For most Clatsop 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 Clatsop County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Circuit Court. The two tools that keep a Clatsop County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Clerk, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Clatsop County property passes through the Circuit Court — even simple Oregon probates run 4+ months and start with $278 in filing fees.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Clatsop County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Clerk during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.
Before recording, an Oregon transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentORS 93.948 to 93.979Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathORS 93.948 to 93.979Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Deeds and other real property documents for Clatsop County are recorded with the County Clerk at 820 Exchange Street, Suite 220, Astoria, OR 97103. Phone: 503-325-8511. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (recording accepted until 4:30 PM).
The County Clerk charges $107 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page transfer on death deed in Clatsop County comes to $112.
Clatsop County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Clatsop County
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $107 |
| Each additional page | $5 |
ORS 205.320(1)(d)(A); ORS 205.323(1)
Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
FirmSeaside, OR
Seaside Attorneys (formerly Moberg & Rust) is a general-practice firm serving the north Oregon Coast since 1974. Practice areas include estate planning, wills and trusts, probate and trust administration, elder law, real estate, and business law.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 3 more
Solo PracticeAstoria, OR
Blair Henningsgaard has practiced law in Astoria since 1983, serving the North Oregon Coast with estate planning, probate, real estate, and business law. A former Clatsop County Commissioner and Astoria City Attorney, he has appeared in courts throughout Oregon including the Oregon Supreme Court and 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBusiness LawCivil LitigationReal Estate
FirmTillamook, OR
Albright Kittell PC is the longest-standing law firm in Tillamook County, focusing on building and protecting client legacies through estate planning, probate, wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateConservatorshipand 2 more
FirmGearhart, OR
Coast Family Law provides personalized estate planning services to clients on the Oregon Coast, including Clatsop, Tillamook, and Lincoln counties. Services include wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and advance directives.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateFamily LawWills
FirmCoos Bay, OR
Costello Law Office has provided professional legal services in Coos Bay since 1977. The firm offers experienced counsel in estate planning, probate, family law, and small business law. Attorney Karen L. Costello serves as City Attorney for Coquille and Associate Judge for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateFamily Law
FirmNewport, OR
Newport Law provides thoughtful and dependable legal services for individuals and families on the Oregon Coast. The firm focuses on guiding clients through estate planning, estate administration, family law, and landlord-tenant matters with skill and sensitivity.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateFamily Law
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 Oregon statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Oregon.
Forms and tools for property owners in Clatsop 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 Oregon.
