Estate Planning for Renville County, Minnesota Property Owners

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

Skipping this planning step means the District Court decides who receives the property: a simple Minnesota probate takes 4+ months and opens with $315 in court filing fees. Minnesota also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Renville County

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

Before recording, a Minnesota transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentMinn. Stat. 507.071Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathMinn. Stat. 507.071Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Renville County are recorded with the County Recorder at 500 East DePue Avenue, Suite 203, Olivia, MN 56277. Phone: 320-523-3669. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

The County Recorder charges $46 flat, regardless of page count. A 2-page transfer on death deed costs $46 to record in Renville County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Renville County

Address

500 East DePue Avenue, Suite 203Olivia, MN 56277

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Flat fee (any length)$46
Well Disclosure Certificate$54
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

Minn. Stat. 357.18 (Abstract); Minn. Stat. 508.82 (Torrens)

Verified September 6, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Renville County

FirmWillmar, MN

Anderson Larson Saunders Klaassen Dahlager & Leitch, PLLP

Since 1892 · Serves 3 counties

Serves Kandiyohi, Renville, and Swift counties from Willmar, with branch offices in Bird Island and Benson. Handles estate planning, wills and trusts, probate and estate administration, and guardianship, with attention to the tax and property-transfer issues common in West Central Minnesota estates. Roots in the region date to 1892, making it the area's largest firm.

PracticesEstate PlanningTax PlanningGuardianshipProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
331 SW 3rd StreetWillmar, MN 56201

FirmOlivia, MN

Kraft Walser Law Office

Since 1916 · Serves 5 counties

Serves Renville County and the surrounding farm country from its Olivia office, handling probate, living-trust-based probate avoidance, personal-representative and guardian selection, and family-business succession. The firm pairs estate work with agricultural and real estate practice common to area landowners. A case evaluation is offered by phone, video, or in person.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationAgricultural LawProbate Administrationand 2 more

Office
107 North 9th StreetOlivia, MN 56277
Virtual consultations

Solo PracticeHutchinson, MN

Law Offices of Troy A. Scotting

Serves 9 counties

General practice firm with offices in Hutchinson and Waconia. Attorney Troy A. Scotting handles estate planning, family law, criminal defense, and personal injury matters across central and south-central Minnesota. Saturday appointments available.

PracticesEstate PlanningCriminal DefenseFamily LawPersonal InjuryProbate Administration

Office
95 Second Avenue S.E.Hutchinson, MN 55350

FirmLitchfield, MN

Wood & Rue

Serves 4 counties

Serves Meeker County and surrounding mid-Minnesota from a downtown Litchfield office, handling probate and estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships alongside wills and trusts. Attorney Emily Wood serves as the Meeker County Examiner of Titles and Litchfield City Attorney, giving the firm close ties to local courts and recording offices. A free consultation is offered.

PracticesEstate PlanningConservatorshipGuardianshipProbate Administrationand 2 more

Office
34 East 2nd StreetLitchfield, MN 55355
Free consultation

FirmDuluth, MN

Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A.

Since 1893 · Serves the whole state

Serves Duluth and the Arrowhead from offices in Duluth, Cloquet, and Superior, Wisconsin. Handles estate planning and trust probate, income and transfer tax planning, and business succession for families and closely held businesses across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Founded in 1893, it is one of the largest firms in Minnesota outside the Twin Cities.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate Administration

Office
302 W Superior St, Suite 700Duluth, MN 55802

FirmSt. Paul, MN

Johnson/Turner

Serves the whole state

One of the largest estate planning firms in Minnesota with 15 office locations statewide. Offers trust-based and will-based estate plans, probate administration, and beneficiary representation with flat-fee pricing.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500St. Paul, MN 55101
Free consultation
See all 9 firms serving Renville County→

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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