Estate Planning for Schley County, Georgia Property Owners
For most Schley 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 Schley 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 Schley 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, Schley 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 Schley County
A transfer-on-death deed names a beneficiary who receives Schley 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.
Where to Record Property Documents
Deeds and other real property documents for Schley County are recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court, led by Kimberly McKinney, at 47 N. Pecan Street, Ellaville, GA 31806. Phone: 229-937-5581. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM).
Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 7, Ellaville, GA 31806.
The Clerk of Superior Court charges $25 flat, regardless of page count. Recording a 2-page transfer-on-death deed in Schley County comes to $25. A transfer-on-death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Schley County requires electronic recording through GSCCCA eFile Portal; paper documents are not accepted.
Recording Office Record
Clerk of Superior Court
Schley County · Kimberly McKinney
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
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
Legal Sources
Data sourced from Georgia statutes and official state code. How we research.
Georgia Estate Planning Articles
Estate planning articles for Georgia.
