What is a transfer on death deed and how does it work?

A transfer on death deed (TODD) is a legal arrangement in Washington that allows a person to transfer real estate to another person upon their death. This type of deed is typically used when someone does not want to go through the costly, time-consuming process of creating a will. In Washington, the TODD must be completed and recorded with the county prior to the grantor’s death. The grantor must list the name of the beneficiary who will receive the transfer of the property. The beneficiary has no claim to the property prior to the grantor’s death and must wait for the legal transfer to take place. After the grantor’s death, the TODD takes effect and the beneficiary will receive the property as outlined in the deed. The beneficiary will automatically become the owner of the property without having to go through the processes of probate court. This saves time and money for both the beneficiary and grantor. Finally, the TODD can be revoked at any time and must be recorded with the county prior to the grantor’s death to be enforceable. Additionally, any changes to the TODD should be made only by revoking the deed in its entirety and creating a new one. This ensures accuracy and prevents any future problems.

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What is a transfer on death deed and how does it work?

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