Kennewick Probate Court Records
Probate court records for Kennewick are filed and maintained at Benton County Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over all estate administration, wills, and guardianship cases for Kennewick residents, with the courthouse located in Kennewick itself under RCW Title 11.
Kennewick Overview
Where Kennewick Probate Cases Are Filed
Benton County Superior Court handles all probate and estate matters for Kennewick residents. The courthouse is located in Kennewick at 7122 W Okanogan Place, which is convenient for city residents. The Benton County clerk maintains all Superior Court records including probate and guardianship filings for the county.
Kennewick Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and misdemeanors within city limits. It has no jurisdiction over probate or estate matters. Kennewick is part of the Tri-Cities area along with Richland and Pasco. All three cities file probate at Benton County Superior Court in Kennewick for Kennewick and Richland residents, and at Franklin County Superior Court in Pasco for Pasco residents.
| Office | Benton County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 7122 W Okanogan Place Kennewick, WA 99336 |
| Phone | (509) 735-8388 |
| Online Search | Odyssey Portal |
Kennewick is the largest city in Benton County. The courthouse location at W Okanogan Place is off Highway 395. If you need directions or to confirm current office hours, visit the Benton County website or call the clerk at (509) 735-8388.
How to Search Kennewick Probate Records
Benton County probate records can be searched online through the statewide Odyssey Portal. Enter the decedent's name or case number to find probate filings in Benton County Superior Court. The portal shows case type, party names, case status, and docket entries.
For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 7122 W Okanogan Place during business hours. Bring the decedent's full name and approximate year of filing. Staff can search by name or case number. Viewing records in person is free.
The Washington State Digital Archives holds historical Benton County court records. Use the Detailed Search feature and select Superior Court Cases. For older materials, the Central Regional Branch of the Washington State Archives in Ellensburg at (509) 963-2136 serves Benton County.
Copy fees follow the standard Washington State schedule. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Non-certified copies are $0.50 per page. Mail requests can be submitted with applicable fees.
Kennewick Probate Filing Fees
The probate filing fee in Benton County is approximately $290 for a standard estate case under Washington State fee schedules per RCW 36.18.020. Guardianship filings carry the same base fee. Contact the clerk at (509) 735-8388 to confirm the current fee. County surcharges may apply.
Copy fees follow the standard Washington State schedule. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Non-certified copies are $0.50 per page. Letters testamentary and letters of administration each cost $5.
What Kennewick 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.
Kennewick estates may include residential and commercial real estate in the Tri-Cities area, agricultural land in the surrounding Benton County farmland, wine industry assets from the Columbia Valley wine region, and financial accounts. Appraisements for agricultural and winery assets require qualified appraisers familiar with eastern Washington markets.
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. Personal identifiers are redacted from public records under Washington Court Rule GR 31(e).
Probate Resources in Kennewick
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 Central Regional Branch in Ellensburg at (509) 963-2136. Full Washington probate law is at RCW Title 11.
Columbia Legal Services serves southeastern Washington residents. 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.
Benton County Probate Court Records
Kennewick is served by Benton County Superior Court for all probate matters. The courthouse is located in Kennewick. For more information on the court and records access, visit the Benton County probate records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities near Kennewick file probate cases through their respective county courts.