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Labette County, KS Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Labette County details |
|---|---|
| Court | Labette County District Court, in Kansas's 11th Judicial District (K.S.A. 4-212) |
| Parsons location | Labette County Courthouse, 201 S Central, Parsons, KS 67357. Phone 620-421-4120. Fax 620-421-3633. |
| Oswego location | Labette County Courthouse, 517 Merchant Street, Oswego, KS 67356. Phone 620-795-4533. Fax 620-795-4068. |
| Hours | Parsons: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., open through lunch. Oswego: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. |
| Filing fee | A probate estate filing is $131.50, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030, under K.S.A. 59-104. That total is the $109.50 statutory amount plus the $22 surcharge under K.S.A. 59-104. Other court costs may be taxed as the court directs under K.S.A. 59-104(d). |
| Local forms | No Labette County probate-specific form was identified for this page. Use the statewide Kansas Judicial Council forms that apply, including the case-filing cover sheet and the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form. |
| E-filing | Kansas-licensed attorneys must use electronic filing under Supreme Court Rule 122 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 122). A self-represented filer files in person, by mail, by fax, or in the courthouse drop box under the Kansas self-represented filing rule. |
| Case search | Kansas Courts CaseSearch provides statewide public case information. Labette County joined Kansas eCourt on November 2, 2020, so documents filed from that date forward may be available online, while public courthouse terminals remain available for public records. |
| Remote appearance | Remote appearance is discretionary under Supreme Court Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). Use the Kansas Judicial Council Motion to Appear in Court by Phone or Video and ask the clerk which procedure the judge uses. |
| Self-help | The Labette County Self-Help Center is at the Parsons Public Library, with hours listed as Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays closed. |
| Website | Kansas Judicial Branch pages for the 11th Judicial District, including the Labette County locations in Parsons and Oswego. |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before filing anything in Labette County, list the assets, debts, real estate, account titles, beneficiary designations, and any will. Kansas has different paths depending on whether the estate needs letters, a real estate order, or only a non-court transfer of personal property.
Sunset can help with estate settlement before the court step by checking for accounts across more than 2,300 financial institutions, organizing the asset picture, and helping you decide what information a Labette County filing packet needs.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Labette County probate is filed with the clerk of the district court in Labette County (K.S.A. 20-343). The county is in Kansas's 11th Judicial District with Crawford and Cherokee counties (K.S.A. 4-212), but a Labette County case stays with Labette County's own court locations in Parsons or Oswego.
Kansas venue depends on residence and real property. If the decedent lived in Kansas and owned real property in the county of residence, venue is that county. If the decedent did not own real property in the county of residence, venue may be the county of residence or any county where the decedent owned real property. For a nonresident, venue may be any county where Kansas property or estate administration is needed (K.S.A. 59-2203). If proceedings begin in more than one county, the first-filed proceeding controls while venue is decided, and a misfiled case is transferred to the proper county (K.S.A. 59-2203).
The jurisdiction process
- Find the will, death certificate, asset list, debt list, and real estate information. If there is a Kansas will, decide promptly whether to petition for probate of the will. A will of a Kansas resident cannot pass property unless a petition is filed within six months after death, unless a statutory savings provision applies (K.S.A. 59-617).
- If the family is not ready to open a full estate, ask whether filing a will and affidavit can preserve the will. Kansas allows the will or a copy to be filed with an affidavit for preservation under K.S.A. 59-618a.
- Choose the correct Kansas path. A small estates affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b is given to the holder of personal property. Refusal to grant letters is a court path under K.S.A. 59-2287. Determination of descent is a court path under K.S.A. 59-2250. Informal administration is under K.S.A. 59-3301. Simplified administration or supervised administration is requested and decided under K.S.A. 59-3202.
- Prepare the petition required for the chosen court path. If you want simplified administration, ask for it in the petition and state the reasons under the Kansas simplified estates act (K.S.A. 59-3202).
- Add the required filing papers. A new case needs a case-filing cover sheet, and a self-represented filer needs the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form. If you cannot afford the $131.50 filing fee, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030, you may file a Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104.
- File with the clerk of the district court for Labette County in Parsons or Oswego (K.S.A. 20-343). A self-represented filer may file in person, by mail, by fax, or in the drop box. A drop-box filing placed by 4:00 p.m. local time counts as filed that day under the Kansas self-represented filing rule.
- After the petition is filed, the court fixes the hearing for probate of a will, administration, or refusal to grant letters (K.S.A. 59-2222). Ask early if you need remote appearance under Supreme Court Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103).
- Give notice as the court orders. Hearing notice is published once a week for three consecutive weeks, with mailing to heirs, devisees, and legatees as required (K.S.A. 59-2209). Notice to creditors is published within 30 days after filing the petition (K.S.A. 59-709).
- Attend the hearing. If the court grants authority, it admits the will and grants letters testamentary to an executor when the requirements are met (K.S.A. 59-701), or grants letters of administration to an administrator when there is no will or no executor able to serve (K.S.A. 59-705).
- Administer the estate. The personal representative files the inventory and valuation within 30 days after letters unless the court allows more time (K.S.A. 59-1201), gives creditor notice, pays valid debts and taxes, and tracks claims. Claims are governed by the later of four months from first publication or 30 days after actual notice to a known or reasonably ascertainable creditor (K.S.A. 59-2239).
- Close the estate by petitioning for final settlement and accounting, then obtain the court's final decree assigning the estate (K.S.A. 59-2247, K.S.A. 59-2249). Where real estate is involved, the decree also affects the county transfer record under K.S.A. 59-2249.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Labette County
Kansas publishes free statewide forms through the Kansas Judicial Council, including the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b, the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form, case-filing cover sheets, a Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104, and the Motion to Appear in Court by Phone or Video for a remote appearance request under Supreme Court Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103).
No Labette County probate-specific form or local probate cover sheet was identified for this page. Kansas also does not provide a fill-in statewide petition for probate of a will or administration, so the petition is drafted from the Kansas Probate Code requirements or with a lawyer's help.
Local nuance
Labette County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means in Labette County |
|---|---|
| Two court cities | Labette County has district court locations in Parsons and Oswego. K.S.A. 4-212 names both cities for the 11th Judicial District, and the Kansas Judicial Branch lists both Labette County locations. |
| Parsons filings | The Parsons location is at 201 S Central, Parsons, KS 67357, phone 620-421-4120, fax 620-421-3633. Probate filings are accepted there. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., open through lunch. |
| Oswego filings | The Oswego location is at 517 Merchant Street, Oswego, KS 67356, phone 620-795-4533, fax 620-795-4068. Probate filings are accepted there. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. |
| Case suffixes | Labette County identifies Parsons cases with case numbers ending PA and Oswego cases with case numbers ending OS. |
| CaseSearch document date | Labette County joined Kansas eCourt on November 2, 2020. Kansas Courts CaseSearch can show case information statewide, and Labette County documents filed from that date forward may be available online. |
Recent updates
| Update | What changed |
|---|---|
| 2026 fee surcharge | The $22 surcharge under K.S.A. 59-104 is authorized from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030. A probate estate filing is $131.50 under K.S.A. 59-104 during that period. |
| 2026 nonresident fiduciary rule | A nonresident fiduciary's resident agent may reside anywhere in Kansas under K.S.A. 59-1706, rather than in the county where the appointment is made. |
| 2025 case search change | Kansas Courts CaseSearch is the statewide search tool for Kansas district court case information. |
| 2024 creditor notice change | The time to publish notice to creditors after filing a petition moved to 30 days under K.S.A. 59-709. |
| 2023 small estates affidavit amount | The Kansas small estates affidavit amount is $75,000, effective July 1, 2023, under K.S.A. 59-1507b. |
Page last reviewed: August 2026.
Scenarios
| Situation | Likely Labette County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with co-owned home | Start by identifying how the home is titled. A joint-tenancy issue may need a termination of joint tenancy filing, while a spouse may also need advice about the homestead allowance under K.S.A. 59-6a215, family allowance rights under K.S.A. 59-403, and the surviving-spouse notice required by K.S.A. 59-2233. | Sunset helps collect title clues, account information, and debts so the spouse can see whether a Labette County court filing is needed for estate settlement. |
| Out-of-state adult child with small estate | If only personal property needs collection, the small estates affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b may be used with the bank or holder. If letters are needed, an out-of-state executor or administrator can serve after appointing a Kansas resident agent in writing under K.S.A. 59-1706, and may ask for remote appearance under Supreme Court Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). | Sunset helps find accounts, sort what needs court authority, and prepare the information a local attorney or Labette County filing will need. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | A personal-property affidavit will not solve a home sale. Ask whether 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 under K.S.A. 59-3202 fits. If there is a will, keep the six-month rule in mind (K.S.A. 59-617). | Sunset helps organize real estate, debts, beneficiaries, and account information so the family can choose the right Labette County path for estate settlement. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Labette County Self-Help Center | Located at the Parsons Public Library. Hours are listed as Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays closed. Resources include computer, printer, fax, scanner, copier, public internet access, Wi-Fi, and private meeting rooms by reservation. |
| Kansas Judicial Branch Self-Help probate page | Provides statewide probate and elder-law information, form links, and plain-language guidance. It is informational and is not a substitute for legal advice. |
| Kansas Judicial Council forms | Provides the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b, the case-filing cover sheet, the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form, the Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104, the Rule 119 fax sheet, and the Motion to Appear in Court by Phone or Video under Supreme Court Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). |
| Kansas Legal Services | Statewide nonprofit civil legal help for low- and moderate-income Kansans, subject to eligibility and priorities. Intake phone: 316-267-3975, with phone intake listed as 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. |
| Kansas Elder Hotline | For Kansas residents age 60 or older with questions about legal rights. Phone: 316-267-3975. |
| Kansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service | A referral route for finding a Kansas lawyer when the estate needs legal advice or court representation. |
When to hire an attorney
A lawyer is especially useful in Labette County when there is real estate to sell, a missed or approaching six-month will issue under K.S.A. 59-617, disagreement among heirs, creditor problems, a nonresident personal representative, or a need to choose between refusal to grant letters under K.S.A. 59-2287, informal administration under K.S.A. 59-3301, and simplified administration under K.S.A. 59-3202. Sunset connects to a vetted attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 financial institutions and helps build the asset list needed for estate settlement, including accounts that may not appear in the decedent's papers.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset organizes the information needed for the Labette County District Court filing, including parties, assets, debts, and the documents a self-represented filer or attorney will need to review.
Find a local probate attorney. When the estate needs legal advice, a house sale, court appearances, or help choosing the right Kansas probate route, Sunset can connect the family with a vetted Kansas probate attorney.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to understand the estate settlement tasks, locate assets, and prepare for the next step without paying Sunset a fee.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Labette County?
File with the clerk of the district court for Labette County (K.S.A. 20-343). Labette County has two court locations, Parsons at 201 S Central and Oswego at 517 Merchant Street, both in Kansas's 11th Judicial District (K.S.A. 4-212).
Does Labette County have two probate filing locations?
Yes. The Kansas Judicial Branch lists Labette County locations in Parsons and Oswego, and K.S.A. 4-212 names both Parsons and Oswego for court in the 11th Judicial District. Probate filings are accepted at both Labette County locations.
Can I e-file a Labette County probate case without a lawyer?
Kansas-licensed attorneys must use electronic filing under Supreme Court Rule 122 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 122). A self-represented filer uses the Kansas self-represented filing options, in person, by mail, by fax, or by drop box, rather than attorney e-filing under Supreme Court Rule 122 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 122).
What is the filing fee to open a probate estate in Labette County?
The probate estate filing fee is $131.50, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030, under K.S.A. 59-104. That includes the $109.50 statutory filing amount and the $22 surcharge under K.S.A. 59-104. A Poverty Affidavit may be filed under K.S.A. 59-104 if you cannot afford the fee.
Can I appear remotely in a Labette County probate hearing?
Possibly. A remote appearance is discretionary under Supreme Court Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). File or ask about the Kansas Judicial Council Motion to Appear in Court by Phone or Video, notify the other parties, and ask the Labette County clerk which procedure the judge uses.
How do I look up a Labette County probate case?
Use Kansas Courts CaseSearch for statewide case information. Labette County joined Kansas eCourt on November 2, 2020, so online documents may be available for filings from that date forward, subject to public-access rules.
Does Labette County publish its own probate forms?
No Labette County probate-specific form was identified for this page. Kansas statewide forms are available from the Kansas Judicial Council, including the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b, the case-filing cover sheet, and the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form.
Do I have to travel to Parsons or Oswego for every step?
Not always. A self-represented filer may file in person, by mail, by fax, or by drop box, and a remote appearance may be requested under Supreme Court Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). The judge decides whether a remote appearance will be allowed.
What is the most important Kansas deadline if there is a will?
A will of a Kansas resident cannot pass property unless a petition for probate is filed within six months after death, unless a statutory savings provision applies (K.S.A. 59-617). Filing a will and affidavit under K.S.A. 59-618a may preserve the will for later probate.
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.