University Place Probate Court Records
Probate court records for University Place are filed and maintained at Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma, which has jurisdiction over all estate administration, wills, and guardianship cases for University Place residents under RCW Title 11.
University Place Overview
Where University Place Probate Cases Are Filed
Pierce County Superior Court handles all probate and estate matters for University Place residents. University Place is in west Pierce County, west of Tacoma on the Puget Sound shoreline. The courthouse is in Tacoma, the county seat, about 5 miles east. There is no probate court in University Place.
University Place Municipal Court at 3715 Bridgeport Way W 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 Pierce County Superior Court at (253) 798-7455 in Tacoma. Email: pcclerk@piercecountywa.gov.
| Office | Pierce County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | County-City Building 930 Tacoma Avenue S, Room 110 Tacoma, WA 98402 |
| Phone | (253) 798-7455 |
| pcclerk@piercecountywa.gov | |
| Online Search | LINX Online Search |
The University Place city page on Superior Court provides information about the Pierce County Superior Court that serves University Place residents. Probate and estate records are filed and maintained at Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma.
Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma handles all University Place estate and probate matters. The courthouse is a short drive east from University Place via SR-16 or Union Avenue.
How to Search University Place Probate Records
Pierce County probate records can be searched online through LINX at linxonline.piercecountywa.us. Search by party name or file number to find probate records. The statewide Odyssey Portal also covers Pierce County cases. Both search tools are free to use.
For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 930 Tacoma Avenue S, Room 110 in Tacoma during business hours. Bring the decedent's full name and approximate year of filing. Viewing records in person is free at the clerk's office.
The Washington State Digital Archives holds historical Pierce County court records. Use the Detailed Search feature and select Superior Court Cases. Pierce County probate records date back to 1855. The Puget Sound Regional Branch in Bellevue at (425) 564-3940 also holds older materials.
University Place Probate Filing Fees
The probate filing fee in Pierce County is approximately $290 for a standard estate case per RCW 36.18.020. Contact the clerk at (253) 798-7455 to confirm the current fee before filing. Copy fees are $0.50 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 University Place 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.
University Place estates typically include residential real estate in west Pierce County with views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, financial accounts, and personal property. The city borders Chambers Bay, a notable public golf course. Not every estate requires probate. Washington allows a Small Estate Affidavit for estates not exceeding $100,000 under RCW Chapter 11.62. Personal identifiers are redacted under Washington Court Rule GR 31(e).
Probate Resources in University Place
Free official probate forms are at courts.wa.gov/forms. Online case search is at LINX and the Odyssey Portal. Historical records are at the Washington State Digital Archives. Full Washington probate law is at RCW Title 11.
Northwest Justice Project serves Pierce County residents at (888) 201-1014. Washington State Bar Association directory is at wsba.org. Self-help guides are at washingtonlawhelp.org.
Pierce County Probate Court Records
University Place is served by Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma for all probate matters. For more information on the court and records access, visit the Pierce County probate records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities near University Place file probate cases through their respective county courts.