Estate Planning for Whitman County, Washington Property Owners

For most Whitman 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 Whitman 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 Whitman 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, Whitman 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 Whitman County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Whitman County are recorded with the County Auditor at 400 N Main St, Suite 245, Colfax, WA 99111. Phone: 509-397-6270. Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:15 PM (document recording ends at 3:30 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 Whitman County comes to $305. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Whitman County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile / CSC / ePN.

Recording Office Record

County Auditor

Whitman County

Address

400 N Main St, Suite 245Colfax, WA 99111

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:15 PM (document recording ends at 3:30 PM)

E-recording

Available via Simplifile / CSC / ePNE-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

Verified September 9, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Whitman County

FirmPullman, WA

Baumgarten Law Offices PLLC

Serves 2 counties

Pullman firm serving Whitman and Asotin counties, along with Latah and Nez Perce counties in Idaho. Its estate work covers wills, trusts, medical powers of attorney, guardian nominations for minor children, and planning for blended families and children with special needs; the site does not list probate or estate administration. Free consultations are limited to criminal and family law cases.

PracticesEstate PlanningFamily LawPersonal InjuryReal Estate

Office
1125 NW Nye St, Suite APullman, WA 99163

FirmClarkston, WA

Douglass Law, PLLC

Serves 3 counties

Serves Asotin, Garfield, and Whitman counties from Clarkston, with attorneys licensed in both Washington and Idaho for families with property across the Lewis-Clark Valley. Probate work covers whether probate is required, court filings, creditor notices, asset valuation, distribution, and resolving disputes that arise. Also handles guardianships and drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianshipBusiness LawFamily Law

Office
935 6th StClarkston, WA 99403

FirmRitzville, WA

McGuire, DeWulf, Kragt & Johnson

Since 1936 · Serves 3 counties

Serves Adams, Lincoln, and Whitman counties from Ritzville, with additional offices in Davenport, Colfax, Odessa, St. John, and Rosalia. Handles probate and estate administration, trust administration, wills, powers of attorney, and elder law including Medicaid planning and applications, alongside a long-standing agricultural and water law practice in Eastern Washington.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 4 more

Office
108 N Adams StRitzville, WA 99169

FirmPullman, WA

Prinz & Brozik PLLC

Since 2012 · Serves 1 county

Pullman firm opened in 2012, serving Whitman County. Managing attorney Jenna Brozik handles probate, TEDRA actions, will contests, and guardianships, along with estate planning. She teaches Wills, Trusts, and Estates as an adjunct professor at the University of Idaho College of Law.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationGuardianshipFamily Law

Office
445 S Grand AvePullman, WA 99163

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
See all 19 firms serving Whitman 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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