Estate Planning for Washington County, Utah Property Owners

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.

Record a TOD deedWhere to recordLocal attorneys

For a Washington County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the District Court. The two tools that keep a Washington 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.

Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Washington County property passes through the District Court — even simple Utah probates run 4+ months and start with $375 in filing fees.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Washington County

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 County Recorder during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.

Before recording, an Utah transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentUtah Code 75-6-401 to 75-6-419Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathUtah Code 75-6-401 to 75-6-419Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a UtahTOD deed →Washington Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Washington County are recorded with the County Recorder at 111 East Tabernacle Street, St. George, UT 84770. Phone: 435-301-7680. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

The County Recorder charges $45 flat, regardless of page count. Recording a 2-page transfer on death deed in Washington County comes to $45.

Washington County accepts electronic recording.

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Washington County

Address

111 East Tabernacle StreetSt. George, UT 84770

Hours

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

E-recording

AvailableE-recording info →
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Flat fee (any length)$45

Utah Code 17-71-407 (formerly 17-21-18.5)

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 9, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Washington County

FirmSt. George, UT

Barney McKenna & Olmstead, P.C.

Since 1999 · Serves 3 counties

St. George estate and probate firm serving Southern Utah's Fifth District region, with appointment offices in Hurricane, Cedar City, Panguitch, Richfield, and Mesquite, Nevada. Handles probate, trust and estate administration, small estate affidavits, will contests, and estate/trust litigation for personal representatives, trustees, and heirs. Licensed in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateSpecial Needs Planningand 3 more

Office
43 South 100 East, Suite 300St. George, UT 84770

FirmSt. George, UT

Brindley Sullivan

Since 2004 · Serves 3 counties

St. George estate planning firm where partner M. Sean Sullivan focuses exclusively on estate planning, probate, and asset protection. Provides depth of estate planning specialization in the growing Southern Utah market.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateConservatorshipGuardianshipand 5 more

Office
50 E 100 S, Suite 302St. George, UT 84770
Free consultation

FirmCedar City, UT

Grant Morris Dodds

Serves 5 counties

Full-service estate planning and probate firm with over 50 years of combined experience. Cedar City office opened through partnership with W. Kent Corry, who has served Southern Utah for over 40 years.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawGuardianshipand 3 more

Office
415 N Main St, Suite 102ACedar City, UT 84721
Free consultation

FirmCedar City, UT

Wayment & Jones Law

Since 1998 · Serves 5 counties

Cedar City firm serving Iron, Washington, Beaver, Garfield, and Kane counties since 1998. Handles estate planning and probate alongside business formation and real estate transactions. Two attorneys, Justin W. Wayment and Christian Jones.

PracticesEstate PlanningBusiness LawReal EstateTrustsWills

Office
51 East 400 North, Suite 1Cedar City, UT 84721

FirmSt. George, UT

Connor Law Firm, PLC

Boutique St. George estate planning firm serving Washington County and southern Utah, with a second office in Scottsdale, AZ. Handles revocable living trusts, probate, trust administration, and estate settlement, plus special needs trusts and asset protection trusts. Founder Ben E. Connor has practiced estate planning for 29+ years and is a longtime WealthCounsel member.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateSpecial Needs PlanningAsset Protectionand 3 more

Office
20 N Main St, Suite 301St. George, UT 84770
Free consultation

FirmSt. George, UT

ProvenLaw

St. George firm serving Southern Utah families with estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Handles Medicaid and special-needs planning, asset protection, and estate/trust litigation, with 95+ years of combined staff experience.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 5 more

Office
216 W. St. George Blvd., Suite 200St. George, UT 84770
Free consultation
See all 12 firms serving Washington 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.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Utah statutes and official state code. How we research.

Utah Estate Planning Articles

Estate planning articles for Utah.