For most Pierce 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.
For a Pierce 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 Pierce 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, Pierce County property passes through the Probate Court — even simple Georgia probates run 6+ months and start with about $175 in filing fees.
A transfer-on-death deed names a beneficiary who receives Pierce 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.
Deeds and other real property documents for Pierce County are recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court, led by Melissa A. Howard, at 3550 Hwy 84, Blackshear, GA 31516. Phone: 912-449-2020.
The Clerk of Superior Court charges $25 flat, regardless of page count. Recording a 2-page transfer-on-death deed in Pierce County comes to $25. A transfer-on-death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Pierce County requires electronic recording through GSCCCA eFile Portal; paper documents are not accepted.
Recording Office Record
Pierce County · Melissa A. Howard
Address
Phone
E-recording
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $25 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
O.C.G.A. 15-6-77(f)(1)(A)(i)
Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
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Data sourced from Georgia statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Georgia.
Forms and tools for property owners in Pierce County.
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Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
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Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
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Estate planning articles for Georgia.
