Estate Planning for Washoe County, Nevada Property Owners

For most Washoe 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.

Record a TOD deedWhere to recordLocal attorneys

For a Washoe County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Second Judicial District Court. The two tools that keep a Washoe County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Recorder, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.

Skipping this planning step means the Second Judicial District Court decides who receives the property: a simple Nevada probate takes 4+ months and opens with $97 in court filing fees. Nevada also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Washoe County

A deed upon death names a beneficiary who receives Washoe County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Recorder during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.

Before recording, a Nevada deed upon death is signed with notary acknowledgmentNRS 111.655 to 111.699Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathNRS 111.655 to 111.699Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a NevadaTOD deed →Washoe Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Washoe County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by County Recorder Kalie M. Work, at 1001 East Ninth Street, Building A, Rooms 140/150, Reno, NV 89512. Phone: 775-328-3660. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

The County Recorder charges $43 flat, regardless of page count. A 2-page deed upon death costs $43 to record in Washoe County. The office also requires a Declaration of Value with the deed, at no charge. A deed upon death is exempt from transfer tax.

Washoe County accepts electronic recording through CSC / Deeds.com / EPN / Hopdox / Tyler Technologies / Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Washoe County · County Recorder · Kalie M. Work

Address

1001 East Ninth Street, Building A, Rooms 140/150Reno, NV 89512

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

E-recording

Available via CSC / Deeds.com / EPN / Hopdox / Tyler Technologies / SimplifileE-recording info →
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Flat fee (any length)$43
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

NRS 247.305

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 8, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Washoe County

FirmCarson City, NV

Allison MacKenzie, Ltd.

Since 1968 · Serves 5 counties

Carson City general-practice firm founded in 1968, serving Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, and Washoe counties before the First Judicial District Court. Twelve attorneys handle wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, probate administration, and guardianships, with three focused specifically on probate. More than 50 years of continuous Nevada practice.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianshipBusiness LawReal Estate Law

Office
402 N. Division StreetCarson City, NV 89703

FirmCarson City, NV

Carson Tahoe Estate Planning Center, LLC

Serves 4 counties

Estate planning firm serving the Lake Tahoe Basin and Northern Nevada with offices in Carson City, Lake Tahoe, and Gardnerville. Founder Justin Sinner is licensed in both Nevada and California, focusing on revocable living trusts, wills, probate, trust administration, and guardianships.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateGuardianshipand 3 more

Office
123 W. Nye Lane, Suite 449Carson City, NV 89706
Free consultation

Solo PracticeCarson City, NV

Handelin Law, LTD

Since 2011 · Serves 5 counties

Carson City firm providing estate planning and business law services since 2011. Steven Handelin brings a direct, thoughtful approach to estate planning for clients across Carson City, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and surrounding communities. Licensed in both Nevada and California.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateAsset ProtectionBusiness Formationand 2 more

Office
1100 South Carson StreetCarson City, NV 89701

Solo PracticeReno, NV

J. Douglas Clark Attorney at Law, Ltd.

Since 1979 · Serves 6 counties

Reno sole practice devoted exclusively to the trusts and estates field for over 36 years. J. Douglas Clark is the founding president of the Probate Bar Association of Washoe County and past president of the Estate Planning Council of Northern Nevada.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateTrust LitigationAlternative Dispute Resolutionand 2 more

Office
510 West Plumb Lane, Suite BReno, NV 89509
Free consultation

FirmMinden, NV

Kaufmann Law

Serves 3 counties

Estate planning and personal injury firm in Minden serving Douglas County, Carson City, and the Carson Valley. Gene Kaufmann brings 25+ years of experience with particular expertise in will contests and undue influence claims. Licensed in Nevada, California, and Indiana.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateBusiness PlanningWills

Office
1576 3rd StreetMinden, NV 89423

Solo PracticeIncline Village, NV

Lakeside Lawyers, PLLC

Since 2021 · Serves 1 county

Founded in 2021 by Jeremy L. Krenek, Lakeside Lawyers serves the Lake Tahoe Basin with estate planning, probate, trust administration, and real estate law. Licensed in Nevada, California, and Texas.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTrust Litigationand 2 more

Office
856 Tahoe BlvdIncline Village, NV 89451
Free consultation
See all 35 firms serving Washoe County→

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.

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