Estate Planning for Clallam County, Washington Property Owners

For most Clallam 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 Clallam 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 Clallam 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, Clallam County property passes through the Superior Court — even simple Washington probates run 4+ months and start with $290 in filing fees.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Clallam County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Clallam 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 Clallam County are recorded with the County Auditor at 223 E 4th St, Suite 1, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Phone: 360-417-2220. Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 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 Clallam County comes to $305. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Clallam County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Auditor

Clallam County

Address

223 E 4th St, Suite 1Port Angeles, WA 98362

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

E-recording

Available via SimplifileE-recording info →
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 Clallam County

Solo PracticeSequim, WA

Alan E. Millet, P.S.

Since 1981 · Serves 1 county

Sequim solo general civil practice in Clallam County, in operation since 1981, that handles probate, administration of decedents' estates and trusts, and collection of assets through small estate procedures. The practice also prepares wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, community property agreements, and health care directives, alongside estate tax planning, real estate, and business law.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 more

Office
109-B E Bell StSequim, WA 98382

FirmPort Townsend, WA

Faber Feinson PLLC

Since 2014 · Serves 3 counties

Port Townsend firm with a satellite location in Port Angeles, serving Jefferson, Clallam, and Kitsap counties since 2014. Handles probate and non-probate administration and trust administration for families after a death, and prepares wills, trusts, medical directives, and powers of attorney. Also handles real property matters.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateReal Estate

Office
800 Polk St, Suite BPort Townsend, WA 98368

Solo PracticeSequim, WA

Judith H. Peace, Attorney at Law

Serves 1 county

Sequim solo practice focused on elder law and estate planning. Handles Washington probate for families after a death, and prepares wills, testamentary and revocable living trusts, community property agreements, special needs trusts, durable powers of attorney, and health care directives.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawSpecial Needs Planning

Office
720 E Washington St, Suite 109Sequim, WA 98382

Solo PracticePort Angeles, WA

Law Office of Mark D. Mullins

Serves 1 county

Port Angeles solo practice of an attorney in practice for over 30 years, focused on elder law and estate planning. Handles probate for estates with or without a will and guardianships for children and adults, and also works as a mediator. Prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawGuardianshipFamily Law

Office
206 S Lincoln St, Suite 205Port Angeles, WA 98362

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
See all 18 firms serving Clallam 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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