For most Washington County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.
For a Washington County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the County Court. The two tools that keep a Washington County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the Register of Deeds, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Washington County property passes through the County Court — even simple Nebraska probates run 4+ months and start with $44 in filing fees. Nebraska also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Washington County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the Register of Deeds during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.
Before recording, a Nebraska transfer on death deed is signed with 2Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-3401 to 76-3424Verified Aug 24, 2026View source witnesses and notary acknowledgmentNeb. Rev. Stat. 76-3401 to 76-3424Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded within 30 daysNeb. Rev. Stat. 76-3401 to 76-3424Verified Aug 24, 2026View source of signing and before the owner's deathNeb. Rev. Stat. 76-3401 to 76-3424Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Deeds and other real property documents for Washington County are recorded with the Register of Deeds, led by Register of Deeds Arron Hoden, at 1555 Colfax Street, First Floor, Courthouse Building, Blair, NE 68008. Phone: 402-426-6824.
Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 446, Blair, NE 68008.
The Register of Deeds charges $10 for the first page plus $6 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page transfer on death deed in Washington County comes to $16. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Recording Office Record
Washington County · Register of Deeds · Arron Hoden
Address
Phone
Fax
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $10 |
| Each additional page | $6 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
Neb. Rev. Stat. 33-109
Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
FirmOmaha, NE
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Blair firm serving Washington County and the greater Omaha metro, focused on estate planning, elder law, and life care planning. Handles asset protection from probate, nursing-home costs, and estate and income tax, plus care coordination for aging and disabled clients.
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Boutique estate and business firm in Lincoln working in the Lancaster County courts. The team handles will and trust administration, guides fiduciaries through probate, and manages estate transfers ranging from simple wills to tax-driven planning for larger estates. Trusts and estates is one of its two core focus areas alongside business and commercial law.
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Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Data sourced from Nebraska statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Nebraska.
Forms and tools for property owners in Washington County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Nebraska.
