Can You Self-File Probate in Bonneville County, Idaho?
Find out if you can handle probate yourself, see estimated cost savings vs. hiring an attorney, and get a step-by-step filing checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Idaho has no standardized statewide probate form, so the opening petition filed in Bonneville County must be drafted as a formal legal pleading. Most self-filers in this situation work with an attorney, though qualifying small estates are simpler to handle. The estate settlement plan tracks each Bonneville County filing step alongside the estate's accounts and deadlines.
File at the Magistrate Court, 605 North Capital Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. Phone: 208-529-1350. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Bonneville County offers e-filing for probate matters. Idaho courts use the iCourt File and Serve e-filing system. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys (I.R.E.F.S. Rule 4(a)); self-represented individuals may e-file but are not required to and may file on paper instead. Once a self-represented party elects to e-file, they must continue e-filing for the life of the case (I.R.E.F.S. Rule 4(b)). An original will must be filed both electronically and conventionally, with the conventional (paper) filing made within 7 business days of the electronic filing (I.R.E.F.S. Rule 5).
Bonneville County runs a self-help center. Phone: 208-589-9872.
You can technically file without a lawyer, but Idaho has no standardized statewide probate form — the opening petition must be drafted as a formal legal pleading.Idaho Code § 15-3-1201 (small estate affidavit), § 15-3-801 (creditor claims), § 15-3-719 (PR compensation), § 15-3-721 (review of attorney/PR compensation), § 15-3-603 (bond), §§ 15-3-301–302 (informal probate by registrar), § 15-3-502 (supervised administration only on court order), §§ 15-3-706–707 (PR self-valued inventory)Verified Sep 8, 2026 Most people in this situation work with an attorney, though small-estate procedures remain simpler to handle independently.
Court filing fees in Idaho vary by county.Idaho Code § 15-3-1201 (small estate affidavit), § 15-3-801 (creditor claims), § 15-3-719 (PR compensation), § 15-3-721 (review of attorney/PR compensation), § 15-3-603 (bond), §§ 15-3-301–302 (informal probate by registrar), § 15-3-502 (supervised administration only on court order), §§ 15-3-706–707 (PR self-valued inventory)Verified Sep 8, 2026 Self-filing costs typically include the court petition fee, publication costs. The filing fee is a fraction of total probate costs. See a full breakdown with the Idaho probate calculator.
Sources
Data sourced from Magistrate Court primary sources (6 pages reviewed). How we research.
Self-File Probate Assessment in Nearby Counties
- Other counties in the 7th Judicial District: Bingham County (Blackfoot) · Butte County (Arco) · Clark County (Dubois) · Custer County (Challis)
- More Idaho counties: Bonner County (Sandpoint) · Boundary County (Bonners Ferry)
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