Estate Planning & Probate in King County, Washington
King 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 King County's actual court and recording details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Superior Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in King County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a King County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in King County→The Probate Process in King 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 King County, probate runs through the Superior Court at 516 3rd Ave, Rm C-203, Seattle. King County runs probate e-filing through kingcounty.gov, the only Washington county on that system.
Full King Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court
King County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Recorder's Office
King County · Director, Records and Licensing Services
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$303.5 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $304.5; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 9, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Superior Court
King County is one of only two counties with a separate e-filing system. Uses KC Script Portal instead of the statewide eFileWA system. Clerk e-filing support: 206-296-9300 or clerksofficecustomerservice@kingcounty.gov (206-477-3000 to schedule a virtual e-filing demonstration). Per LCR 98.04, personal representative names must match exactly between oath and order documents. Bonds must be signed by the principal with surety address included. Address changes must be filed within 30 days.
Washington Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in King County.
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