Estate Planning & Probate in Pierce County, Washington
Most Pierce County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Superior Court.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Superior Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Pierce County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Pierce County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Pierce County→The Probate Process in Pierce County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Pierce County, probate runs through the Superior Court at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 334, Tacoma. Probate e-filing in Pierce County goes through linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us, which no other Washington county uses.
Full Pierce Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court
Pierce County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Auditor
Pierce County
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$303.5 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $304.5; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 9, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Superior Court
The Superior Court schedules probate hearings Probate, trust, and guardianship matters are heard on the Commissioner's Probate calendar (Ex Parte Division).
Per PCLSPR 98.04(h), the personal representative or administrator must file a notice of change of address within 30 days of any change; bonds must be signed by the principal and include the surety address. As of December 1, 2025, the Clerk's Office no longer takes phone calls after 3:30 PM. Office remains open for in-person service until 4:30 PM.
Washington Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Pierce County.
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