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Gray County, KS Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Gray County information |
|---|---|
| Court | Gray County District Court. Probate papers are filed with the clerk of the district court under K.S.A. 20-343. |
| Courthouse address | Gray County Courthouse, 300 S Main St., Cimarron, KS 67835. |
| Mailing address | PO Box 487, Cimarron, KS 67835. |
| Phone | 620-855-3812. |
| Fax | 620-855-7037. |
| Hours | Call 620-855-3812 before traveling to confirm public counter hours, any midday closure, and filing cutoff. |
| Filing fee | As of July 1, 2026, filing a probate estate is $131.50 under K.S.A. 59-104, made up of the $109.50 statutory fee plus the $22 surcharge authorized through June 30, 2030. Other court costs can be charged to the estate as the court directs. |
| Local forms | No Gray County probate-specific packet is listed on the Kansas Judicial Branch 16th District page. Use the statewide Kansas Judicial Council forms and call the clerk for any local cover requirements. |
| E-filing | Kansas-licensed attorneys must use e-filing under Kan. Sup. Ct. Rule 122. A self-represented filer uses the paper, mail, fax, or drop-box options. |
| Self-represented filing options | File in person, by mail to the PO Box, by fax to 620-855-7037, or in the courthouse drop box. A drop-box filing deposited by 4:00 p.m. local time counts as filed that day. |
| Case search | Kansas Courts CaseSearch is the statewide public search. Gray County joined Kansas eCourt on September 12, 2022, so online case documents depend on that start date, while case information is searchable statewide. |
| Remote appearance | Phone or video appearance is discretionary under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103. Use the Kansas Judicial Council motion form and ask the clerk which platform and procedure the judge uses. |
| Self-help center | The Kansas Judicial Branch self-help center list does not list a Gray County District Court Self-Help Center. |
| Website | Kansas Judicial Branch 16th District page: https://www.kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/16th-Judicial-District |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you file in Cimarron, identify the assets, debts, title paperwork, the will, and whether any asset passes outside probate. Kansas venue, filing choice, and the six-month will deadline under K.S.A. 59-617 all depend on those facts.
Sunset's estate settlement tools help families search for accounts across more than 2,300 financial institutions, organize assets and liabilities, and decide what needs a court filing before the Gray County clerk receives the first petition.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Gray County probate is filed at the Gray County Courthouse in Cimarron with the clerk of the district court under K.S.A. 20-343. Gray County is part of Kansas's 16th Judicial District, K.S.A. 4-217, but the district number does not move the filing counter to another county.
Kansas venue is governed by K.S.A. 59-2203. If the decedent lived in Kansas and owned real property in the county of residence, file there. 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 in a Kansas county where the decedent owned real property. If the decedent was not a Kansas resident, file in a Kansas county where estate property must be administered. If competing proceedings are filed, the first-filed case controls while venue is decided, and the file can be transferred to the proper county.
The jurisdiction process
- Collect the death certificate, the will if one exists, asset information, debt information, and title paperwork. If the decedent died a Kansas resident with a will, decide within six months whether to petition for probate of 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 whether the will can pass property.
- Choose the Kansas route that fits the assets. A small estates affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b can be used for qualifying personal property when the probate assets do not exceed $75,000 effective July 1, 2023. Other routes include refusal to grant letters under K.S.A. 59-2287, determination of descent under K.S.A. 59-2250, informal administration under K.S.A. 59-3301, or simplified administration or supervised administration under K.S.A. 59-3202.
- Prepare the petition when a court case is needed. A petition for administration uses K.S.A. 59-2219, and a petition to probate a will uses K.S.A. 59-2220. If you want simplified administration, ask for it in the petition and give reasons under K.S.A. 59-3202.
- Add the required filing papers. A new case needs the Kansas case-filing cover sheet. A self-represented filer also files the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form. If you cannot afford the filing fee, include a Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104(b).
- File with the Gray County clerk of the district court at 300 S Main St. in Cimarron, by mail to PO Box 487, by fax to 620-855-7037, or in the courthouse drop box. As of July 1, 2026, filing a probate estate costs $131.50 under K.S.A. 59-104, which includes the $109.50 statutory fee and the $22 surcharge authorized through June 30, 2030.
- After the petition is filed, the court fixes the hearing under K.S.A. 59-2222. Hearing notice is published once a week for three consecutive weeks, and mailing follows the timing in K.S.A. 59-2209. The creditor notice must be handled under K.S.A. 59-709.
- If there is a surviving spouse, send the statutory elective-share notice within the required time under K.S.A. 59-2233. The hearing is where the court admits the will if appropriate, appoints the personal representative, and grants letters testamentary under K.S.A. 59-701 or letters of administration under K.S.A. 59-705.
- After letters are granted, file the inventory and valuation within 30 days under K.S.A. 59-1201 unless the court gives more time. Publish and mail creditor notices as required, then track claims under K.S.A. 59-2239, which bars demands unless presented within the later of four months from first publication or 30 days after actual notice to a known or reasonably ascertainable creditor.
- Administer the estate by gathering assets, paying allowed debts, paying taxes that must be paid before final settlement, and distributing property only when allowed. To close, file the petition for final settlement and accounting, then obtain the court's final decree assigning the estate under K.S.A. 59-2247 and K.S.A. 59-2249.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Gray County
Kansas publishes free statewide forms through the Kansas Judicial Council. The most commonly used forms include the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b, the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form, case-filing cover sheets, the Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104(b), the Rule 119 Fax Transmission Sheet, and the Motion to Appear in Court by Phone or Video for requests under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103.
No Gray County probate-specific packet is listed on the Kansas Judicial Branch 16th District page. Kansas does not provide a statewide fill-in petition for opening an estate, so petitions are usually drafted from K.S.A. 59-2219 or K.S.A. 59-2220, or prepared with legal help.
Local nuance
Gray County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means for a Gray County filing |
|---|---|
| Mailing address | Use PO Box 487, Cimarron, KS 67835 for mailed filings rather than copying the street address. |
| Fax filing | The clerk's fax number is 620-855-7037, which matters because a self-represented filer may file by fax. |
| Kansas eCourt date | Gray County joined Kansas eCourt on September 12, 2022. Kansas Courts CaseSearch may show online documents based on that date, while courthouse access remains the route for full public access when online documents are not available. |
| Self-help center | Gray County is not listed with a District Court Self-Help Center. Use the clerk for filing logistics, the statewide Judicial Council forms, Kansas Legal Services, and attorney referral resources. |
Recent updates
| Change | What changed |
|---|---|
| 2026 court-fee act | The $22 surcharge for probate filing fees under K.S.A. 59-104 is authorized from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030. A Gray County probate estate filing is $131.50 under K.S.A. 59-104 as of July 1, 2026. |
| 2026 nonresident fiduciary rule | A nonresident fiduciary's agent must reside in Kansas, not specifically in the county where the appointment is made, under K.S.A. 59-1706. |
| 2024 creditor notice change | The time to publish notice to creditors after filing changed to 30 days under K.S.A. 59-709. |
| 2023 small-estate affidavit change | The small estates affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b uses $75,000 effective July 1, 2023. |
| Gray County online documents | Gray County joined Kansas eCourt on September 12, 2022, which affects which case documents may appear through Kansas Courts CaseSearch. |
Scenarios
| Scenario | Likely Gray County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse w/ co-owned home | Start by checking how the home is titled and whether a joint-tenancy termination, homestead allowance under K.S.A. 59-6a215, family allowance under K.S.A. 59-403, or spouse notice under K.S.A. 59-2233 is involved. If a will exists, keep the six-month rule in view under K.S.A. 59-617. | Sunset helps identify accounts, organize title information, and prepare the family for an estate settlement path before a petition is filed in Cimarron. |
| Out-of-state adult child w/ small estate | If the estate has no real estate and the probate assets qualify, the small estates affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b may handle personal property up to $75,000 effective July 1, 2023. If letters are needed, a nonresident personal representative can serve after appointing a Kansas resident agent under K.S.A. 59-706 and K.S.A. 59-1706. Ask about a phone or video appearance under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103. | Sunset helps locate accounts, distinguish probate from non-probate assets, and connect the family with a Kansas attorney if the out-of-state filer needs local help. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | The small estates affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b does not move real estate. Ask whether refusal to grant letters under K.S.A. 59-2287, informal administration under K.S.A. 59-3301, or simplified administration under K.S.A. 59-3202 fits the sale, and do not miss the six-month will deadline under K.S.A. 59-617. | Sunset helps build the asset list, flag the home sale issue, generate an organized probate packet, and connect the family to a vetted attorney for the real estate transfer questions. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Gray County clerk of the district court | Handles filing logistics for Gray County probate cases under K.S.A. 20-343, including mail, fax, and drop-box filing questions. Court staff cannot give legal advice. | 300 S Main St., PO Box 487, Cimarron, KS 67835. Phone 620-855-3812. Fax 620-855-7037. |
| Kansas Judicial Branch Probate and Elder Law self-help page | Statewide probate and elder-law information, including links to forms and general explanations. | https://self-help.kscourts.gov/ProbateAndElderLaw |
| Kansas Judicial Council forms | Free statewide forms, including the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b, Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form, case-filing cover sheet, Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104(b), and motion for phone or video appearance under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103. | https://www.kjc.ks.gov/legal-forms |
| Gray County District Court Self-Help Center | Gray County is not listed with a District Court Self-Help Center. Use the statewide resources and call the clerk for filing logistics. | Self-help center list: https://self-help.kscourts.gov/SelfHelpCenters |
| Kansas Legal Services | Free and reduced-cost civil legal help for eligible Kansans across all 105 counties, subject to intake and case priorities. Do not rely on court staff for legal advice. | 316-267-3975. Intake hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. |
| Kansas Elder Hotline | Free legal advice may be available for Kansas residents age 60 or older through Kansas Legal Services. | 316-267-3975. |
| Kansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service | Referral route for finding a Kansas lawyer when the estate has a dispute, real estate, missing heirs, tax issues, or a contested appointment. | https://www.ksbar.org/?pg=clientreferrals |
When to hire an attorney
A lawyer is especially useful in Gray County when the estate includes real estate, a will may be close to the six-month deadline under K.S.A. 59-617, family members disagree, a creditor issue is expected, a nonresident personal representative needs a Kansas resident agent under K.S.A. 59-1706, or a home sale must be coordinated with the court's final decree. Sunset connects to a vetted attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset helps families search across more than 2,300 financial institutions, gather balances, and separate probate assets from property that may pass outside court. That asset map is the starting point for any Gray County estate settlement.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the family intake into an organized probate packet, including the information an attorney or self-represented filer needs for the Gray County clerk, the statewide cover sheet, and the forms that Kansas actually publishes.
Find a local probate attorney. When a Gray County estate needs legal help, Sunset can connect the family with a vetted Kansas probate attorney for the filing, hearing, real estate, creditor, or closing issues.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize estate settlement tasks, find assets, and understand next steps without paying Sunset a fee.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Gray County, Kansas?
File at the Gray County District Court through the clerk of the district court under K.S.A. 20-343. The courthouse is at 300 S Main St. in Cimarron, and mailed filings should go to PO Box 487, Cimarron, KS 67835.
Can I e-file a Gray County probate case myself?
Kansas-licensed attorneys must use e-filing under Kan. Sup. Ct. Rule 122. A self-represented filer uses in-person filing, mail, fax to 620-855-7037, or the courthouse drop box.
What is the filing fee to open a Gray County probate estate?
As of July 1, 2026, filing a probate estate is $131.50 under K.S.A. 59-104. That amount includes the $109.50 statutory fee and the $22 surcharge authorized through June 30, 2030. Other court costs may be charged as the court directs.
Does Gray County have local probate forms?
No Gray County probate-specific packet is listed on the Kansas Judicial Branch 16th District page. Use the statewide Kansas Judicial Council forms, including the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b, the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form, and the case-filing cover sheet.
How do I look up a Gray County probate case online?
Use Kansas Courts CaseSearch. Gray County joined Kansas eCourt on September 12, 2022, so online case documents depend on that start date. Case information can be searched statewide, and additional public access may be available at the courthouse.
Can I appear by phone or video in a Gray County probate hearing?
A phone or video appearance is discretionary under Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103. File the Kansas Judicial Council motion form, notify the other parties, and ask the Gray County clerk which platform and instructions the judge uses.
Does Gray County have a courthouse drop box for filings?
Yes. Gray County has a courthouse drop box for self-represented filings. A filing deposited by 4:00 p.m. local time counts as filed that day.
What should I do if there is a will in Gray County?
Act quickly. A Kansas will of a Kansas resident must have a petition for probate filed within six months of death under K.S.A. 59-617 unless a savings provision applies, such as filing a will and affidavit under K.S.A. 59-618a.
Does Gray County have a District Court Self-Help Center?
Gray County is not listed with a District Court Self-Help Center. Use the statewide Kansas Judicial Branch self-help page, Kansas Judicial Council forms, Kansas Legal Services, and the Kansas Bar Association referral route.
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.