Des Moines Probate Court Records
Probate court records for Des Moines are filed and maintained at King County Superior Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over estate administration, wills, and guardianship cases for Des Moines residents under RCW Title 11.
Des Moines Overview
Where Des Moines Probate Cases Are Filed
King County Superior Court handles all probate and estate matters for Des Moines residents. Des Moines is located south of I-90 in King County, so probate cases are typically filed at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. There is no city-level probate court in Des Moines.
Des Moines Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and misdemeanors within city limits. It has no jurisdiction over probate or estate matters. All estate and guardianship filings for Des Moines residents go to King County Superior Court at either the Kent or Seattle location.
| Primary Office | Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center 401 Fourth Avenue N, Room 2C Kent, WA 98032 |
|---|---|
| Seattle Office | King County Courthouse 516 Third Avenue, Room E-609 Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | (206) 296-9300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Online Search | Odyssey Portal |
The Kent Regional Justice Center is about 12 miles from Des Moines and is the more convenient option for residents. When filing a probate case, the Case Designation Cover Sheet should indicate "Kent" as the location for Des Moines addresses, since the city is south of I-90.
How to Search Des Moines Probate Records
King County probate records from November 1, 2004 to present are searchable online through the KC Script Portal at kingcounty.gov. The statewide Odyssey Portal also covers King County cases and is a good starting point.
For records before November 2004, in-person access is required at either King County clerk location. Records on microfilm before July 1, 1979 are available only at the Seattle clerk's office. Bring the decedent's full name and approximate year of filing when you visit.
Mail requests require a $10 postage and handling fee, plus $30 if you do not have the case number. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
The Washington State Digital Archives holds historical King County probate records. Use Detailed Search and select Superior Court Cases. The Puget Sound Regional Branch in Bellevue at (425) 564-3940 holds older historical materials.
Des Moines Probate Filing Fees
The probate filing fee in King County is approximately $310 for a standard estate case. Contact the clerk at (206) 296-9300 to confirm the current fee. Copy fees are $0.25 per page for non-certified copies. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Letters testamentary and letters of administration each cost $5.
What Des Moines Probate Records Contain
Probate case files document estate administration from the opening petition through final distribution. Standard documents include the original will if one exists, the probate petition, the personal representative's oath, notice to creditors, estate inventory and appraisement, creditor claims, court orders, and the final decree of distribution.
Des Moines estates may include Puget Sound waterfront property, residential real estate near SeaTac airport, and financial accounts. The same Washington probate procedures apply for all estates. Not every estate goes to probate. Washington allows a Small Estate Affidavit for estates not exceeding $100,000 under RCW Chapter 11.62. These affidavits are not filed with Superior Court and do not appear in public records.
Probate Resources in Des Moines
Free official probate forms are at courts.wa.gov/forms. Online case search is at the Odyssey Portal. Historical records are at the Washington State Digital Archives and the Puget Sound Regional Branch in Bellevue at (425) 564-3940. Full Washington probate law is at RCW Title 11.
Northwest Justice Project serves residents at (888) 201-1014. Washington State Bar Association directory is at wsba.org. Self-help guides are at washingtonlawhelp.org.
King County Probate Court Records
Des Moines is served by King County Superior Court for all probate matters. For more information on the court and records access, visit the King County probate records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities near Des Moines file probate cases through their respective county courts.