Estate Planning for Chelan County, Washington Property Owners

For most Chelan 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 Chelan 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 Chelan 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.

Skipping this planning step means the Superior Court decides who receives the property: a simple Washington probate takes 4+ months and opens with $290 in court filing fees.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Chelan County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Chelan 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.

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Chelan County are recorded with the County Auditor, led by County Auditor Brandt Cappell, at 350 Orondo Ave, Suite 202, Wenatchee, WA 98801. Phone: 509-667-6815. Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

The County Auditor charges $304 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page. A 2-page transfer on death deed costs $305 to record in Chelan County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Chelan County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Auditor

Chelan County · County Auditor · Brandt Cappell

Address

350 Orondo Ave, Suite 202Wenatchee, WA 98801

Fax

509-667-6825

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

E-recording

Available via Simplifile
Visit recorder website →

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 deedExempt

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

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Chelan County

FirmWenatchee, WA

Davis, Arneil Law Firm, LLP

Since 1925 · Serves 4 counties

Wenatchee firm, serving the Wenatchee Valley since 1925, that works across Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, and Kittitas counties. After a death, its attorneys guide personal representatives and heirs through probate and address probate problems that arise; the estate practice also covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, community and separate property agreements, and gift planning.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianshipBusiness Lawand 2 more

Office
617 Washington StreetWenatchee, WA 98801

FirmWenatchee, WA

Speidel Bentsen LLP

Since 1986 · Serves 5 counties

Wenatchee firm founded in 1986, serving Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, Grant, and Kittitas counties. Assists personal representatives with probate and estate administration, represents clients in contested probate proceedings, and helps trustees fulfill their duties. Also handles specialized trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and Medicaid planning.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 7 more

Office
7 N Wenatchee Ave, Suite 600Wenatchee, WA 98801

FirmWalla Walla, WA

Basalt Legal PLLC

Since 1954 · Serves the whole state

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

Office
6 1/2 N 2nd Ave, Suite 200Walla Walla, WA 99362

FirmWenatchee, WA

Bromiley Mackay Williams PLLC

Serves the whole state

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

Office
303 S Mission St, Suite 300Wenatchee, WA 98801
Free consultationVirtual consultations

Solo PracticeRedmond, WA

Eastside Estate Planning, PLLC

Since 2022 · Serves the whole state

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

Office
8201 164th Ave NE, Suite 200Redmond, WA 98052
Free consultationVirtual consultations

FirmSpokane, WA

Elevated Estate Planning, P.S.

Serves the whole state

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

Office
9507 N Division St, Suite BSpokane, WA 99218
Virtual consultations
See all 16 firms serving Chelan 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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