Estate Planning for Kittitas County, Washington Property Owners

For most Kittitas 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 Kittitas 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 Kittitas 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 Kittitas County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Kittitas 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 Kittitas County are recorded with the County Auditor, led by County Auditor Bryan Elliott, at 205 W 5th Ave, Suite 105, Ellensburg, WA 98926. Phone: 509-962-7504. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 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 Kittitas County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Kittitas County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Auditor

Kittitas County · County Auditor · Bryan Elliott

Address

205 W 5th Ave, Suite 105Ellensburg, WA 98926

Fax

509-962-7687

Hours

Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 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 Kittitas 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

FirmEllensburg, WA

Lathrop, Winbauer, Harrel & Slothower LLP

Serves 1 county

Serves Kittitas County from Ellensburg, handling estate planning and probate alongside water rights, real estate, business planning, and civil and commercial litigation. The office runs by appointment only.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBusiness LawReal Estate

Office
415 E Mountain View Ave, Suite 302Ellensburg, WA 98926

FirmYakima, WA

Pratt Boutillier Kirkevold & Farmer, PLLC

Serves 2 counties

Yakima firm on Fairbanks Avenue serving Yakima County and the Ellensburg area. Administers probates through notice to creditors, payment of debts, and distribution to heirs, and prepares wills, community property agreements, and revocable living trusts, including planning for estates subject to estate tax. Also handles elder law, Medicaid planning, and guardianships.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 6 more

Office
3901 Fairbanks AveYakima, WA 98902

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

FirmYakima, WA

Thorner Kennedy Gano & Murphy P.S.

Since 1977 · Serves 2 counties

Yakima firm founded in 1977, serving Central and Eastern Washington. Handles probate and estate administration and estate planning, alongside business law, business planning, and family law.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateBusiness Lawand 2 more

Office
605 N 39th AveYakima, WA 98902

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 Kittitas 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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