Probate cost in Washington
In Washington, estates up to $100,000 can often skip full probate. For a $300,000 estate, the court fee is $290.
Washington's small estate limit is $100,000. Above it, the estate usually goes through probate.
- Court fee to open probate source$290
- Attorney fee sourceNo legal schedule: set by agreement or the courtset by agreement
- Executor fee sourceNo legal schedule: set by agreement or the courtset by agreement
Probate total$290+
The total leaves out the costs shown without a number.
- Quicken WillMaker & Trust Plus sourceOne-time price for one person$149
- Yearly feeoptional yearly renewal$40
- Moving a home into the trustSet by your county recordercounty recording fee
Trust total$149+
Assets left outside the trust can still need probate.
Probate cost by estate size
| Estate value | Court fee | Attorney (law) | Executor (law) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $290 | not set by law | not set by law | $290+ |
| $250,000 | $290 | not set by law | not set by law | $290+ |
| $500,000 | $290 | not set by law | not set by law | $290+ |
| $1,000,000 | $290 | not set by law | not set by law | $290+ |
"Not set by law" means the fee is agreed with the lawyer or set by the court, so it is not in the total. Use your own numbers.
The rules in Washington
- Small estate limit: $100,000 (Affidavit for collection of small estates (RCW 11.62.010)). Does not cover real estate. Heirs wait 40 days after the death. RCW 11.62.010: probate estate wherever located, less liens, $100,000 or less, not counting the surviving spouse's or partner's community share; 40 days after death; personal property only. All debts, including funeral costs, must be paid or provided for, and other successors get written notice at least 10 days before. Read on a Wayback copy dated Sept. 23, 2026. Source
- Simplified probate: Nonintervention probate (RCW 11.68).
- Court fee: $290 for a $300,000 estate. RCW 36.18.020: $200 to institute probate proceedings ((2)(f)) + $40 surcharge on all filing fees except (2)(b), (d), (h) ((5)(c)) + $50 surcharge on (2)(f) fees ((6)) = $290 statewide. Last amended 2025 c 357. Read on a Wayback copy dated May 14, 2026. King County's page also lists $290. Source
- Attorney fee: No legal schedule: set by agreement or the court. RCW 11.48.210: the court allows the PR 'just and reasonable' compensation when the will sets none, and an attorney serving the estate compensation the court deems 'just and reasonable'. The RCW page flags a 2026 change (2026 session law 2445.SL) that was not read. Read on a Wayback copy dated June 15, 2026. Source
- Executor fee: No legal schedule: set by agreement or the court. RCW 11.48.210: the court allows the PR 'just and reasonable' compensation when the will sets none, and an attorney serving the estate compensation the court deems 'just and reasonable'. The RCW page flags a 2026 change (2026 session law 2445.SL) that was not read. Read on a Wayback copy dated June 15, 2026. A will's pay provision controls unless renounced. Source
Some Washington rules could not be checked on a current official page. Each rule links to the source we used. Confirm with the court or a lawyer before you rely on it.
General information from official state sources, not legal advice.