Estate Planning & Probate in Buchanan County, Missouri
Buchanan County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Circuit Court - Probate Division details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Circuit Court - Probate Division, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Buchanan County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Buchanan County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Buchanan County→The Probate Process in Buchanan County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Buchanan County, probate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at 411 Jules Street, St. Joseph. The court sits in the 5th Judicial Circuit. The same 5th Judicial Circuit also serves Andrew.
Full Buchanan Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Circuit Court - Probate Division
Buchanan County · 5th Judicial Circuit
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Buchanan County · Recorder of Deeds
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$26 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $29; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
Missouri Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Buchanan County.
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