For most Clark 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 Clark 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 Clark 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.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Clark 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 Clark County are recorded with the County Auditor, led by County Auditor Greg Kimsey, at 1300 Franklin St, 2nd Floor, Vancouver, WA 98660. Phone: 564-397-2208. Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666.
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 Clark County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Clark County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile / CSC / Indecomm / EPN / Nationwide.
Recording Office Record
Clark County · County Auditor · Greg Kimsey
Address
Phone
Fax
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
FirmCamas, WA
Serves Clark and Skamania counties from Camas, where the firm has practiced since 1951. Handles probate and wills, trusts and estates, alongside real estate, business, civil litigation, landlord-tenant, appellate, and municipal law.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBusiness LawFamily Lawand 2 more
FirmVancouver, WA
Vancouver firm founded in 2014 by Thomas Hackett, serving Clark County and Southwest Washington, with a second office in Portland. Handles probate from opening the estate and validating the will through administration and distribution, and assists trustees with trust administration. Also prepares estate plans, including elder law, asset protection, and estate tax planning.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 4 more
FirmVancouver, WA
Founded in 1997, serves Clark County from downtown Vancouver, with attorneys admitted in both Washington and Oregon. Guides executors, trustees, administrators, heirs, and beneficiaries through probating a will and administering a trust, and handles estate and gift tax work, specialty trusts, and IRA distribution planning.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 2 more
FirmVancouver, WA
Vancouver elder law and estate planning firm serving Southwest Washington since 1998. Helps fiduciaries with probate, non-probate, and trust administration of a decedent's estate, and assists with guardianship petitions. Also prepares estate and special needs plans and helps clients navigate Washington Medicaid rules and long-term care planning.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 4 more
FirmTacoma, WA
Serves Pierce, King, and Thurston counties from offices in Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia. Represents personal representatives in formal and summary probate and in estate and trust administration, and represents beneficiaries in will contests, undue influence claims, and trust litigation, including challenges to the actions of an executor or trustee. Also handles guardianships.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 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
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 Clark 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.
