Friday Harbor solo practice serving San Juan County since 2009. Probate and other estate settlement procedures are a major part of the practice, along with trust administration and Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA) litigation and settlements. Also prepares wills, trusts, and powers of attorney and handles real estate, land use, and business matters.
What to Do When Someone Dies in San Juan County, Washington
How probate works in San Juan County: the Superior Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
San Juan County Superior Court
San Juan County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-noon and 1:00 PM-4:30 PM
Office
350 Court Street, No. 7, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Website
E-filing
Filing in person
Walk-ins accepted
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
Required for attorneysAttorneys must e-file through eFileWA, and self-represented parties may e-file or file on paper. A new probate case that includes an original paper will is filed on paper. Filings received after 4:30 p.m. count as received the next business day. On paper: Self-represented parties (e-filing optional); Original paper wills and codicils, and new probate cases that include one; Ex parte presentations; Exhibits for hearings or trials; Certified records of proceedings for appeal.
Filing in person
Walk-ins acceptedThe Clerk's counter takes filings without an appointment, and ex parte papers can be left there with the $30 fee. The Courthouse Facilitator works by appointment.
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe Clerk's page links the statewide forms on the Washington Courts site, and its probate page points to the Washington Probate site for probate forms. A self-represented party may present an ex parte order in person on the Tuesday Civil Law and Motion Calendar without the ex parte fee.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCash, Check, Money order, Credit card.The Clerk takes cash, cashier's checks, law firm checks, money orders and personal checks. Card payments go through Point and Pay, online or by phone, for a processing fee, and every fee is paid in advance.
Hearing schedule
- Ex parte matters are presented on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the start of the Civil Law and Motion Calendar, and in chambers on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:15 p.m. by arrangement with Court Administration; no chambers ex parte time is held on Fridays.
350 Court Street
No. 7
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Fax
1-360-370-7485
Departments
- County Clerk1-360-378-2163 · Floor 2 · countyclerk@sanjuancountywa.gov · Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-noon and 1:00 PM-4:30 PMProbate cases, and wills after a death, are filed with the County Clerk on the second floor of the courthouse. The Clerk provides no probate forms or instructions and points to the Washington Probate site.
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in San Juan 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 San Juan County, probate runs through the Superior Court at 350 Court Street, No. 7, Friday Harbor. Probate e-filing in San Juan County goes through efileus.com, a system used by 2 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 San Juan County
What probate costs in San Juan 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 350 Court Street, No. 7, Friday Harbor.
Procedures at this court that affect cost: Ex parte fee waived for in-person presentation.
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 San Juan County, Washington are filed at the Superior Court. E-filing here is required, not optional — true in only 5 Washington counties.
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 San Juan County Self-Filing Assessment.
San Juan 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
Filings received after 4:30 p.m. are filed the next business day
Paper and electronic filings received outside the Clerk's filing hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, count as received the next business day. A document may also be filed by fax for a fee, and a fax over 25 pages needs the Clerk's permission first.
SourceDocument Requirements
Original paper wills are filed on paper
An original paper will or codicil, and a new probate case that includes one, is filed on paper rather than through eFileWA. A will held after a death is filed with the Clerk within 40 days, for a $20 fee when no probate is opened.
SourceCourt Appearances
Remote hearings held through Microsoft Teams
Most hearings can be attended remotely through the court's Microsoft Teams link, except protection-order hearings and jury trials. The courtroom remains open to the public in person.
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 San Juan County
In Washington a death is registered locally, and in San Juan County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by San Juan County Health & Community Services as well as by Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics.
Vital Records Office Record
Local Health Department
San Juan County · San Juan County Health & Community Services
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-3:30 PM
Office
145 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Website
Certified copies
At the counter; copies are not issued the same day
Order online
P.O. Box 607
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Local rule
- The office issues deaths registered in San Juan County from February 1, 2012 on; other deaths come from the state office. Walk-in certificates are generally ready within two days.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $25 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Coroner
San Juan County · San Juan County Coroner's Office
Phone
Website
Release of remains
1-360-378-4151 · San Juan County Dispatch, 24-hour line · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in San Juan 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 San Juan County are recorded with the County Auditor at 350 Court Street, 1st Floor, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Phone: 1-360-378-2161. Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM (closed Friday).
Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 638, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
The County Auditor charges $304 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page.
San Juan County does not offer e-recording.
Recording Office Record
County Auditor
San Juan County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM (closed Friday)
Office
350 Court Street, 1st Floor, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Website
P.O. Box 638
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Fax
1-360-378-6256
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 San Juan 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 San Juan 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.
Friday Harbor practice on San Juan Island serving San Juan County, including Orcas, Lopez, Shaw, and Waldron islands, and clients elsewhere with ties to the county. It probates estates and works on trust disputes, and prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives, alongside real estate, land use, and business law.
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.
Serves King and Snohomish counties from Redmond, covering Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Sammamish, and Woodinville, and works with clients remotely across Washington. Handles wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, probate, and tax planning for estates; planning is sold as flat-fee packages and probates are billed hourly. Intake starts with a free telephone consultation.
Spokane firm, formerly Moulton Law Offices, with offices in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Kennewick, and Yakima and virtual meetings for clients across Washington. Guides personal representatives, executors, heirs, and trustees through probate and trust administration, and also handles guardianships, Medicaid planning, and revocable living trusts.
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
- San Juan County Superior Court, official page
- San Juan County Auditor, official page
- San Juan 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.
