Washington Forms

Pierce County Personal Representative Deed Form

Pierce County Personal Representative Deed Form

Pierce County Personal Representative Deed Form

Fill in the blank form formatted to comply with all recording and content requirements.

Validated 6/18/2025 Preview Form
Pierce County Personal Representative Deed Guide

Pierce County Personal Representative Deed Guide

Line by line guide explaining every blank on the form.

Validated 4/28/2025 Preview Form
Pierce County Completed Example of the Personal Representative Deed Document

Pierce County Completed Example of the Personal Representative Deed Document

Example of a properly completed form for reference.

Validated 12/31/2024 Preview Form

All 3 documents above included • One-time purchase • No recurring fees

Important: Your property must be located in Pierce County to use these forms. Documents should be recorded at the office below.

Where to Record Your Documents

Pierce County Auditor

Address:
2401 S 35th St, Rm 200
Tacoma, Washington 98409

Hours: 8:30 to 4:30 Mon through Fri

Phone: 253.798.7440

Recording Tips for Pierce County:
  • Ensure all signatures are in blue or black ink
  • Bring your driver's license or state-issued photo ID
  • Documents must be on 8.5 x 11 inch white paper
  • Check margin requirements - usually 1-2 inches at top
  • Avoid the last business day of the month when possible

Cities and Jurisdictions in Pierce County

Properties in any of these areas use Pierce County forms:

  • Anderson Island
  • Ashford
  • Bonney Lake
  • Buckley
  • Camp Murray
  • Carbonado
  • Dupont
  • Eatonville
  • Elbe
  • Fox Island
  • Gig Harbor
  • Graham
  • Kapowsin
  • La Grande
  • Lakebay
  • Lakewood
  • Longbranch
  • Longmire
  • Mcchord Afb
  • Mckenna
  • Milton
  • Orting
  • Paradise Inn
  • Puyallup
  • Roy
  • South Prairie
  • Spanaway
  • Steilacoom
  • Sumner
  • Tacoma
  • University Place
  • Vaughn
  • Wauna
  • Wilkeson

How do I get my forms?

Forms are available for immediate download after payment. The Pierce County forms will be in your account ready to download to your computer. An account is created for you during checkout if you don't have one. Forms are NOT emailed.

Are these forms guaranteed to be recordable in Pierce County?

Yes. Our form blanks are guaranteed to meet or exceed all formatting requirements set forth by Pierce County including margin requirements, content requirements, font and font size requirements.

Can I reuse these forms?

Yes. You can reuse the forms for your personal use. For example, if you have multiple properties in Pierce County you only need to order once.

What do I need to use these forms?

The forms are PDFs that you fill out on your computer. You'll need Adobe Reader (free software that most computers already have). You do NOT enter your property information online - you download the blank forms and complete them privately on your own computer.

Are there any recurring fees?

No. This is a one-time purchase. Nothing to cancel, no memberships, no recurring fees.

How much does it cost to record in Pierce County?

Recording fees in Pierce County vary. Contact the recorder's office at 253.798.7440 for current fees.

Have other questions? Contact our support team

Washington State Probate and Sales of Real Property

Probate is the legal process of settling a decedent's estate and transferring any remaining assets to those entitled to receive them. Procedures for probate of wills and distribution of estates are codified at RCW Title 11.

When a decedent dies leaving a will, the estate is said to be testate. If a decedent does not leave a will or the will is not found valid by the court, the estate is intestate. Persons named in a decedent's will to inherit a part of the estate are called devisees.

Any assets not disposed of by will are distributed to heirs at law in the order specified at RCW 11.04.015. Typically, all assets titled solely in the decedent's name are subject to probate. Nonprobate assets include interests that pass with a right of survivorship, by transfer on death, or by community property agreement, and assets held in a grantor trust (RCW 11.02.005(10)).

Washington is a community property state, meaning that, upon the death of the first spouse, a one-half share of the community property, property acquired during the marriage, succeeds to the surviving spouse, with the other one-half share subject to disposition by the decedent's will, or descending according to the laws of descent and distribution codified at chapter 11.04 RCW. All the community property is subject to probate administration, however; this means that it may be used for payment of debts of the community (11.02.070).

In Washington State, title to a decedent's real property vests in his heirs or devisees at the time of death, subject to debts, allowances, and expenses of administration (RCW 11.04.250). The probate process is necessary to settle claims against the estate and ensure the marketable transfer of title.

In a formal probate proceeding, the custodian of the will delivers the will to the appropriate court or the executor named in the will (RCW 11.20.010). To open probate, apply for probate and appointment of a personal representative to the judge of the court (11.20.020). The superior court of the county where the decedent resided at the time of death handles probate cases.

Short-form probates, or settlements without intervention, are also available under Washington probate law. Seek qualified legal advice when considering probate options.

Washington's Revised Code outlines the priority of persons to serve as personal representative (PR) of the estate. The PR serves in a fiduciary capacity to settle the estate under the supervision of the court. This includes filing all necessary legal paperwork, such as inventories, accountings, and notices, filing taxes, and paying claims, family allowances, and expenses of administration, among other duties.

The court issues letters testamentary to the executor named in the decedent's will. When the executor is unwilling or unable to serve, the court will issue letters of administration with the will annexed to the appointee (RCW 11.28.010). If the decedent died intestate, or without a will, an interested person may apply for letters of administration by filing a petition with court giving the names and address of heirs and fact that the deceased died without a will (11.28.110). Letters of administration are granted in the order established at RCW 11.28.120. A surviving spouse is entitled to administer any community property, unless the will provides otherwise (RCW 11.28.030). If the surviving spouse fails to apply for appointment within 40 days of the death, he or she is presumed to have waived the right to administer (11.28.030).

The appointed PR is required to provide written notice of appointment to each heir, legatee, and devisee within 20 days, with proof of notice given by affidavit filed with the court, and also give notice to the department of revenue within 60 days (11.28.237). RCW 11.40.020 establishes the requirements for filing notice of appointment to creditors.

Under the current laws, a personal representative is not authorized to make a sale of any property from an estate without an order of the court (RCW 11.56.010). The personal representative must present a petition to the court describing the estate's property and the amount of debts, obligations, and expenses of the estate so that the court may determine the necessity of the sale. No notice of the hearing of the petition for sale is required, unless the court should so order. Only when a will directs property to be sold or gives authority to the executor to sell property can the PR act without order of the court (11.56.250).

The court may order a sale to raise money to pay the debts and obligations of the estate and expenses of administration, estate taxes, or for the support of the family; to make distribution; or "for such other purposes as the court may deem right and proper" (RCW 11.56.010). Following a confirmation of the sale, the court directs the PR to execute and deliver the deed conveying title to the purchaser. A conveyance after confirmation of sale conveys all the estate, rights, and interests of the decedent at the time of death and any interest acquired by the estate (11.56.120).

A personal representative's deed follows the statutory form of a bargain and sale deed under RCW 64.04.040, containing covenants that the granting party is, at the time of the conveyance, seized in fee simple of the estate; that the estate is free from encumbrances made by the grantor; and for quiet enjoyment against the grantor, his heirs and assigns, unless otherwise limited by express words contained in the deed.

A PR deed names the PR as acting in a fiduciary capacity on behalf of the estate. A lawful deed includes the grantee's name, address, marital status, and vesting information, as well as a full legal description of the parcel, the consideration made for the transfer of title, a recitation of the derivation of title, and any restrictions on the property. A PR deed must meet standards of form and content for documents relating to real property in Washington. Include a cover sheet where applicable (RCW 65-04-045). The PR must sign in the presence of a notary public for a valid transfer and record the deed in the land records of the county where the real property is situated.

Sales of real property in Washington are subject to an excise tax under RCW 82.45.060, unless an exemption under RCW 82.45.010 is noted on the face of the instrument of transfer. Both parties to the transaction must fill out a real estate excise tax affidavit. In order to receive an exemption under RCW 82.45.010(3)(a) from the tax (a transfer by gift, devise, or inheritance), additional documentation is required. Depending on the situation, this may include a certified copy of a community property agreement; a certified copy of the death certificate; a copy of the relevant portion of a trust instrument; a certified copy of the letters testamentary/letters of administration; or a certified copy of the court order requiring the transfer (RCW 82.45.197).

Consult an attorney with questions about using a personal representative's deed, or for any other issues related to transferring a decedent's real property in Washington.

(Washington PRD Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)

Important: Your property must be located in Pierce County to use these forms. Documents should be recorded at the office below.

This Personal Representative Deed meets all recording requirements specific to Pierce County.

Our Promise

The documents you receive here will meet, or exceed, the Pierce County recording requirements for formatting. If there's an issue caused by our formatting, we'll make it right and refund your payment.

Save Time and Money

Get your Pierce County Personal Representative Deed form done right the first time with Deeds.com Uniform Conveyancing Blanks. At Deeds.com, we understand that your time and money are valuable resources, and we don't want you to face a penalty fee or rejection imposed by a county recorder for submitting nonstandard documents. We constantly review and update our forms to meet rapidly changing state and county recording requirements for roughly 3,500 counties and local jurisdictions.

4.8 out of 5 - ( 4569 Reviews )

Brenda M. K.

August 2nd, 2020

Great service Easy to do Efficient

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Robert B.

March 4th, 2019

Found this sight on the internet looking for information to add my fiance' to the house deed. Looks like the right place to be. Looking forward to getting the forms I need.

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

katherine a.

July 20th, 2021

loved the ease of use for the forms. went on line to find out about Adobe Reader, too. Had a test to see if I had it. Took few seconds. Then on to ordering and downloading which took only 5 minutes for the three forms I wanted. Thanks, Katie Anderson

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Charles S.

February 14th, 2025

very happy with guidance and responses - thank you - not finished yet but confident

Reply from Staff

We are sincerely grateful for your feedback and are committed to providing the highest quality service. Thank you for your trust in us.

Denise B.

September 3rd, 2020

Quick and easy!

Reply from Staff

Thank you Denise. We appreciate you.

jen k.

June 15th, 2022

I tried to use the free stuff you find on the internet. You quickly find out that free is rarely ever (never) free. Even worse, the long term cost can be immeasurable. Glad I realized that before I got too far in. Do yourself a favor, spend a few bucks up front to get the right forms.

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

Byron M.

September 18th, 2023

Prompt service... provide thorough explanation of what is needed to complete the recording.

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Duane L.

September 5th, 2020

Easy to use with very helpful directions.

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

Michael M.

July 30th, 2019

Received the documents as ordered in a timely fashion. Can't ask for much better than that!

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

ALYSSA J.

August 26th, 2020

I was unable to end up going through with the deed process on my own as it was out of my realm. I suspect if I knew what I was actually doing when completing a deed, it would of been sufficient. I ended up having to go through an attorney to complete the deed.

Reply from Staff

Glad to hear you sought the assistance of a legal professional familiar with your specific situation, we always recommend that to anyone who is not completely sure of what they are doing. Have a wonderful day.

Alan K.

September 4th, 2020

All I needed was a simple Certificate of Trust. Deeds.com had a template for exactly what I needed. I didn't have to make an appt with an attorney, wait for one to be available, nor pay a ridiculous amount for a standardized document. Super easy.

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Kimberly J H.

August 1st, 2023

The Washington State Transfer on Death Deed I purchased worked perfectly.

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Kathy-Louise A.

February 9th, 2025

I found the process of downloading and completing the documents very user friendly. Thank you for the Declare Value instructions. It was easy to follow, though a sample of the declaration form would be very useful. I didn't know how to list my "capacity" so I left it blank so the recorder could advise me. Otherwise, thank you so much for being available for people who are capable of completing simple legal tasks without the expense of a lawyer. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Reply from Staff

Your appreciative words mean the world to us. Thank you.

William K.

December 14th, 2018

Thanks for the service which was excellent and timely. Instructions were easy to follow and results worth the cost.

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Petre A.

April 9th, 2022

Easy @ useful

Reply from Staff

Thank you!