Probate cost · Washington
Probate cost in Washington
What every fee is, who sets it, and what a typical estate actually pays end to end.
Probate in Washington costs about $23,240 to $37,040 for a $500,000 estate. The Superior Court charges $240 to open the case. Executor and attorney fees are the largest line items, set under RCW 11.62.010. Publication, bond, and appraisal add $500-$4,300.
Fee breakdown
Every probate cost in Washington, itemized. Amounts vary by county and by estate complexity.
| Court filing fee | $240 | Superior Court filing fee. Add ~$30 per certified letters and $5 per certified copy. |
|---|---|---|
| Publication of notice | $100 - $300 | Newspaper notice to creditors, required in most counties. |
| Executor bond | Up to $2,500 | Often waived by the will. When required, premium is ~0.5% of the estate value. |
| Appraisal | $400 - $1,500 | For real estate, business interests, or unique personal property. |
| Executor fee | $12,500 on $500k | RCW 11.48.210: reasonable compensation. Most non-intervention estates run 2-3%. |
| Attorney fee | $10,000 - $20,000 on $500k | Attorney fees are reasonable, typically 2-4% for routine non-intervention probate. |
Total by estate size
Estimated total probate cost in Washington across three common estate sizes. Uses statutory fees where Washington has them, market ranges where it doesn't.
| $200,000 estate | $9,740 - $17,540 |
|---|---|
| $500,000 estate | $23,240 - $37,040 |
| $1,000,000 estate | $45,740 - $69,540 |
Ranges assume an uncontested estate with one parcel of real property. Contested estates, out-of-state assets, and businesses add cost.
How to reduce probate cost in Washington
- If the estate is under $100,000, use a small estate affidavit instead of full probate.
- Convert accounts to payable-on-death and beneficiary designations before death. Those assets bypass probate entirely.
- Use a revocable living trust for real estate to avoid the Superior Court probate process.
- Ask the will to waive bond. That saves the $0-$2,500 premium.
- For clean, uncontested estates, use a cost calculator first so you know what to expect before hiring counsel.
Common questions
How much does probate cost in Washington?
Total probate cost in Washington for a $500,000 estate typically runs $23,240 to $37,040. A $200,000 estate costs about $9,740-$17,540, a $1M estate $45,740-$69,540. Court filing alone is $240.
Who pays probate fees in Washington?
The estate pays every probate cost from estate assets before heirs receive anything. Executor and attorney fees, the Superior Court filing fee, publication, and bond premiums all come out of the estate under RCW 11.62.010.
Can I reduce probate cost?
Yes. Using the small estate affidavit skips full probate when the estate is under the state threshold ($100,000 in Washington). Beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and living trusts also keep assets out of probate entirely.
What is the executor fee in Washington?
RCW 11.48.210: reasonable compensation. Most non-intervention estates run 2-3%.
How long does it take to pay these fees?
Filing and publication are paid at filing. Executor and attorney fees are approved by the Superior Court at the end, typically 6 months after opening the estate.
Where in Washington
In Washington, probate fees are paid at the Superior Court in the county where your relative lived at death. These three counties handle the largest caseload.
- County seat
King County
Superior Court - courthouse in Seattle
- County seat
Pierce County
Superior Court - courthouse in Tacoma
- County seat
Snohomish County
Superior Court - courthouse in Everett
Every Washington county has its own Superior Court clerk. Filing fees and processing time vary by county.
Other tasks in Washington
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