Estate Planning for Lewis County, Washington Property Owners

For most Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Lewis 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, Lewis 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 Lewis County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Lewis 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 Lewis County are recorded with the County Auditor at 351 NW North St, Chehalis, WA 98532. Phone: 360-740-1165. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 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 Lewis County comes to $305. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Lewis County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile / CSC / eRecording Partners (EPN) / Indecomm Global.

Recording Office Record

County Auditor

Lewis County

Address

351 NW North StChehalis, WA 98532

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

E-recording

Available via Simplifile / CSC / eRecording Partners (EPN) / Indecomm GlobalE-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 Lewis County

FirmCentralia, WA

Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP

Since 1946 · Serves 3 counties

Centralia firm handling probate and estate planning for clients across southwest Washington and the south Puget Sound region since 1946. Probate work covers estates with or without a will: preparing court documents, contacting creditors, publishing required notices, obtaining the estate's federal tax ID number, and making distributions. Planning work includes wills, trusts, and community property agreements.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateSpecial Needs Planning

Office
114 W Magnolia StCentralia, WA 98531

FirmOlympia, WA

Budd Bay Law, P.S.

Since 1978 · Serves 5 counties

Serves Olympia and the South Puget Sound, covering Thurston, Mason, Pierce, Lewis, and Grays Harbor counties. Handles probate administration for estates of all sizes plus probate litigation — will contests on capacity, fraud, duress, or undue influence, competing wills, fiduciary-duty claims against a personal representative, and TEDRA petitions.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 2 more

Office
324 W Bay Dr NW, Suite 201Olympia, WA 98502

Solo PracticeOlympia, WA

Jacobsen Law Office, P.S.

Serves 6 counties

Olympia solo practice representing personal representatives and family members in probate across Thurston, Mason, Pierce, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pacific counties. Ryan A. Jacobsen handles probate with or without a will, disputes over estate property, and contested wills. The practice also prepares wills and trusts and handles guardianships and special needs planning.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 4 more

Office
2018 Caton Way SW, Suite 106Olympia, WA 98502

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
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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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