Many Washington homeowners turn to a Transfer on Death Deed (TODD)—also called a Beneficiary Deed—as a way to pass their property directly to loved ones without going through probate.

It’s a smart estate planning tool, but preparing and recording it correctly can be trickier than it looks. Many homeowners spend weeks trying to figure it out themselves, only to realize they need help.

A transfer on death (TOD) deed is a legal document that allows property owners in Washington state to transfer ownership of their property to one or more beneficiaries upon their death, without the need for probate court proceedings. This type of deed is a useful tool for estate planning, as it allows property owners to ensure that their property will pass to their chosen beneficiaries in a timely and cost-effective manner.

When a TOD deed is executed, the property owner retains full control over the property and can sell, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of it during their lifetime. However, when the property owner dies, the property automatically transfers to the beneficiaries named in the deed, without the need for court approval or the involvement of an executor or administrator.