Estate Planning for Pierce County, Washington Property Owners

For most Pierce 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.

Record a TOD deedWhere to recordLocal attorneys

For a Pierce 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 Pierce 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, Pierce 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 Pierce County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Pierce 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.

Create a WashingtonTOD deed →Pierce Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Pierce County are recorded with the County Auditor at 2401 S 35th St, Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409. Phone: 253-798-7440. 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 Pierce County comes to $305. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Pierce County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile / CSC / eRecording Partners Network.

Recording Office Record

County Auditor

Pierce County

Address

2401 S 35th St, Room 200Tacoma, WA 98409

Hours

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

E-recording

Available via Simplifile / CSC / eRecording Partners Network
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

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Verified September 9, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Pierce County

FirmTacoma, WA

Davies Pearson, P.C.

Since 1949 · Serves 1 county

Tacoma firm on Pacific Avenue founded in 1949, with an estate group that handles probate and the administration of estates, estate litigation, and gift and estate tax planning. Planning work covers wills and trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. The estate group works alongside the firm's business, real estate, and employment practices.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 3 more

Office
1498 Pacific Ave, Suite 520Tacoma, WA 98402

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

FirmKent, WA

Hanis Irvine Prothero, PLLC

Serves 2 counties

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

Office
6703 S 234th St, Suite 300Kent, WA 98032
Free consultation

FirmTacoma, WA

Helland Law Group, PLLC

Since 1979 · Serves 1 county

Tacoma general practice firm on Market Street, in practice since 1979, serving Tacoma and Pierce County. Helps families through probate and drafts wills and trusts. Estate work sits alongside the firm's family law, personal injury, and civil litigation practices.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateFamily LawPersonal InjuryReal Estate

Office
960 Market StTacoma, WA 98402

Solo PracticeTacoma, WA

James A. Jones, Attorney at Law

Serves 2 counties

Tacoma solo practice of James A. Jones. After a death it opens the probate estate with the court, notifies beneficiaries and creditors, handles creditor claims, transfers estate assets, and files estate and income tax returns; it also handles elder law and Medicaid planning. Free initial consultations in the office, by telephone, or by video.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 4 more

Office
207 Broadway, Suite 300Tacoma, WA 98402
Free consultationVirtual consultations
See all 25 firms serving Pierce 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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