For most Skagit 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 Skagit 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 Skagit 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.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Skagit 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.
Deeds and other real property documents for Skagit County are recorded with the County Auditor, led by County Auditor Sandy Perkins, at 700 S 2nd St, Room 201, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Phone: 360-416-1704. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to Auditor/Recording, PO Box 1306, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
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 Skagit County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Skagit County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile / CSC / eRecording Partners Network.
Recording Office Record
Skagit County · County Auditor · Sandy Perkins
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
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 deed | Exempt |
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
FirmBellingham, WA
Bellingham firm founded in 2023 serving the Whatcom and Skagit communities. Guides clients through probate and trust administration after the death of a loved one, and handles estate planning with attention to estate tax, asset protection, and business succession planning.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningAsset Protection
FirmMount Vernon, WA
Mount Vernon estate planning firm that also handles estate administration: probate, trust administration, and small estate affidavits. Planning work, from simple wills to revocable living trusts, is sold mostly as flat-fee packages. Initial consultations are complimentary, including for estate administration.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbate
FirmMarysville, WA
Marysville firm serving Snohomish, Skagit, Island, and Whatcom counties, where Brian Duce has handled probate and estate planning for over 30 years. The office takes probate cases through the court paperwork for families after a death, and prepares wills, powers of attorney, and living trusts; it also practices family law and criminal defense. Intake starts with a free phone consultation.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateFamily Law
FirmEverett, WA
Everett firm with more than 100 years in Snohomish County, serving clients in Snohomish, King, Island, and Skagit counties. Represents personal representatives in probate, assists trustees with administering living trusts, and handles will contests, breach-of-fiduciary-duty claims, and TEDRA petitions. The firm also handles guardianship, conservatorship, and elder law.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 7 more
FirmWalla Walla, WA
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
FirmWenatchee, WA
Wenatchee firm, doing business as Northwest Estate Plans, that handles Washington probate and trust administration for families after a death, starting with a free Executor Guidance Meeting to review the options. Also prepares wills and revocable living trusts. Meetings, signings, and notarization can be completed over Zoom for clients anywhere in Washington, or in person at the Wenatchee office.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate
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.
Data sourced from Washington statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Washington.
Forms and tools for property owners in Skagit County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Washington.
