Estate Planning for Pacific County, Washington Property Owners

For most Pacific 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 Pacific 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 Pacific 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 Pacific County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Pacific 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 Pacific County are recorded with the County Auditor at 300 Memorial Dr, South Bend, WA 98586. Phone: 360-875-9318. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 97, South Bend, WA 98586.

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 Pacific County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Pacific County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile / CSC Global.

Recording Office Record

County Auditor

Pacific County

Address

300 Memorial DrSouth Bend, WA 98586Mailing: PO Box 97, South Bend, WA 98586

Fax

360-875-9333

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

E-recording

Available via Simplifile / CSC Global
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 Pacific 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

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

FirmLong Beach, WA

Needham Glenn Law

Serves 3 counties

Long Beach firm serving Pacific, Grays Harbor, and Wahkiakum counties, successor to the Law Offices of Guy Glenn, with more than 30 years of estate planning experience. Handles the probate process when a loved one has died, and prepares wills, trusts, transfer on death deeds, and lifetime gifting plans. Free initial consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate

Office
12305 Sandridge RdLong Beach, WA 98631
Free consultation

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 Pacific 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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