[WSBAPT] King County recording of death certificate after Comm Prop Agrmt

[Setareh Mahmoodi]

Hi Eric,

We routinely record redacted death certificates and I typically redact more than just the Social Security number. I often remove other confidential information such as health-related details, etc. I have not encountered an issue with redaction with the recorder's office or a title company.

Of course, a coversheet is required. Depending on the circumstances, I may also record an Affidavit of Surviving Spouse. If you have an online e-recording account or use another recording platform, you can submit the documents electronically for a minimal fee, which makes the process much more efficient. Once recorded, I instruct the client to contact the King County Assessor’s Office to request removal of the decedent’s name from the property tax records and related accounts.

So far, the recording gremlin hasn’t gotten me—but there’s always a next time! I do say a quiet prayer and pay my respects to the recording gods with each submission, because you never know what creative new rule an agent might decide to enforce that day...


Best regards,

___

For streamlined communication, please remember to reply to all or include my paralegal on all correspondence at nazi at lawofficesofsm.com



Setareh Mahmoodi

Attorney at Law

Law Offices of Setareh Mahmoodi, PS

18222 104th Ave NE, Suite 103, Bothell, WA 98011

Phone: (425) 806-1500

Fax: (425) 489-4142 (Please email documents if at all possible)

Email: SM at lawofficesofsm.com

Website: http://www.lawofficesofsm.com/



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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> on behalf of Eric Nelsen <eric at sayrelawoffices.com>
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2025 10:20 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] King County recording of death certificate after Comm Prop Agrmt


Counselors:



What is the current state of affairs with the King County Recorder, when recording a death certificate?



  1.  Can I redact SSN, or will it be rejected because redaction of official documents isn’t allowed?
  2.  Do I need a REET Affidavit to accompany it, if I’m recording solely to follow up an already-recorded Community Property Agreement?
     *   WAC 459-61A-303(2)(m) says an affidavit is required if recording a death certificate “pursuant to a previously recorded transfer on death deed.” But I’m not recording for that reason.
     *   WAC 459-61A-303(2)(a) says an affidavit is required if recording “a transfer” “in fulfillment of a community property agreement.” But I’m not recording “a transfer” document.



Anything else I should know? Are we required to submit only before 9:30 AM on alternate Thursdays in odd-numbered months, unless an exemption is obtained from the County Records Inspector General who lurks in a basement office beneath an anonymous abandoned warehouse in the SoDo district and only stamps paperwork in person?



Sincerely,



Eric



Eric C. Nelsen

Sayre Law Offices, PLLC

1417 31st Ave South

Seattle WA 98144-3909

206-625-0092

eric at sayrelawoffices.com<mailto:eric at sayrelawoffices.com>


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