Estate Planning for Whatcom County, Washington Property Owners

For most Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 Whatcom County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Whatcom County are recorded with the County Auditor at 311 Grand Ave, Suite 103, Bellingham, WA 98225. Phone: 360-778-5100. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

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

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

Recording Office Record

County Auditor

Whatcom County

Address

311 Grand Ave, Suite 103Bellingham, WA 98225

Fax

360-778-5101

Hours

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

E-recording

Available via Simplifile / CSC / eRecording Partners NetworkE-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 Whatcom County

Solo PracticeBellingham, WA

Chuckanut Law Group, PLLC

Serves 1 county

Bellingham estate planning practice serving Whatcom County, handling probate and trust administration for families settling an estate. Planning work includes wills, revocable living trusts, bypass trusts, special needs trusts, community property agreements, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Attorney Erin Mae Glass also practices elder law.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 2 more

Office
306 N Commercial St, Suite BBellingham, WA 98225

FirmBellingham, WA

North Sound Law Group, PLLC

Since 2023 · Serves 2 counties

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

Office
300 N Commercial StBellingham, WA 98225

FirmMarysville, WA

Brian Duce Attorney at Law

Serves 4 counties

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

Office
1701 Grove StMarysville, WA 98270
Free consultationVirtual 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

Solo PracticeRedmond, WA

Eastside Estate Planning, PLLC

Since 2022 · Serves the whole state

Serves King and Snohomish counties from Redmond, covering Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Sammamish, and Woodinville, and works with clients remotely across Washington. Handles wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, probate, and tax planning for estates; planning is sold as flat-fee packages and probates are billed hourly. Intake starts with a free telephone consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateTax PlanningAsset Protection

Office
8201 164th Ave NE, Suite 200Redmond, WA 98052
Free consultationVirtual consultations
See all 17 firms serving Whatcom 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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