Federal Way Probate Court Records
Probate court records for Federal Way are filed and maintained at King County Superior Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over estate administration, wills, and guardianship cases for Federal Way residents under RCW Title 11.
Federal Way Overview
Where Federal Way Probate Cases Are Filed
King County Superior Court handles all probate and estate matters for Federal Way residents. Federal Way is in the southern portion of King County, south of I-90, so probate cases are typically filed at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. There is no city-level probate court in Federal Way.
Federal Way Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and misdemeanors within city limits. It has no jurisdiction over probate or estate matters. Kent is about 10 miles north of Federal Way and is the closest King County Superior Court location for Federal Way residents. Both King County clerk offices use the same phone number: (206) 296-9300.
| 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 |
When filing a probate case for a Federal Way resident, indicate "Kent" as the courthouse location on the Case Designation Cover Sheet. Indicating the wrong location can slow down case processing and require resubmission.
How to Search Federal Way 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 lets you search by party name. Both portals are free to use.
For records before November 2004, in-person access is required at a 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 visiting the Kent or Seattle locations.
Mail requests use the Record Request Form from the clerk's website. Include 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 going back to the 19th century. The Puget Sound Regional Branch in Bellevue at (425) 564-3940 serves both King and Pierce counties and holds older historical materials for this area.
Federal Way Probate Filing Fees
The probate filing fee in King County is approximately $310 for a standard estate case. This is higher than most Washington counties due to King County surcharges. 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.
What Federal Way 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.
Federal Way estates may include residential real estate in south King County, commercial property, and financial accounts. The same Washington probate procedures apply for all estates. 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 Federal Way
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
Federal Way 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 Federal Way file probate cases through their respective county courts.