For most King 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 King 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 King County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the Recorder's Office, 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 King County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the Recorder's Office 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 King County are recorded with the Recorder's Office at 201 S Jackson St, Suite 204, Seattle, WA 98104. Phone: 206-477-6620. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (recording ends at 3:30 PM).
The Recorder's Office charges $304 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page. A 2-page transfer on death deed costs $305 to record in King County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
King County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
King County · Director, Records and Licensing Services
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
FirmEverett, WA
Serves Snohomish County and north King County from the historic Edwards House on Colby Avenue in Everett, where the firm has practiced for over forty years. Handles probate and trust administration alongside estate litigation, including TEDRA will contests and accounting disputes.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigation
FirmSeattle, WA
Seattle firm focused on estate planning, probate, trust administration, and trust and estate disputes. Assists executors, personal representatives, and trustees with administration, including federal and state estate tax returns, and handles will contests, claims against fiduciaries, trust interpretation suits, and contested guardianships.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 4 more
FirmKirkland, WA
Kirkland firm with a second office in Kent, serving King County. Handles Washington probate on flat fees, including opening probate without going to court, and prepares estate plans designed to avoid probate. A free strategy session evaluates whether probate is needed.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate
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
FirmKent, WA
Serves South King County from Kent, taking matters from Auburn, Covington, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Renton, and Tukwila as well as Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. The wills and probate department represents family members in probate actions and guides administrators of existing estate plans, and drafts wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax Planningand 4 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 King 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.
