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Ford County, KS Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Ford County information |
|---|---|
| Court | Ford County District Court |
| Judicial district | Kansas's 16th Judicial District, with Clark, Comanche, Ford, Gray, Kiowa and Meade counties (K.S.A. 4-217) |
| Filing office | Clerk of the district court for Ford County, appointed for the county under K.S.A. 20-343 |
| Courthouse address | Ford County Courthouse, 101 W Spruce Street, Dodge City, KS 67801 |
| Mailing address | PO Box 197, Dodge City, KS 67801 |
| Phone | 620-227-4609 |
| Fax | 620-227-6799 |
| Hours | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the clerk before filing near closing, because no lunch closure or filing cutoff is separately published. |
| Filing fee | $131.50, current after July 1, 2026, for a probate estate, made up of the $109.50 statutory amount and the $22 surcharge under K.S.A. 59-104. Other court costs are taxed as the court directs under K.S.A. 59-104(d). |
| Local forms | No Ford County-specific probate form, cover sheet or checklist is published. Use the statewide Kansas Judicial Council forms. |
| E-filing | Kansas-licensed attorneys must use e-filing under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 122, Rule 122. A self-represented filer uses in-person filing, mail, fax or the drop box, where available. |
| Case search | Kansas Courts CaseSearch at casesearch.kscourts.gov. Ford County documents are available online from September 12, 2022 forward, while case information is searchable statewide. |
| Remote appearance | Remote appearance is discretionary under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103, Rule 103. Use the Kansas Judicial Council motion form and ask the clerk how the judge handles the request. |
| Website | Kansas Judicial Branch Ford County Courthouse page for the 16th District. No separate Ford County court website is published. |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you file anything in Ford County, list the estate's assets, debts, real estate, account holders and known creditors. Kansas procedure depends on what property exists, whether a will must be preserved within six months under K.S.A. 59-617, and whether the family needs court-granted letters to complete the estate settlement.
Sunset can search more than 2,300 financial institutions to help identify accounts and assets before the family chooses a path. That asset picture helps determine whether the estate settlement can use a simple transfer tool, a refusal order, an informal path or an administration in the Ford County District Court.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Probate for Ford County is filed with the clerk of the district court at the Ford County Courthouse in Dodge City. Ford County sits in Kansas's 16th Judicial District with Clark, Comanche, Gray, Kiowa and Meade counties (K.S.A. 4-217), but K.S.A. 20-343 requires a separate clerk of the district court in each county, so a Ford County case is not filed in any of the other five counties.
Kansas venue for probate or administration is governed by K.S.A. 59-2203. If the decedent lived in Kansas and owned real property in the county of residence, that county is the venue. If the decedent lived in Kansas but did not own real property in the county of residence, the case may be filed in the county of residence or any county where the decedent owned real property. If the decedent was not a Kansas resident, venue may be any Kansas county where estate property is to be administered. If more than one proceeding is started, the first-filed case controls until venue is decided, and a case filed in the wrong county is transferred rather than dismissed.
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the death certificate, the will if there is one, account information, real estate information and creditor information. If the decedent was a Kansas resident with a will, decide within six months of death whether to file a petition to probate the will, or at least preserve the will by filing a will and affidavit under K.S.A. 59-618a, because K.S.A. 59-617 controls the six-month will deadline.
- Choose the Kansas path that fits the property. Options may include the small estates affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b for personal property, refusal to grant letters under K.S.A. 59-2287, determination of descent under K.S.A. 59-2250 after the statutory timing is met, informal administration under K.S.A. 59-3301, or simplified administration or supervised administration under K.S.A. 59-3202.
- Prepare the verified petition if a court case is needed. A petition for administration or a petition to probate a will follows the Kansas Probate Code requirements, and if you want simplified administration the petition must ask for it and give reasons under K.S.A. 59-3202.
- Add the statewide case-filing cover sheet. If you are representing yourself, add the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form. If you cannot pay the filing fee, include a Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104.
- File with the clerk of the district court for Ford County at 101 W Spruce Street in Dodge City, by mail to PO Box 197, Dodge City, KS 67801, by fax to 620-227-6799, or through the courthouse drop box, where available, by 4:00 p.m. local time. The current probate estate filing fee is $131.50 after July 1, 2026, under K.S.A. 59-104.
- The court fixes the hearing under K.S.A. 59-2222. Notice is published once each week for three consecutive weeks under K.S.A. 59-2209, and mailed to the required people with the petition and will when applicable. Notice to creditors is handled under K.S.A. 59-709.
- If there is a surviving spouse and a will-related filing, send the required elective-share notice within the Kansas deadline under K.S.A. 59-2233.
- Attend the hearing in Dodge City unless the court allows a remote appearance under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103, Rule 103. The court admits the will and grants letters testamentary to an executor under K.S.A. 59-701, or grants letters of administration to an administrator under K.S.A. 59-705, if administration is ordered.
- After letters are granted, file the inventory and valuation within 30 days under K.S.A. 59-1201 unless the court allows more time. Publish and mail creditor notices as required, and track the K.S.A. 59-2239 claim period, including the later of four months from first publication or 30 days after actual notice for a known or reasonably findable creditor.
- Collect assets, pay allowed debts and taxes, handle any required sale or transfer, then petition for final settlement. The court's final decree assigns the estate under K.S.A. 59-2247 and K.S.A. 59-2249.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Ford County
Ford County does not publish a county-specific probate petition, checklist, cover sheet or local probate packet. Use the statewide Kansas Judicial Council forms that apply to your filing, including the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b, the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form, the case-filing cover sheet, the Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104, and the Motion to Appear in Court by Phone or Video under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103, Rule 103.
Kansas does not publish a fill-in petition for opening a probate estate. The petition is drafted from the statutory requirements for the type of case, or prepared with a lawyer's help.
Local nuance
Ford County-specific considerations
| Local point | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Ford County files in Dodge City | Ford County shares Kansas's 16th Judicial District with five other counties (K.S.A. 4-217), but K.S.A. 20-343 keeps a clerk of the district court in each county. Ford County probate is filed at the Ford County Courthouse in Dodge City. |
| Use 101 W Spruce Street | The Ford County Courthouse address is 101 W Spruce Street, Dodge City, KS 67801, with mail to PO Box 197. Do not use any Dodge City tourism address for a court filing. |
| Self-help is at the library | Ford County's District Court Self-Help Center is at the Dodge City Public Library, not at the courthouse. It has a computer, printer, fax, scanner, copier, internet access, private meeting rooms and a notary public. |
| Ford County joined Kansas eCourt on September 12, 2022 | Documents filed in Ford County cases from September 12, 2022 forward can be reached online through Kansas Courts CaseSearch, subject to public-access rules. |
Recent updates
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| April 3, 2026 | 2026 HB 2393 extended the $22 surcharge authority through June 30, 2030 under K.S.A. 59-104. The Ford County probate estate filing fee remains $131.50, current after July 1, 2026, under K.S.A. 59-104. |
| April 9, 2026 | 2026 SB 480 changed the nonresident fiduciary rule so the required resident agent may reside anywhere in Kansas, rather than in the county of appointment, under K.S.A. 59-1706. |
| July 1, 2024 | The creditor publication window changed from 10 days to 30 days under K.S.A. 59-709. |
| July 1, 2023 | The Small Estates Affidavit ceiling became $75,000, effective July 1, 2023, under K.S.A. 59-1507b. |
| September 12, 2022 | Ford County began operating on the Kansas eCourt case management system, so online case documents in Kansas Courts CaseSearch begin from that date for Ford County cases, subject to public-access rules. |
Page last reviewed: August 2026.
Scenarios
| Situation | Likely Ford County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with co-owned home | Start with how the Dodge City or Ford County home is titled. If the home was held in joint tenancy, a termination of joint tenancy may be the first filing. If an estate is opened, file with the clerk of the district court in Dodge City under K.S.A. 20-343. The spouse may also need advice about the homestead allowance of $75,000, effective July 1, 2023, under K.S.A. 59-6a215, the family allowance of up to $75,000, effective July 1, 2023, under K.S.A. 59-403, and the elective-share notice under K.S.A. 59-2233. | Sunset helps identify accounts, debts, real estate clues and beneficiary designations before the family chooses an estate settlement path. |
| Out-of-state adult child with small estate | If the estate has no real estate and the probate assets are $75,000 or less, effective July 1, 2023, the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b may be furnished to the bank or other holder instead of filing a court case. If letters are needed, an out-of-state personal representative can serve by appointing a Kansas resident agent under K.S.A. 59-706 and K.S.A. 59-1706. The court may allow a remote appearance under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103, Rule 103. | Sunset helps search for accounts remotely, organize the asset list, generate documents and prepare questions for the Ford County clerk or a Kansas lawyer. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | The Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b does not transfer a Ford County home. The family may need refusal to grant letters under K.S.A. 59-2287, informal administration under K.S.A. 59-3301, or simplified administration or supervised administration under K.S.A. 59-3202. If there is a will, the six-month deadline under K.S.A. 59-617 is a first priority. | Sunset helps build the probate packet, organize property and debt information, and connect the family with a Kansas probate attorney for the real estate sale. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Clerk of the district court, Ford County | Ford County Courthouse, 101 W Spruce Street, PO Box 197, Dodge City, KS 67801. Telephone 620-227-4609. Fax 620-227-6799. The clerk accepts filings, collects the K.S.A. 59-104 fee and answers procedural questions. |
| Ford County District Court Self-Help Center | Located at the Dodge City Public Library, not the courthouse. Open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Sunday. Resources include a computer, printer, fax, scanner, copier, internet access, private meeting rooms and a notary public. |
| Kansas Judicial Branch self-help, probate and elder law | Self-help information for probate and elder law, with links to statewide forms and Kansas Legal Services. |
| Kansas Judicial Council free forms | Statewide forms include the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b, Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form, case-filing cover sheets, Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104, and Motion to Appear in Court by Phone or Video under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103, Rule 103. |
| Kansas Legal Services | Free and reduced-cost civil legal help for low and moderate income Kansans in all 105 counties, subject to eligibility and priorities. Intake is 316-267-3975, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Kansas Elder Hotline | Kansas residents age 60 and older may be eligible for free legal advice through Kansas Legal Services at 316-267-3975. |
| Kansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service | Referral route for finding a Kansas lawyer. |
| Kansas Courts CaseSearch | Search Ford County district court case information statewide. Ford County online documents begin from September 12, 2022, subject to public-access rules. |
When to hire an attorney
A lawyer is especially useful in Ford County when the estate includes real estate, a will is close to the six-month deadline under K.S.A. 59-617, beneficiaries disagree, a nonresident fiduciary needs a Kansas resident agent under K.S.A. 59-1706, or the family needs a petition Kansas does not provide as a fill-in form. Sunset connects families with a vetted Kansas probate attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 institutions to help identify bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, insurance and other assets that shape the estate settlement plan.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the family's information into an organized probate packet for the Ford County filing path, including the forms and supporting documents that apply to the estate settlement.
Find a local probate attorney. When a lawyer is the safer route, Sunset connects the family with a vetted Kansas probate attorney who can advise on Ford County filings, real estate, creditor issues and court hearings.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize assets, paperwork and next steps without paying Sunset a fee.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Ford County?
File at the Ford County District Court through the clerk of the district court under K.S.A. 20-343. The courthouse is at 101 W Spruce Street in Dodge City, and mail goes to PO Box 197, Dodge City, KS 67801.
Can I e-file a Ford County probate case if I do not have a lawyer?
Kansas-licensed attorneys must use e-filing under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 122, Rule 122. A self-represented Ford County filer uses in-person filing, mail, fax to 620-227-6799, or the courthouse drop box where available.
What is the deadline to probate a will in Ford County?
For a Kansas resident, a will must be petitioned for probate within six months of death or it cannot pass property unless a statutory saving rule applies (K.S.A. 59-617). If the family is not ready to open a full estate, filing a will and affidavit under K.S.A. 59-618a can preserve the will if done in time.
How much does it cost to open a probate estate in Ford County?
The current filing fee for a probate estate is $131.50 after July 1, 2026, under K.S.A. 59-104. That includes the $109.50 statutory amount and the $22 surcharge under K.S.A. 59-104. Other court costs can be charged as the court directs under K.S.A. 59-104(d).
Does Ford County have a probate self-help center?
Ford County has a District Court Self-Help Center at the Dodge City Public Library, not at the courthouse. It is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed Sunday.
How do I look up a Ford County probate case?
Use Kansas Courts CaseSearch. Ford County case documents are available online from September 12, 2022 forward, subject to public-access rules, and public case information can be searched statewide.
Are there Ford County probate forms?
No Ford County-specific probate form or checklist is published. Use statewide Kansas Judicial Council forms, including the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b, the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form, the case-filing cover sheet, the Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104, and the remote appearance motion under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103, Rule 103.
Do I have to travel to Dodge City for a Ford County probate hearing?
The court may require an in-person appearance. A Kansas district court can allow a remote appearance in its discretion under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103, Rule 103, and the Kansas Judicial Council publishes a motion form to request phone or video appearance.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.