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Stanton County, KS Probate Information
Quick facts
| Topic | Stanton County details |
|---|---|
| Court | Stanton County District Court, in Kansas's 26th judicial district (K.S.A. 4-227) |
| Filing office | Clerk of the district court for Stanton County (K.S.A. 20-343) |
| Courthouse address | Stanton County Courthouse, 201 N Main, Johnson, KS 67855 |
| Mailing address | PO Box 913, Johnson, KS 67855-0913 |
| Phone | 620-492-2180 |
| Fax | 620-492-6410 |
| Hours | Call 620-492-2180 before traveling to confirm public counter hours, any midday closure and any filing cutoff. |
| Filing fee | The probate estate docket fee is $131.50 as of August 2026, made up of the $109.50 filing amount plus the $22 surcharge authorized through June 30, 2030 (K.S.A. 59-104). Other court costs are taxed as the court directs (K.S.A. 59-104). |
| Local forms | No Stanton County specific probate petition form is published for this page. Use the statewide Kansas Judicial Council forms where they apply. |
| E-filing | E-filing is required for Kansas licensed attorneys under Rule 122 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 122). A self-represented filer in Stanton County files in person, by mail, by fax or by drop box. |
| Case search | Kansas Courts CaseSearch at casesearch.kscourts.gov. Stanton County case documents are reachable online for filings from September 12, 2022 forward. |
| Remote appearance | A phone or video appearance is discretionary. Ask by motion under Rule 103 and use the Kansas Judicial Council form if needed (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). |
| Website | Stanton County's linked county site is stantoncountyks.com. The Kansas Judicial Branch also lists Stanton County on its 26th judicial district page. |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you file anything in Stanton County, make a working list of the decedent's accounts, vehicles, real estate, debts, taxes and possible heirs or devisees. The right estate settlement path depends on what exists, what is titled jointly or by beneficiary designation, whether a will exists and whether real estate needs a court order.
Sunset can search across more than 2,300 financial institutions to help find accounts and assets before you choose the Stanton County filing path. That asset picture makes the first courthouse step more accurate and reduces the chance of starting the wrong estate settlement process.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Stanton County probate filings go to the clerk of the district court at the Stanton County Courthouse, 201 N Main, Johnson, Kansas. Mail filings to PO Box 913, Johnson, KS 67855-0913, or fax filings to 620-492-6410 when fax filing is appropriate.
Stanton County shares Kansas's 26th judicial district with Grant, Haskell, Morton, Seward and Stevens counties (K.S.A. 4-227). That shared district does not move Stanton County filings to another county. Kansas law places a clerk of the district court in each county (K.S.A. 20-343), so a Stanton County probate is filed in Johnson.
Venue in Kansas depends on residence and real property. If the decedent was a Kansas resident and owned real property in the county of residence, file there. If the decedent did not own real property in the county of residence, file in the county of residence or any county where the decedent owned real property. If the decedent was not a Kansas resident, file in any Kansas county where estate property is to be administered. The first properly started proceeding controls, and a case filed in the wrong county is transferred rather than dismissed (K.S.A. 59-2203).
Stanton County communities include Johnson, the county seat, and Manter.
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the death certificate, the will if there is one, asset information, debt information and the names and addresses of heirs, devisees and legatees.
- Act on the will deadline first. A Kansas resident's will cannot pass property unless a petition for probate of the will 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, including a copy of the will if needed, preserves the will under K.S.A. 59-618a.
- Choose the Kansas route that fits the assets. Common routes include the small estates affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b for qualifying 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 requirement, informal administration under K.S.A. 59-3301, and simplified or supervised administration as the court decides under K.S.A. 59-3202.
- Prepare the verified petition when a court case is needed. A petition for administration or probate of a will is drafted from the Kansas Probate Code requirements, including K.S.A. 59-2219 and K.S.A. 59-2220. If you want simplified administration, ask for it in the petition and give the reasons (K.S.A. 59-3202).
- Add the required filing documents. A new case needs a case-filing cover sheet, and a self-represented filer must also file the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form. If you cannot afford the probate estate docket fee, you may file a Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104.
- File with the Stanton County clerk of the district court. File in person at 201 N Main in Johnson, by mail to PO Box 913, Johnson, KS 67855-0913, by fax to 620-492-6410 with the proper fax transmission sheet, or by drop box. A self-represented drop box filing made by 4:00 p.m. local time counts for that day under the statewide filing rule. E-filing is required for Kansas licensed attorneys under Rule 122 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 122).
- Pay the opening fee or request a waiver. The probate estate docket fee is $131.50 as of August 2026, including the $109.50 statutory amount and the $22 surcharge authorized through June 30, 2030 (K.S.A. 59-104).
- Wait for the court to set the hearing. The court fixes the time and place for a hearing on a petition for probate of a will, administration or refusal to grant letters (K.S.A. 59-2222).
- Give required notice. When K.S.A. 59-2209 notice applies, publish once a week for three consecutive weeks and mail the notice, petition, attachments and will to the required people within 7 days after first publication (K.S.A. 59-2209). Notice to creditors must be given within 30 days after filing a petition for administration or probate of a will (K.S.A. 59-709).
- Handle spouse notice if required. If there is a surviving spouse, the personal representative, refusal petitioner or K.S.A. 59-618a affiant must mail the statutory elective-share notice within 10 days in the situations covered by K.S.A. 59-2233.
- Attend the hearing or request permission to appear by phone or video. Remote appearance is discretionary under Rule 103, and the judge may deny the request (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103).
- Receive authority from the court if administration is opened. The court, not the clerk, admits the will and grants letters testamentary to an executor when appropriate (K.S.A. 59-701) or letters of administration to an administrator when appropriate (K.S.A. 59-705).
- Administer the estate. File the inventory and valuation within 30 days after letters are granted unless the court allows more time (K.S.A. 59-1201). Give actual notice to known or reasonably ascertainable creditors, pay valid debts and taxes, and track claims under the later of four months from first publication or 30 days after actual notice where K.S.A. 59-2239 applies.
- Close the case. When administration is ready to end, file the petition for final settlement and accounting. The court enters the final decree assigning the estate, and real estate orders are handled through the county transfer record as required (K.S.A. 59-2247; K.S.A. 59-2249).
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Stanton County
Stanton County does not publish a local fill-in probate petition for opening an estate. Kansas does publish several statewide Judicial Council forms that may be needed in a Stanton County estate settlement, including 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, the Rule 119 fax transmission sheet, and the Motion to Appear in Court by Phone or Video under Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103).
Kansas does not provide a fill-in petition for probate of a will, petition for administration, petition for informal administration, petition for refusal to grant letters, petition for determination of descent or petition for final settlement. Those petitions are drafted from the statutes or with legal help.
Local nuance
Stanton County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means |
|---|---|
| Johnson, Kansas | The courthouse city is Johnson, Kansas. Local usage may say Johnson City, but this page is about Stanton County, not Johnson County. |
| Own filing counter | Stanton County is in the 26th judicial district with five other counties (K.S.A. 4-227), but Kansas places a separate clerk of the district court in each county (K.S.A. 20-343). File a Stanton County probate in Johnson. |
| No listed self-help center | The Kansas Judicial Branch self-help center listing does not include Stanton County. Start with the clerk's office, Kansas Judicial Council forms and Kansas Legal Services. |
| CaseSearch documents | Stanton County joined the Kansas eCourt case management system on September 12, 2022. Documents filed from that date forward can be reached through Kansas Courts CaseSearch when public access rules allow. |
| Office hours | Call 620-492-2180 before traveling, because public counter hours and any filing cutoff should be confirmed with the clerk. |
Recent updates
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| April 3, 2026 | HB 2393 extended the $22 probate docket fee surcharge authority through June 30, 2030, so the probate estate docket fee remains $131.50 as of August 2026 (K.S.A. 59-104). |
| April 9, 2026 | SB 480 changed the nonresident fiduciary agent rule. A nonresident fiduciary must appoint a resident agent who lives in Kansas, not specifically in the county of appointment (K.S.A. 59-1706). |
| July 1, 2024 | The creditor notice publication window changed from 10 days to 30 days after filing a petition for administration or probate of a will (K.S.A. 59-709). |
| July 1, 2023 | The small estates affidavit amount became $75,000 for qualifying probate assets and personal property transfers under K.S.A. 59-1507b. |
| September 12, 2022 | Stanton County's court began operating on the Kansas eCourt case management system, so public online documents in CaseSearch begin with filings from that date when access rules allow. |
Page last reviewed: August 2026.
Scenarios
| Situation | Likely Stanton County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with a co-owned home | Start with the deed. If the home was held in joint tenancy, a termination of joint tenancy filing may be the first court step, with a $70.50 fee as of August 2026 (K.S.A. 59-104). If an estate opens, file in Johnson. The spouse may also need to consider the $75,000 homestead allowance effective July 1, 2023 (K.S.A. 59-6a215), the $75,000 spouse and minor children allowance effective July 1, 2023 (K.S.A. 59-403), and the elective-share notice required within 10 days in covered situations (K.S.A. 59-2233). The separate $75,000 personal property affidavit rule is K.S.A. 59-1507b. | Sunset helps identify accounts, title clues and debts before the family decides whether the home issue can be handled narrowly or whether a broader estate settlement is needed. |
| Out-of-state adult child with a small estate | If the Kansas probate assets are $75,000 or less effective July 1, 2023 and there is no real estate to transfer by court order, the small estates affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b may be furnished to the bank or other holder rather than filed with the clerk. If letters are needed, a nonresident personal representative can serve after appointing a Kansas resident agent in writing (K.S.A. 59-706; K.S.A. 59-1706). A remote appearance request can be made under Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). | Sunset helps find accounts, generate an organized probate packet and connect the family with a Kansas attorney if a court case or resident agent issue is needed. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | The K.S.A. 59-1507b affidavit does not transfer real estate. Ask whether refusal to grant letters under K.S.A. 59-2287 can provide marketable title for a sale, or whether informal administration under K.S.A. 59-3301 or simplified or supervised administration under K.S.A. 59-3202 is the better fit. If there is a will, the six-month deadline in K.S.A. 59-617 is critical. A simplified estate still requires required notice for a petition to sell real property (K.S.A. 59-3202). | Sunset helps collect the property, mortgage, account and creditor picture so the parent and attorney can choose the lowest friction path that can still sell the home cleanly. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps Stanton County families |
|---|---|
| Clerk of the district court, Stanton County | Files probate petitions and accepts the K.S.A. 59-104 docket fee. Courthouse: 201 N Main, Johnson, KS 67855. Mail: PO Box 913, Johnson, KS 67855-0913. Phone: 620-492-2180. Fax: 620-492-6410. Court staff cannot give legal advice or draft the petition for you. |
| Kansas Judicial Branch self-help, probate and elder law | Statewide probate information and links to forms at self-help.kscourts.gov/ProbateAndElderLaw. |
| Kansas Judicial Council forms | Free statewide forms, including the Small Estates Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-1507b, case-filing cover sheets, the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form, the Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104, and the Motion to Appear in Court by Phone or Video under Rule 103 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). |
| Stanton County self-help center | No Stanton County self-help center is listed by the Kansas Judicial Branch. Use the clerk's office for filing logistics, and use statewide forms and legal help resources for the paperwork. |
| Kansas Legal Services | Free and reduced-cost civil legal help for eligible Kansans in all 105 counties. Call 316-267-3975 on weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ask directly about eligibility and case-type priorities. |
| Kansas Elder Hotline | Kansas residents age 60 or 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 lawyer: ksbar.org/?pg=clientreferrals. |
| Kansas Courts CaseSearch | Search public Kansas district court case information at casesearch.kscourts.gov. Stanton County online documents begin with filings from September 12, 2022 when public access rules allow. |
When to hire an attorney
An attorney is especially useful in Stanton County when a will deadline is close, the estate includes real estate, family members disagree, a nonresident personal representative needs to appoint a Kansas resident agent under K.S.A. 59-1706, or you need a petition Kansas does not publish as a fill-in form. Attorney and fiduciary compensation in Kansas must be just and reasonable (K.S.A. 59-1717). Sunset connects to a vetted attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 financial institutions to help identify accounts, insurance, retirement assets and other property that may affect the Stanton County estate settlement plan.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset organizes the information families gather into a structured packet for the Stanton County filing path, including court details, asset summaries and next-step checklists.
Find a local probate attorney. When a petition must be drafted, real estate must be sold, a will deadline is close or a court hearing is coming, 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 workload, locate assets and get connected to help without paying Sunset a fee.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Stanton County, Kansas?
File with the clerk of the district court at the Stanton County Courthouse, 201 N Main, Johnson, KS 67855. Mail filings to PO Box 913, Johnson, KS 67855-0913. Stanton County is in Kansas's 26th judicial district (K.S.A. 4-227), but its probate filings stay in Stanton County with its own clerk of the district court (K.S.A. 20-343).
Can I e-file a Stanton County probate if I am handling it myself?
E-filing is required for Kansas licensed attorneys under Rule 122 (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 122). A self-represented Stanton County filer uses in-person filing, mail, fax to 620-492-6410 or the courthouse drop box.
What is the filing fee to open a probate estate in Stanton County?
The probate estate docket fee is $131.50 as of August 2026, made up of the $109.50 statutory amount plus the $22 surcharge authorized through June 30, 2030 (K.S.A. 59-104). Additional court costs, such as publication costs, are handled as the court directs (K.S.A. 59-104).
Does Stanton County publish its own probate forms?
No Stanton County specific probate petition form is published for this page. 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, the Self-Represented Litigant Certification Form and the Poverty Affidavit under K.S.A. 59-104.
Can I look up a Stanton County probate case online?
Yes. Use Kansas Courts CaseSearch at casesearch.kscourts.gov. Stanton County documents are available online for filings from September 12, 2022 forward when public access rules allow, and case information is searchable statewide.
Can an out-of-state executor avoid traveling to Johnson for a hearing?
Possibly. Remote appearance is discretionary under Rule 103, and the judge may allow a phone or video appearance when travel time and expense outweigh the benefit of appearing in person (Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 103). File a motion and notify the other parties.
What happens if the will is found but the family is not ready to open a full estate?
Do not ignore the will deadline. A Kansas resident's will 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 can preserve the will for later probate if done within that window.
Does Stanton County have a courthouse self-help center?
No Stanton County self-help center is listed by the Kansas Judicial Branch. For estate settlement logistics, call the clerk at 620-492-2180. For forms, use the Kansas Judicial Council. For possible legal help, contact Kansas Legal Services or the Kansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.
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.