Serves Kitsap County from Silverdale, including Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, Kingston, and Bainbridge Island. Takes probate cases in Kitsap County only, and drafts wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and trusts for Washington residents. The firm's main practice is family law and divorce.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Kitsap County, Washington
How probate works in Kitsap County: the Superior Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Kitsap County Superior Court
Kitsap County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-12:15 PM and 1:15 PM-4:30 PM
Office
614 Division Street, MS 24, Port Orchard, WA 98366-4683
Website
E-filing
Filing in person
Walk-ins accepted
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
OptionalKitsap County takes e-filings through eFileWA as part of a pilot program run by the Administrative Office of the Courts. Filings can also be made in person, by mail or by fax with the Clerk's cover sheets.
Filing in person
Walk-ins acceptedA new probate is presented in person at the Ex Parte calendar with no appointment, after checking in at the Clerk's Office about 20 minutes early with the documents and the filing fee. The Clerk's Office has no notary, so the oath is signed and notarized beforehand.
Self-represented filing
AllowedA new probate is opened with a case cover sheet, the petition, the original will if there is one, the order admitting the will and granting letters, a signed and notarized oath, and the letters. The Clerk sells probate packets at the counter or by online order, and the Courthouse Facilitator helps with family law and guardianship cases only.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCash, Credit card, Money order, Check.The probate filing fee is paid in cash, by credit card, money order or cashier's check, and personal checks are not accepted. Credit card payments carry a 2.4% processing fee.
Hearing schedule
- Ex Parte Court: Monday-Friday at 8:30 AM, plus Monday, Thursday, and Friday at 3:30 PM.
County forms
- Kitsap County Probate PacketCounty probate packet (purchase) covering the documents needed to open a probate.
614 Division Street
MS-24
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Fax
1-360-337-4673
Departments
- County Clerk1-360-337-7164 · Room 202 · Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-12:15 PM and 1:15 PM-4:30 PMProbate cases are filed with the County Clerk, whose office in Room 202 is also where ex parte check-in takes place.
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Kitsap 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 Kitsap County, probate runs through the Superior Court at 614 Division Street, MS 24, Port Orchard. Probate e-filing in Kitsap County goes through efile.courts.wa.gov, a system used by 6 Washington counties.
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 Kitsap County
What probate costs in Kitsap 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 614 Division Street, MS 24, Port Orchard.
Procedures at this court that affect cost: Ex parte presentation by mail costs $30.
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 documents in Kitsap 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.
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 Kitsap County Self-Filing Assessment.
Kitsap County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Routine probate matters may be presented to the Ex Parte department
Ex parte check-in is at the Clerk's Office for the 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. calendars, in person or online with the documents uploaded or faxed. Faxed documents for the 8:30 a.m. calendar arrive by 3:30 p.m. the business day before, and for the 3:30 p.m. calendar by 2:00 p.m. the same day.
SourceCourt Appearances
Arrive early; bring a notarized Oath
Arrive about 20 minutes before Ex Parte Court with all documents and the filing fee. The Oath must already be signed and notarized, as no notary is available on site. Certified copies of Letters are $5 each.
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 Medical Examiner in Kitsap County
In Washington a death is registered locally, and in Kitsap County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Kitsap Public Health District as well as by Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics.
Vital Records Office Record
Local Health Department
Kitsap County · Kitsap Public Health District
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Office
345 6th Street, Suite 300, Bremerton, WA 98337
Website
Certified copies
At the counter
Order online
Local rule
- Certificates for deaths before 2015 come from the state office.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $25 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Medical Examiner
Kitsap County · Kitsap County Medical Examiner
Mail and offices
614 Division Street
MS-17
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Fax
1-360-337-4942
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Kitsap 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 Kitsap County are recorded with the County Auditor at 619 Division Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366. Phone: 1-360-337-4935. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to Kitsap County Auditor, 614 Division Street, MS-31, Port Orchard, WA 98366.
The County Auditor charges $304 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page.
Kitsap County accepts electronic recording through CSC, Indecomm, ePN and Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
County Auditor
Kitsap County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
619 Division Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Website
Kitsap County Auditor
614 Division Street
MS-31
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Fax
1-360-337-4645
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 Kitsap 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 Kitsap 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.
Port Orchard firm, established in 2001, serving Kitsap County and surrounding communities including Bremerton, Silverdale, and Bainbridge Island. Guides personal representatives through probate and estate administration, and represents clients in disputes and will contests that arise during probate. Its elder law team also handles adult guardianship, Medicaid planning, and special needs trusts.
General practice firm in Silverdale serving Kitsap, Jefferson, and Mason counties, including Bremerton and Poulsbo. Guides families through probate administration and drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care plans. The firm's other main practices are personal injury, municipal law, real estate, business, and litigation.
Port Townsend firm with a satellite location in Port Angeles, serving Jefferson, Clallam, and Kitsap counties since 2014. Handles probate and non-probate administration and trust administration for families after a death, and prepares wills, trusts, medical directives, and powers of attorney. Also handles real property matters.
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.
Wenatchee firm, doing business as Northwest Estate Plans, that handles Washington probate and trust administration for families after a death, starting with a free Executor Guidance Meeting to review the options. Also prepares wills and revocable living trusts. Meetings, signings, and notarization can be completed over Zoom for clients anywhere in Washington, or in person at the Wenatchee office.
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
- Kitsap County Superior Court, official page
- Kitsap County Auditor, official page
- Kitsap 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
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