RCW 36.18.020(2)(f) and (6) · checked 2026-10-20
Probate court fees in Washington
Washington charges a flat $250 to open an estate, whatever its size (probate proceedings filing fee $200 + surcharge $50).
- 1$100,000 estate $250
- 2Fee basis Flat fee
- 3Small-estate fee Not listed
- 4Schedule RCW 36.18.020
Fee to open an estate, by value
| Estate value | Fee | How it is worked out |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $250 | Probate proceedings filing fee $200 + Surcharge $50 |
| $50,000 | $250 | Probate proceedings filing fee $200 + Surcharge $50 |
| $100,000 | $250 | Probate proceedings filing fee $200 + Surcharge $50 |
| $250,000 | $250 | Probate proceedings filing fee $200 + Surcharge $50 |
| $500,000 | $250 | Probate proceedings filing fee $200 + Surcharge $50 |
| $1,000,000 | $250 | Probate proceedings filing fee $200 + Surcharge $50 |
The fee is the same at every value, so a small estate pays as much as a large one to open full administration. At $100,000, 6 of the 12 fee schedules on this site charge less and 5 charge more.
Other charges in the schedule
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Probate proceedings | $200 |
| Petition to contest or admit a will | $200 |
| Surcharge on probate filings | $50 |
Source: Revised Code of Washington § 36.18.020 (superior court clerk fees), last checked 2026-10-20. Courts can add copy, certification and publication costs that are not in this schedule.
The small-estate route and its cost
Washington's simplified procedure is the small estate affidavit (RCW 11.62.010), for estates within $100,000. It is not filed with the court, so there is no court filing fee for the affidavit itself. Check the Washington limit or see how long probate takes there.
What the court fee does not cover
The schedule above is only the court's own charge. Publishing notice to creditors in a newspaper, certified copies of letters, a fiduciary bond where the court requires one, appraisals and recording fees for real estate are billed separately by whoever provides them. Those notices also start Washington's creditor claim period of 4 months (RCW 11.40.051(1)(b)(i)), which usually decides how soon the estate can close. Most courts can waive or defer fees for a petitioner who cannot pay; the clerk's office has the request form.
Related: probate court fees compared · what probate is · all fee schedules.
Court fees only, read from the official schedule on 2026-10-20. Not legal advice; Probate Clock does not refer anyone to lawyers. Fee waivers are usually available to people who cannot pay — ask the court clerk.