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Lane County, KS Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Lane County District Court |
| Courthouse address | Lane County Courthouse, 144 S Lane Street, Dighton, KS 67839 |
| Mailing address | PO Box 188, Dighton, KS 67839 |
| Clerk | Clerk of the district court for Lane County (K.S.A. 20-343) |
| Phone | 620-397-2805 |
| Fax | 620-397-5526 |
| Hours | 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Filing fee | Effective July 1, 2026, a probate estate filing is $131.50 under K.S.A. 59-104, made up of the $109.50 docket fee plus the $22 surcharge under K.S.A. 59-104. Other court costs are handled as K.S.A. 59-104 directs. |
| Local forms | No Lane County probate petition form is provided. Use the statewide Kansas Judicial Council forms that apply. |
| E-filing | Attorneys use e-filing under Rule 122 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 122). A person filing without a lawyer files in person, by mail, by fax or by drop box. |
| Case search | Kansas Courts CaseSearch, casesearch.kscourts.gov. Lane County documents are available online for filings from September 12, 2022 forward, with courthouse terminals available for the public file. |
| Remote appearance | A phone or video appearance is discretionary. Ask by motion under Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). |
| Self-help center | Lane County is not listed as a Kansas Judicial Branch Self-Help Center county. |
| Website | kscourts.gov Lane County Courthouse page for the 24th district |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before filing in Dighton, make a practical inventory of the assets, debts, title documents and beneficiary designations. Kansas probate choices depend on what must actually pass through court, whether real estate is involved and whether a will needs to be protected within the Kansas deadline.
Sunset's estate settlement tools help families identify accounts and assets across more than 2,300 financial institutions before they decide which Kansas path fits. That asset map can keep a Lane County filing from being too small, too broad or filed too late.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Probate for Lane County is filed with the clerk of the district court at the Lane County Courthouse in Dighton (K.S.A. 20-343). Lane County shares Kansas's 24th judicial district with Edwards, Hodgeman, Ness, Pawnee and Rush counties (K.S.A. 4-225), but each county has its own filing office. A Lane County probate is filed in Dighton.
Dighton is the county seat and the only incorporated city in Lane County. The venue rule in Kansas is not just the county where the decedent lived. Proceedings are filed in the county of residence if the decedent owned real property there; if not, in the county of residence or any county where the decedent owned real property; and for a nonresident, in any county where the decedent left estate to be administered (K.S.A. 59-2203). If proceedings are started in more than one county, the first-filed proceeding controls while venue is determined, and a case filed in the wrong county is transferred (K.S.A. 59-2203).
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the death certificate, the will if there is one, account statements, real estate information and debt information. If there is a will, decide within six months after death whether to petition for probate of the will or at least preserve it by filing a will and affidavit under K.S.A. 59-618a, because the will cannot pass property unless the Kansas deadline is met (K.S.A. 59-617).
- Choose the Kansas route that fits the assets. A small estates affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b can be used for personal property when the probate assets do not exceed $75,000, effective July 1, 2023, and it is given to the holder of the property rather than filed in court. Court routes include refusal to grant letters (K.S.A. 59-2287), determination of descent after the statutory time has passed (K.S.A. 59-2250), informal administration (K.S.A. 59-3301) and simplified or supervised administration, with simplified administration requested and justified in the petition (K.S.A. 59-3202).
- Prepare the verified petition using the Kansas Probate Code requirements for the requested route. For a probate estate or administration filing, include the statewide case-filing cover sheet and, if you are filing without a lawyer, the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form.
- File with the Lane County clerk of the district court in Dighton (K.S.A. 20-343). You may file in person at 144 S Lane Street, by mail to PO Box 188, by fax to 620-397-5526 or by drop box by 4:00 p.m. local time. Effective July 1, 2026, the probate estate filing is $131.50 under K.S.A. 59-104, or you may file a Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104 if you are asking the court to waive the filing cost.
- The court fixes the hearing time and place. The 24th district publishes Lane County court sessions at 10 a.m. roughly monthly in Dighton, but the actual probate hearing date is set by the court under K.S.A. 59-2222.
- Give notice as ordered. When K.S.A. 59-2209 applies, notice is published once a week for three consecutive weeks, the first publication is made within 30 days after the hearing order, and the petition, attachments and will are mailed to required recipients within seven days after first publication (K.S.A. 59-2209). The notice to creditors is published within 30 days after filing the petition (K.S.A. 59-709).
- If there is a surviving spouse, send the statutory elective-share notice within 10 days when K.S.A. 59-2233 applies.
- Attend the hearing or ask in advance for a phone or video appearance under Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). At or after the hearing, the court admits the will if appropriate and grants letters testamentary to an executor (K.S.A. 59-701) or letters of administration to an administrator (K.S.A. 59-705).
- After letters are granted, file the inventory and valuation within 30 days unless the court allows more time (K.S.A. 59-1201). Administer the estate by collecting assets, handling claims, paying debts and taxes, and keeping records for settlement.
- Apply the creditor rules carefully. A demand is barred unless presented within the later of four months from first publication or 30 days after actual notice to a known or reasonably ascertainable creditor, subject to the statute's exceptions (K.S.A. 59-2239).
- Close the case by petitioning for final settlement and accounting, then obtaining the court's final decree assigning the estate (K.S.A. 59-2247, K.S.A. 59-2249). If real estate is assigned, the final decree may also need to reach the county clerk's transfer record under K.S.A. 59-2249.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Lane County
Lane County does not provide a local probate petition packet. Use the statewide Kansas Judicial Council forms where they apply, and draft any probate petition from the Kansas statutory requirements or with legal help.
| Form or resource | Use in Lane County |
|---|---|
| Small Estates Affidavit | For personal property when probate assets do not exceed $75,000, effective July 1, 2023, under K.S.A. 59-1507b. The affidavit is given to the bank, employer or other holder of property. |
| Case-filing cover sheet | Required with a new district court case. |
| Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form | Required when you file without a lawyer. |
| Poverty Affidavit | Use this if you are asking the court to waive the K.S.A. 59-104 filing cost. |
| Motion to Appear in Court by Phone or Video | Use this to ask for a phone or video appearance under Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). |
| Rule 119 Fax Transmission Sheet | Use this when filing by fax to 620-397-5526. |
| Probate notice of hearing | Statewide Kansas Judicial Council notice form for probate hearings where it fits the case. |
Timeline
- For 2026, the 24th district lists Lane County court sessions in Dighton at 10 a.m. on January 20, February 17, March 24, April 21, May 19, June 23, July 21, August 18, September 22, October 20, November 17 and December 15.
- Those dates are general Lane County court sitting dates, not automatic probate hearing dates. The probate hearing is fixed by the court under K.S.A. 59-2222 after the petition is filed.
- When publication notice is required, the hearing date still has to fit the statewide publication window, including publication once a week for three consecutive weeks (K.S.A. 59-2209).
- Call the Lane County clerk of the district court at 620-397-2805 before relying on any specific court date for travel, notice or a remote appearance request under Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103).
Local nuance
Lane County-specific considerations
| Local point | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Dighton filing office | Lane County is in Kansas's 24th judicial district (K.S.A. 4-225), but probate filings go to the Lane County clerk of the district court in Dighton (K.S.A. 20-343). |
| Lunch closure | The courthouse hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Plan in-person filing around the midday closure. |
| District chief clerk office | Lane County's clerk of the district court also holds the 24th district chief clerk role under the Kansas clerk structure (K.S.A. 20-343). File in Lane County for Lane County matters. |
| District magistrate judge | A district magistrate judge sits in Lane County, and Kansas law allows district magistrate judges to hear Kansas Probate Code matters (K.S.A. 20-302b). |
| Motion days | The 24th district lists a 10 a.m. Lane County court session roughly monthly in 2026. A probate hearing still depends on the order setting hearing and the notice schedule. |
| CaseSearch documents | Lane County joined Kansas eCourt on September 12, 2022. Documents filed from that date forward may be reached through Kansas Courts CaseSearch, with public courthouse access still available. |
| Self-help center | Lane County is not listed as a Kansas Judicial Branch Self-Help Center county. Use the clerk's office for filing logistics, the Judicial Council forms and Kansas Legal Services intake. |
Recent updates
| Change | What it means for Lane County filings |
|---|---|
| 2026 fee surcharge extension | The $22 surcharge under K.S.A. 59-104 was extended through June 30, 2030, so effective July 1, 2026, a probate estate filing is $131.50 under K.S.A. 59-104. |
| 2026 nonresident fiduciary update | A nonresident fiduciary's resident agent may reside anywhere in Kansas, rather than in the county of appointment, under K.S.A. 59-1706. |
| 2024 creditor notice update | The window to publish notice to creditors changed to 30 days after filing under K.S.A. 59-709. |
| 2023 small estates affidavit update | The small estates affidavit amount became $75,000, effective July 1, 2023, under K.S.A. 59-1507b. |
| Lane County eCourt date | Lane County's district court began operating on Kansas eCourt on September 12, 2022, which affects online document availability in CaseSearch. |
Scenarios
| Situation | Lane County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with co-owned home | Start with the deed and how title is held. A joint-tenancy termination may be the first filing. If an estate is opened, file in Dighton and track the spouse's statutory notices, including the elective-share notice under K.S.A. 59-2233 and any homestead allowance issue under K.S.A. 59-6a215. | Sunset helps identify accounts, title issues and beneficiary designations so the spouse can see whether a Lane County court filing is needed. |
| Out-of-state adult child with small estate | If probate assets are personal property only and do not exceed $75,000, effective July 1, 2023, the small estates affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b may solve the transfer without a Lane County court case. If letters are needed, a nonresident personal representative can serve after appointing a Kansas resident agent in writing under K.S.A. 59-706 and K.S.A. 59-1706. Ask early about a remote appearance under Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). | Sunset helps collect asset information, generate the right packet and connect the family with Kansas counsel if letters or a resident agent filing is needed. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | The affidavit route under K.S.A. 59-1507b does not transfer a house. In Dighton, the likely court paths to discuss are refusal to grant letters under K.S.A. 59-2287, informal administration under K.S.A. 59-3301, or simplified or supervised administration under K.S.A. 59-3202. If there is a will, protect the six months deadline under K.S.A. 59-617. | Sunset helps organize the real estate, mortgage, creditor and account picture so the family can choose the court path before sale deadlines and notice requirements create delay. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Lane County clerk of the district court | Lane County Courthouse, 144 S Lane Street, Dighton, KS 67839. Mail to PO Box 188, Dighton, KS 67839. Phone 620-397-2805. Fax 620-397-5526. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The clerk files papers and collects the K.S.A. 59-104 filing cost. |
| Kansas Judicial Branch self-help, probate and elder law | self-help.kscourts.gov/ProbateAndElderLaw. Use it for general Kansas probate information and links to statewide forms. |
| Kansas Judicial Council forms | kjc.ks.gov/legal-forms. Free 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, and the motion to appear by phone or video under Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). |
| Kansas Legal Services | kansaslegalservices.org. Intake is 316-267-3975, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It provides free and reduced-cost civil legal help to low and moderate income Kansans, subject to eligibility and case priorities. |
| Kansas Elder Hotline | Kansas residents age 60 or older may call 316-267-3975 through Kansas Legal Services for possible free legal advice. |
| Kansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service | ksbar.org/?pg=clientreferrals. Use it to look for a private Kansas attorney referral. |
| Kansas Courts CaseSearch | casesearch.kscourts.gov. Search Lane County case information. Lane County documents filed from September 12, 2022 forward may be available online. |
When to hire an attorney
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 financial institutions so families can build a clearer Lane County estate settlement plan before choosing a Kansas probate route.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset helps organize the information needed for the Lane County District Court, including asset lists, family information and the documents that support the petition.
Find a local probate attorney. If the estate needs letters, a house sale, a resident agent filing or a contested issue resolved, Sunset can connect the family with a Kansas probate attorney who understands Lane County filings.
Sunset is free for families. Sunset gives families a practical estate settlement starting point without charging them to understand assets, next steps or attorney options.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Lane County, Kansas?
File with the clerk of the district court at the Lane County Courthouse, 144 S Lane Street, Dighton, KS 67839 (K.S.A. 20-343). Mail filings go to PO Box 188, Dighton, KS 67839.
What is the filing fee to open a Lane County probate estate?
Effective July 1, 2026, the probate estate filing is $131.50 under K.S.A. 59-104. That is the $109.50 K.S.A. 59-104 docket fee plus the $22 K.S.A. 59-104 surcharge. If you cannot pay, ask about filing a Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104.
Can I e-file a Lane County probate case myself?
Attorneys use e-filing under Rule 122 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 122). If you are filing without a lawyer, file in person, by mail, by fax to 620-397-5526 or by drop box by 4:00 p.m. local time.
Does Lane County have local probate forms?
Lane County does not provide a local probate petition packet. Use statewide Kansas Judicial Council forms where they apply, including the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b, the case-filing cover sheet and the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form.
How are Lane County probate hearings scheduled?
The court fixes the hearing under K.S.A. 59-2222. The 24th district lists Lane County court sessions at 10 a.m. roughly monthly in Dighton, but a probate hearing must still fit the notice rules, including publication once a week for three consecutive weeks when K.S.A. 59-2209 applies.
Can I appear by phone or video for a Lane County probate hearing?
You can ask. A remote appearance is discretionary under Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103), and the Kansas Judicial Council provides a motion form. File the request early and notify the other parties as the rule requires.
How do I look up a Lane County probate case?
Use Kansas Courts CaseSearch at casesearch.kscourts.gov. Lane County case information is searchable there, and documents filed from September 12, 2022 forward may be available online. The courthouse also has public access for court records that are available to the public.
What happens if we wait more than six months to deal with a will?
Kansas has a six months rule for wills. A will of a Kansas resident cannot pass property unless a petition to probate it is filed within six months after death, unless a statutory savings provision applies (K.S.A. 59-617). If you are not ready to open a full estate, ask promptly about filing a will and affidavit under K.S.A. 59-618a.
Does Lane County have a District Court Self-Help Center?
Lane County is not listed as a Kansas Judicial Branch Self-Help Center county. Start with the Lane County clerk for filing logistics, the Kansas Judicial Council forms and Kansas Legal Services intake.
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.