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation set by the court; no statutory percentage; compensation provided in the will controls unless renounced in writing before qualifying)
- RCW 11.68
- RCW 36.18.020(2)(f), (5)(c), (6)
- RCW ch. 11.28 (letters testamentary & of administration); RCW 11.28.110 (petition contents, as amended by 2026 c 204 s 1), 11.28.120 (priority, as amended by 2026 c 204 s 2), 11.28.170 (oath), 11.28.185 (bond, as amended by 2026 c 204 s 3); RCW 11.68.011 (nonintervention powers, as amended by 2026 c 204 s 9)
- RCW 36.18.010; RCW 36.22.170; RCW 36.22.175; RCW 36.22.240; RCW 36.22.250; RCW 36.22.185
- Cowlitz County Superior Court, official page
- Cowlitz County Auditor, official page
- Cowlitz County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
Data sourced from Washington 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 Washington
Free tools for settling an estate in Washington: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Washington: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysRCW 11.44.015; RCW 11.44.025Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsRCW 11.40.020, 11.40.040, 11.40.051, 11.40.100, 11.76.110Verified Oct 19, 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 Washington happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's trust statuteRCW 11.98.005 et seq.; RCW 11.103 (revocable trusts)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 60 daysRCW 11.98.072; RCW 11.96A.070Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
See the Steps
Can I Self-File Probate?
Washington has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not available.
Get the Answer
Hire a Washington Probate Attorney
Browse vetted Washington attorneys handling probate matters.
Browse firms
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
