Probate in Kitsap 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 Kitsap 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
Kitsap County
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
Accepted paymentCash, Credit card, Money order, Check. Cash, credit card, money order, or cashier's check only; personal checks are not accepted. A 2.4% processing fee applies to credit cards.
County forms
Mailing address: 614 Division St, MS-24, Port Orchard, WA 98366. County Clerk (probate filing): 360-337-7164.
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 Kitsap County, probate runs through the Superior Court at 614 Division St, MS 24, Port Orchard. Probate e-filing in Kitsap County goes through efile.courts.wa.gov, a system used by 14 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. 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 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 St, MS 24, Port Orchard.
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://efile.courts.wa.gov/). 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 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.
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 Kitsap County Self-Filing Assessment.
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Routine probate matters may be presented to the Ex Parte department
Routine probate matters may be presented to the Ex Parte department for immediate review and signature. The Clerk's Office offers an online ex parte check-in upload and also accepts fax filings with a required cover sheet. Bench/working copies must be individually stapled, not stapled together.
SourceArrive 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 — no notary is available on site. Certified copies of Letters are $5 each.
SourceThis county uses specific forms in addition to state-standard forms. Using the correct forms helps avoid delays or rejected filings.
County probate packet (purchase) covering the documents needed to open a probate.
Before You Go
You can file in person without an appointment. Probate is presented in person at Ex Parte Court — no appointment needed. Arrive about 20 minutes early with all documents and the filing fee. No notary is available on site, so the Oath must be signed and notarized beforehand.
Cash, Credit card, Money order, Check. Cash, credit card, money order, or cashier's check only; personal checks are not accepted. A 2.4% processing fee applies to credit cards.
Ex Parte Court: Monday-Friday at 8:30 AM, plus Monday, Thursday, and Friday at 3:30 PM.
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 County Auditor.
Deeds and other real property documents for Kitsap County are recorded with the County Auditor at 619 Division St, Port Orchard, WA 98366. Phone: 360-337-4935. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to Kitsap County Auditor, 614 Division St. 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 Simplifile / CSC / Indecomm / eRecording Partners Network.
Recording Office Record
Kitsap County
Address
Phone
Fax
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 Kitsap 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 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.
FirmSilverdale, WA
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.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateFamily Law
FirmPort Orchard, WA
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.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 5 more
FirmSilverdale, WA
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.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationBusiness Lawand 2 more
FirmPort Townsend, WA
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.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateReal Estate
FirmWalla Walla, WA
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.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 3 more
FirmWenatchee, WA
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.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate
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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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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Step-by-step tools for families in Kitsap County, Washington.
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