Section 13.48.120. Optional form of transfer on death deed.  


Latest version.
  • The following form may be used to create a transfer on death deed. The provisions of this chapter govern the effect of this or any other instrument used to create a transfer on death deed. 

    (front of form)
    REVOCABLE TRANSFER ON DEATH DEED
    NOTICE TO OWNER
    You should carefully read all information on the other side of this
    form. Transferring real property by using a transfer on death deed may
    have important legal consequences in addition to designating who will
    receive the real property on the transferor's death. These consequences
    may include, but are not limited to, (1) affecting the beneficiary's
    eligibility for public assistance; and (2) affecting creditors' rights.
    If you have any questions, you should consult an attorney.
    This form must be recorded before your death, or it will not be
    effective.
    IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
    Owner or Owners Making This Deed:

    Printed name Mailing address

    Marital status

    Printed name Mailing address

    Marital status
    Legal description of the property:

    PRIMARY BENEFICIARYENEFICIARIES
    (Please list one or more primary beneficiaries. You may want to
    obtain legal advice before listing more than one primary beneficiary.
    There is more than one way to transfer property to several persons.)
    I designate the following beneficiary if the beneficiary survives
    me:

    Printed name Mailing address, if available

    Marital status
    ALTERNATE BENEFICIARYENEFICIARIES - Optional
    (You may list one or more alternate beneficiaries. You may want to
    obtain legal advice before listing more than one alternate beneficiary.
    There is more than one way to transfer property to several persons.)
    If my primary beneficiary does not survive me, I designate the
    following alternate beneficiary if that beneficiary survives me:

    Printed name Mailing address, if available

    Marital status
    TRANSFER ON DEATH
    At my death, I transfer my interest in the described property to the
    beneficiaries as designated above.
    Before my death, I have the right to revoke this deed.
    AUTHORITY OF DESIGNATED AGENT TO REVOKE THIS DEED
    I authorize the following designated agent to revoke this deed
    before my death:

    Printed name Mailing address
    SIGNATURE OF OWNER OR OWNERS MAKING THIS DEED

    Signature Date

    Signature Date

    ACKNOWLEDGMENT
    State of Judicial District (or County of or Municipality of )
    The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this (date) by
    (name of person who acknowledged).

    Signature of Person Taking
    Acknowledgment

    Title or Rank

    Serial Number, if any
    (back of form)
    COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE USE OF THIS FORM
    What does the Transfer on Death (TOD) deed do? When you die, this
    deed transfers the described property, subject to any liens or
    mortgages (or other encumbrances) on the property at your death.
    Probate is not required. The TOD deed has no effect until you die. You
    can revoke it at any time. You are also free to transfer the property
    to someone else during your lifetime. If you do not own any interest
    in the property when you die, this deed will have no effect.
    How do I make a TOD deed? Complete this form. Have it acknowledged
    before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take
    acknowledgments. Record the form in each recording district where any
    part of the property is located. The form has no effect unless it is
    acknowledged and recorded before your death.
    Is the 'legal description' of the property necessary? Yes.
    How do I find the 'legal description' of the property? This
    information may be on the deed you received when you became an owner of
    the property. This information may also be available in the office of
    the recorder in the recording district where the property is located.
    If you are not absolutely sure, consult a lawyer.
    Can I change my mind before I record the TOD deed? Yes. If you have
    not yet recorded the deed and want to change your mind, simply tear up
    or otherwise destroy the deed.
    How do I 'record' the TOD deed? Take the completed and acknowledged
    form to the office of the recorder in the recording district where the
    property is located. Follow the instructions given by the recorder to
    make the form part of the official property records. If the property is
    in more than one recording district, you should record the deed in each
    recording district.
    Can I later revoke the TOD deed if I change my mind? Yes. You can
    revoke the TOD deed. Except for a court, no one, including the
    beneficiaries, can prevent you from revoking the deed.
    How do I revoke the TOD deed after it is recorded? There are three
    ways to revoke a recorded TOD deed: (1) Complete and acknowledge a
    revocation form, and record it in each recording district where the
    property is located. (2) Complete and acknowledge a new TOD deed that
    disposes of the same property, and record it in each recording district
    where the property is located. (3) Transfer the property to someone
    else during your lifetime by a recorded deed that expressly revokes
    the TOD deed. You may not revoke the TOD deed by will.
    I am being pressured to complete this form. What should I do? Do
    not complete this form under pressure. Seek help from a trusted family
    member, friend, or lawyer.
    Do I need to tell the beneficiaries about the TOD deed? No, but it
    is recommended. Secrecy can cause later complications and might make it
    easier for others to commit fraud.
    I have other questions about this form. What should I do? This form
    is designed to fit some but not all situations. If you have other
    questions, you are encouraged to consult a lawyer.

Notes


History

(Sec. 2 ch 10 SLA 2014)