For most Benton 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 Benton County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Superior Court. The two tools that keep a Benton County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Auditor, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Benton County property passes through the Superior Court — even simple Washington probates run 4+ months and start with $290 in filing fees.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Benton County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Auditor during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.
Before recording, a Washington transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentRCW 64.80.010 to 64.80.904Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathRCW 64.80.010 to 64.80.904Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Deeds and other real property documents for Benton County are recorded with the County Auditor at 7122 W Okanogan Pl, Bldg E, Kennewick, WA 99336. Phone: 509-786-5620. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
The County Auditor charges $304 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page transfer on death deed in Benton County comes to $305. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Benton County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile / Ingeo-CSC / Indecomm / EPN / DSI / Nationwide Title Clearing / Edocs.
Recording Office Record
Benton County
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $303.5 |
| Each additional page | $1 |
| Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit | $5 state technology fee on every transfer, plus $5 more when no tax is due because an exemption is claimed; $10 minimum in fee(s) and/or tax (RCW 82.45.180). Paid to the county treasurer, not the auditor. |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
RCW 36.18.010; RCW 36.22.170; RCW 36.22.175; RCW 36.22.240; RCW 36.22.250; RCW 36.22.185
Verified September 9, 2026 · Source
FirmKennewick, WA
Kennewick firm serving the Tri-Cities and the Mid-Columbia since 1947. Handles probate and trust administration after a death, and litigates contested estate and trust matters. Also prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 4 more
FirmSeattle, WA
Multi-state firm with Washington offices in Seattle, University Place, Olympia, Spokane, Richland, Kennewick, and Dayton. Guides personal representatives through probate and estate administration, from gathering assets and paying debts to transferring ownership, and handles elder law matters including Medicaid planning and guardianship. Consultations are available by phone or video.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 5 more
FirmWalla Walla, WA
Walla Walla firm, formerly Burkhart and Burkhart, representing families, farms, and businesses. Handles probate and trust administration, including supporting successor trustees who distribute a deceased person's assets, and litigates estate and trust disputes, including will contests. Accepts clients throughout Washington State.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 3 more
FirmWenatchee, WA
Wenatchee firm, doing business as Northwest Estate Plans, that handles Washington probate and trust administration for families after a death, starting with a free Executor Guidance Meeting to review the options. Also prepares wills and revocable living trusts. Meetings, signings, and notarization can be completed over Zoom for clients anywhere in Washington, or in person at the Wenatchee office.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate
Solo PracticeRedmond, WA
Serves King and Snohomish counties from Redmond, covering Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Sammamish, and Woodinville, and works with clients remotely across Washington. Handles wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, probate, and tax planning for estates; planning is sold as flat-fee packages and probates are billed hourly. Intake starts with a free telephone consultation.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateTax PlanningAsset Protection
FirmSpokane, WA
Spokane firm, formerly Moulton Law Offices, with offices in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Kennewick, and Yakima and virtual meetings for clients across Washington. Guides personal representatives, executors, heirs, and trustees through probate and trust administration, and also handles guardianships, Medicaid planning, and revocable living trusts.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 5 more
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 Washington statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Washington.
Forms and tools for property owners in Benton 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 Washington.
