Estate Planning for Heard County, Georgia Property Owners

For most Heard County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.

Record a TOD deedWhere to recordLocal attorneys

For a Heard County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Probate Court. The two tools that keep a Heard County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.

Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Heard County property passes through the Probate Court — even simple Georgia probates run 6+ months and start with about $175 in filing fees.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Heard County

A transfer-on-death deed names a beneficiary who receives Heard County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.

Before recording, a Georgia transfer-on-death deed is signed with 1O.C.G.A. 44-17-1 to 44-17-7Verified Aug 24, 2026View source witness and attestation by a notary as official witnessO.C.G.A. 44-17-1 to 44-17-7Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathO.C.G.A. 44-17-1 to 44-17-7Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a GeorgiaTOD deed →Heard Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Heard County are recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court, led by Tammie Teal, at 215 East Court Square, Franklin, GA 30217. Phone: 706-675-3301. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 249, Franklin, GA 30217.

The Clerk of Superior Court charges $25 flat, regardless of page count. Recording a 2-page transfer-on-death deed in Heard County comes to $25. A transfer-on-death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Heard County requires electronic recording through GSCCCA eFile Portal; paper documents are not accepted.

Recording Office Record

Clerk of Superior Court

Heard County · Tammie Teal

Address

215 East Court SquareFranklin, GA 30217Mailing: P.O. Box 249, Franklin, GA 30217

Fax

706-675-6138

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

E-recording

Required via GSCCCA eFile PortalE-recording info →
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Flat fee (any length)$25
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

O.C.G.A. 15-6-77(f)(1)(A)(i)

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 4, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Heard County

FirmLaGrange, GA

The Graham Law Firm

Since 2002 · Serves 4 counties

A LaGrange firm serving Troup, Harris, Heard, and Meriwether counties in West Georgia with wills, trusts, and probate work alongside its real estate and business practice. Attorneys Heather W. Graham, Beth Hudson, and Lauren M. Bowen represent executors and families through the probate process. Operating since 2002, the firm offers a free initial consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationReal EstateWills Trusts

Office
200 Church StreetLaGrange, GA 30240
Free consultation

FirmDouglasville, GA

Edwards, McLeod & Money, P.C.

Serves 6 counties

Serves as west Georgia and Douglas County's estate planning attorneys, handling estate planning, probate, elder law, wills, and civil litigation across the Atlanta metro area.

PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawConservatorshipGuardianshipProbate Administration

Office
8701 Hospital Drive, Suite BDouglasville, GA 30135

Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.

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