How Much Does Probate Cost in Skagit County, Washington?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Skagit County can expect.
What probate costs in Skagit 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 205 W Kincaid St, Rm 202, Mount Vernon.
Washington charges $290RCW 36.18.020(2)(f), (5)(c), (6)Verified May 1, 2026 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%RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 1, 2026 to 4%RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 1, 2026 of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation runs 2%RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 1, 2026 to 4%RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 1, 2026 of estate value, based on reasonable pay for time and effort. 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 of estate value annually.
Probate in Washington typically runs 6 monthsRCW 11.62.010 (small estate, $100K, 40-day wait)Verified May 1, 2026 to 9 monthsRCW 11.62.010 (small estate, $100K, 40-day wait)Verified May 1, 2026, and costs accrue throughout. The 4 monthsRCW 11.40.051Verified May 1, 2026 creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
Legal Sources
- RCW 11.40.051
- RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- RCW 11.62.010 (small estate, $100K, 40-day wait)
- RCW 36.18.020(2)(f), (5)(c), (6)
Data sourced from Washington statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Skagit County, that means filing fees ($290 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs $290 in Skagit County. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
Washington uses "reasonable fees" — usually hourly billing or a percentage of the estate. Typical range is 2%–4% of estate value, negotiable based on complexity.
Washington allows "reasonable" executor compensation, typically 1–5% of estate value depending on complexity. Family executors often waive fees because the fee is taxable income while an inheritance is not.
Yes. Washington estates under $100,000 can use a small estate affidavit and avoid most probate costs. Check the Washington self-filing assessment to see if this applies.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Skagit County probate.
Superior Court
Skagit County
205 W Kincaid St, Rm 202
Mount Vernon, WA 98273-4225
Phone:
360-416-1200Fax:
360-416-1210
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
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