Probate in King County runs through the Superior Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in King County, settling their estate runs through the Superior Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
King County
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
Accepted paymentCash, Check, Money order, Credit card. For Ex Parte via the Clerk (EPVC) probate presentations: check, money order, cash, or credit card in person. E-filed payments add a $2.49 credit-card processing fee.
County forms
Departments
Clerk Office: 206-296-9300. Second filing location: Maleng Regional Justice Center, 401 Fourth Ave N, Kent. Security screening required.
Verified July 3, 2026 · Source
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.
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. The 4 monthsRCW 11.40.051Verified Sep 9, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What probate costs in King 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 516 3rd Ave, Rm C-203, Seattle.
Probate matters are handled through Ex Parte and Probate Department and Clerk's Office. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
Local procedures at this court that affect cost: Ex Parte via the Clerk (EPVC) carries a presentation fee. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
Washington charges $290RCW 36.18.020(2)(f), (5)(c), (6)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The Superior Court accepts e-filing (https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dja/courts-jails-legal-system/court-forms-document-filing/filing/e-filing). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Washington are negotiated, typically 2.2%RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source to 3.5%RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort — the states that do set a schedule pay 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source of estate value. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Washington requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%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.
Probate documents in King County can be filed in person at the Superior Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available.
Filings here are routed through Ex Parte and Probate Department and Clerk's Office. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationNot every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Superior Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the King County Self-Filing Assessment.
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Uses KC Script Portal for e-filing (not eFileWA)
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).
SourcePersonal representative name must match exactly
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.
SourceWill Repository for original wills
A testator may deposit an original will under seal with the Clerk before death for a $20 filing fee.
SourceDedicated Ex Parte and Probate Department
King County operates a dedicated Ex Parte and Probate Department within Superior Court. Noticed probate matters require 14 days advance notice per LCR 98.04. Non-noticed matters (periodic reports, bond approval) go through EPVC; the case file is not reviewed, so all supporting documents must be included.
SourceThis county uses specific forms in addition to state-standard forms. Using the correct forms helps avoid delays or rejected filings.
Required cover sheet to present probate and other orders through EPVC (up to five proposed orders per submission).
Before You Go
You can file in person without an appointment. Routine probate orders are presented through Ex Parte via the Clerk (EPVC) rather than at a hearing counter; self-represented filers may submit EPVC in person, by mail, or electronically. Two filing locations: King County Courthouse (516 Third Ave, Seattle) and Maleng Regional Justice Center (401 Fourth Ave N, Kent). Security screening required.
Cash, Check, Money order, Credit card. For Ex Parte via the Clerk (EPVC) probate presentations: check, money order, cash, or credit card in person. E-filed payments add a $2.49 credit-card processing fee.
To file at the Superior Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
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 Recorder's Office.
Deeds and other real property documents for King County are recorded with the Recorder's Office at 201 S Jackson St, Suite 204, Seattle, WA 98104. Phone: 206-477-6620. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (recording ends at 3:30 PM).
The Recorder's Office charges $304 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page.
King County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
King County · Director, Records and Licensing Services
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
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. |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
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 September 9, 2026 · Source
Washington uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in King County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Washington are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2.2%RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source to 3.5%RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a King 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.
FirmEverett, WA
Serves Snohomish County and north King County from the historic Edwards House on Colby Avenue in Everett, where the firm has practiced for over forty years. Handles probate and trust administration alongside estate litigation, including TEDRA will contests and accounting disputes.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigation
FirmSeattle, WA
Seattle firm focused on estate planning, probate, trust administration, and trust and estate disputes. Assists executors, personal representatives, and trustees with administration, including federal and state estate tax returns, and handles will contests, claims against fiduciaries, trust interpretation suits, and contested guardianships.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 4 more
FirmKirkland, WA
Kirkland firm with a second office in Kent, serving King County. Handles Washington probate on flat fees, including opening probate without going to court, and prepares estate plans designed to avoid probate. A free strategy session evaluates whether probate is needed.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate
FirmTacoma, WA
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.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 more
FirmSeattle, WA
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.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 5 more
FirmKent, WA
Serves South King County from Kent, taking matters from Auburn, Covington, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Renton, and Tukwila as well as Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. The wills and probate department represents family members in probate actions and guides administrators of existing estate plans, and drafts wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax Planningand 4 more
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.
Data sourced from Washington statutes and official state code. How we research.
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Vehicles, jewelry, collectibles, etc.
Mortgages, credit cards, loans, etc.
Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
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Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Step-by-step tools for families in King County, Washington.
Get a personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
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Get a score-based recommendation on whether self-filing probate is right for your situation. See estimated savings vs. hiring an attorney and get a step-by-step checklist.
Browse vetted Washington attorneys handling probate matters.
