Estate Planning for Spokane, Washington Property Owners

For most Spokane 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 Spokane 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 Spokane 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 Spokane County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Spokane 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 →Spokane Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Spokane County are recorded with the County Auditor at 1116 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99260. Phone: 509-477-2270. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM.

Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 2353, Spokane, WA 99210.

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

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

Recording Office Record

County Auditor

Spokane County

Address

1116 W Broadway AveSpokane, WA 99260Mailing: PO Box 2353, Spokane, WA 99210

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

E-recording

Available via Simplifile / CSC / eRecording Partners Network / IndecommE-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

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 9, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Spokane County

FirmSpokane Valley, WA

Palm & Froese Law PLLC

Since 2026 · Serves 1 county

Spokane Valley elder law and estate planning firm formed in 2026 when Danielle Palm and Kendel Froese combined their Liberty Lake and downtown Spokane practices. Handles probate, trust administration, and estate administration, plus adult guardianship and conservatorship petitions. The first consultation is free and meetings can be held by phone or Zoom.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 more

Office
521 N Argonne Rd, Building B, Suite 103Spokane Valley, WA 99212
Free consultationVirtual consultations

Solo PracticeSpokane, WA

Spokane Wills, Trusts, and Probate

Serves 1 county

Downtown Spokane practice where attorney Emily Wilson represents personal representatives in probate, including families probating an estate when there is no will, and represents trustees of living and testamentary trusts. It also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and community property agreements on a flat fee. Initial consultations are free.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateSpecial Needs Planning

Office
421 W Riverside Ave, Suite 330Spokane, WA 99201
Free consultation

Solo PracticeLiberty Lake, WA

Tate Law Offices, PLLC

Serves 1 county

Liberty Lake solo practice of Katharine Tate serving Spokane County, including Spokane, Spokane Valley, Medical Lake, Deer Park, and Airway Heights. Guides families through formal probate and summary probate for small estates, and advises trustees on legal and fiduciary compliance in trust administration. The practice also handles estate planning, elder law, guardianships, and conservatorships, with a free initial consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 more

Office
23403 E Mission Ave, Suite 215Liberty Lake, WA 99019
Free consultation

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

FirmWenatchee, WA

Bromiley Mackay Williams PLLC

Serves the whole state

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

Office
303 S Mission St, Suite 300Wenatchee, WA 98801
Free consultationVirtual consultations
See all 18 firms serving Spokane 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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