[WA] Which transfer-on-death deed do I use?
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In Washington, all Transfer-on-Death deeds are revocable during the owner’s lifetime. The difference is just wording on the form — “Revocable” vs. no “Revocable” in the title. They mean the same thing legally.
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I was trying to do a Washington Transfer-on-Death Deed, but somehow the final product turned into a Washington Revocable Transfer-on-Death Deed. Are both documents the same or different?
I understand the confusion. Can you explain how you went about creating the Transfer-on-Death Deed in Washington?
On the home page I typed "Washington transfer on death deed" and it pulled up the information I needed to type it.
Have you already filed the document with the appropriate authorities?
I filed a Washington Transfer-on-Death Deed in February this year, but it was sent back due to an unacceptable description of my property. So I have to refile.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
Nothing I can think of.
Hello — I’m Melissa. I handle transfers of property and estate planning. Happy to help!
I’d like to know the difference between a Washington Transfer-on-Death Deed and a Washington Revocable Transfer-on-Death Deed.
In Washington, all Transfer-on-Death deeds are revocable during the owner’s lifetime. The difference is just wording on the form — “Revocable” vs. no “Revocable” in the title. They mean the same thing legally.
How do I get the Washington Transfer-on-Death Deed online? I tried three times and keep getting the revocable one.
The revocable form is the same — you can use that form.
I understand, but this is my second filing with the county and I want it to match my previous recorded form exactly, because deviations could cause extra filing fees and I can’t afford that.
You can draft your own form based on the previous recorded document you have. Without seeing your exact prior form, I can’t find the identical one for you. If the county has a specific form, contact the county recorder — they may provide guidance or a form.
You mentioned I should use different wording — what wording would get "Washington Transfer on Death Deed" online?
I don’t believe I said to use different wording. What I meant is the two titles are the same in substance; they’re just titled differently by different drafters.
Sorry — I thought you said: “So, the two deeds are the same, but simply have different titles based upon the language used by the drafter of the forms.” Am I misunderstanding?
Not at all — that’s what I meant. A “revocable transfer on death deed” and a “transfer on death deed” are effectively the same; the title varies by drafter.
On the Transfer-on-Death Deed the word Grantor was used, but on the revocable form the word Transferor was used instead — would that make any difference?
No — those are interchangeable terms.
Okay. Thank you! Good night!
You’re most welcome. Good luck with your deed!
