Shoreline Probate Court Records
Probate court records for Shoreline are filed and maintained at King County Superior Court in Seattle, which has jurisdiction over all estate administration, wills, and guardianship cases for Shoreline residents under RCW Title 11.
Shoreline Overview
Where Shoreline Probate Cases Are Filed
King County Superior Court handles all probate and estate matters for Shoreline residents. Shoreline is in north King County, directly north of Seattle. Probate cases for Shoreline residents go to King County Superior Court in Seattle. There is no city-level probate court in Shoreline.
Shoreline Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and misdemeanors within city limits. It has no jurisdiction over probate or estate matters. All estate and guardianship filings go to King County Superior Court at (206) 296-9300. The main courthouse at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle is about 12 miles south of Shoreline via I-5 or Aurora Avenue N.
| Primary 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 |
Shoreline borders the King-Snohomish county line to the north, with Mountlake Terrace in Snohomish County just across the line. Shoreline residents are in King County. The courthouse in Seattle handles all King County north of the city. For residents near the county line, confirm your county by address before filing.
How to Search Shoreline 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. Enter the decedent's name or case number. Both portals are free to use.
For records before November 2004, in-person access is required at the King County Courthouse in Seattle. Records on microfilm before July 1, 1979 are 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 without a 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. The Puget Sound Regional Branch in Bellevue at (425) 564-3940 holds older historical materials for King County.
Shoreline Probate Filing Fees
The probate filing fee in King County is approximately $310 for a standard estate case. This is slightly higher than most Washington counties due to local surcharges. Contact the clerk at (206) 296-9300 to confirm the current fee before filing. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Letters testamentary and letters of administration each cost $5.
What Shoreline 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.
Shoreline estates typically include residential real estate in north King County, financial accounts, and personal property. Not every estate requires 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. Personal identifiers are redacted from public records under Washington Court Rule GR 31(e).
Probate Resources in Shoreline
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 King County 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
Shoreline is served by King County Superior Court in Seattle 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 Shoreline file probate cases through their respective county courts.