Estate Planning for Clark County, Missouri Property Owners

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

Skipping this planning step means the Circuit Court - Probate Division decides who receives the property: a simple Missouri probate takes 6+ months and opens with about $115 in court filing fees. Missouri 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 Clark County

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

Before recording, a Missouri beneficiary deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentRSMo 461.003 to 461.081Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathRSMo 461.003 to 461.081Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a MissouriTOD deed →Clark Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Clark County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, led by Recorder of Deeds Melissa Bevans, at 111 E. Court St, Suite 130, Kahoka, MO 63445. Phone: 660-727-8261.

The Recorder of Deeds charges $26 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page. A 2-page beneficiary deed costs $29 to record in Clark County. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Clark County accepts electronic recording through CSC.

Recording Office Record

Recorder of Deeds

Clark County · Recorder of Deeds · Melissa Bevans

Address

111 E. Court St, Suite 130Kahoka, MO 63445

Fax

660-727-6916

E-recording

Available via CSC

Recording fees

Base fee (first page)$26
Each additional page$3
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

RSMo 59.310.6(1), 59.319, 59.321, 59.800, 50.1190

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 7, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Clark County

FirmKirksville, MO

The Farwell Law Firm, LLC

Since 2003 · Serves 7 counties

Kirksville firm serving Adair County and northern Missouri, established by Andrew R. Farwell in 2003. Handles estate and trust administration alongside contested estate and trust litigation, including disputes after a death over poorly drafted plans or coercion of an incapacitated decedent, and has appeared in more than 35 Missouri county courts.

PracticesEstate PlanningAsset ProtectionProbate AdministrationReal Estate

Office
715 N Baltimore StKirksville, MO 63501

FirmHannibal, MO

Wasinger Parham, L.C.

Serves 12 counties

Serves northeast and central Missouri and west central Illinois from Hannibal, practicing in thirteen Missouri counties including Marion, Ralls, Pike, Monroe, and Shelby. Handles probate estate administration, guardianships and conservatorships for minors, the elderly, and people with disabilities, and estate litigation. Six attorneys practice at the firm, which was founded in 1974.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate LitigationTrust LitigationBusiness Lawand 2 more

Office
2801 St MarysHannibal, MO 63401

FirmSpringfield, MO

The Piatchek Law Firm, LLC

Serves the whole state

Springfield law firm helping families understand Missouri probate laws. Experienced lawyers handle probate in many county courts throughout Missouri, guiding clients from opening estates to closing them.

PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawAsset ProtectionProbate Administration

Office
1546 E Bradford PkwySpringfield, MO 65804
Free consultation

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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