Estate Planning for Cowlitz County, Washington Property Owners

For most Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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, Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County

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

Create a WashingtonTOD deed →Cowlitz Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Cowlitz County are recorded with the County Auditor, led by County Auditor Carolyn Fundingsland, at 207 N 4th Ave, Room 206, Kelso, WA 98626. Phone: 360-577-3002. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 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 Cowlitz County comes to $305. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Cowlitz County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Auditor

Cowlitz County · County Auditor · Carolyn Fundingsland

Address

207 N 4th Ave, Room 206Kelso, WA 98626

Fax

360-414-5552

Hours

Monday - Thursday, 7:00 AM - 4:30 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

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 9, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Cowlitz County

Solo PracticeLongview, WA

Law Office of Amanda G. Proujan PLLC

Since 2016 · Serves 1 county

Longview practice on Hudson Street, in business since 2016, handling probate for families in Cowlitz County. Probate work covers validating the will, inventorying assets, paying taxes and outstanding debts, and distributing the remaining assets, along with mediating asset disputes between beneficiaries. The office also handles adult guardianships, elder law, Medicaid planning, and special needs trusts.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 3 more

Office
1516 Hudson St, Suite 204Longview, WA 98632

FirmVancouver, WA

NW Legacy Law, P.S.

Since 2014 · Serves 3 counties

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

Office
1003 Officers RowVancouver, WA 98661

FirmCentralia, WA

The Tiller Law Firm

Since 1965 · Serves 3 counties

Centralia firm established in 1965, serving the I-5 corridor through Thurston, Lewis, and Cowlitz counties. Handles probate and estate administration with or without a will, preparing all probate documents and handling all court appearances. Planning work includes wills, trusts, and community property agreements.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateReal Estate

Office
118 N Rock StCentralia, WA 98531

FirmTacoma, WA

Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess

Serves 3 counties

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

Office
909 A Street, Suite 900Tacoma, WA 98402

FirmSeattle, WA

Gravis Law, PLLC

Serves 6 counties

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

Office
10202 5th Ave NE, 2nd FloorSeattle, WA 98125
Virtual consultations

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
See all 19 firms serving Cowlitz 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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