Estate Planning for Dunklin County, Missouri Property Owners

For most Dunklin 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 Dunklin 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 Dunklin 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 Dunklin County

A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Dunklin 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 →Dunklin Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Dunklin County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, led by Recorder of Deeds Angela Casey, at 100 Kennett Court Square, Room 204, Kennett, MO 63857. Phone: 573-888-3468. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (closed 12:00-1:00).

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 Dunklin County. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Dunklin County accepts electronic recording through CSC.

Recording Office Record

Recorder of Deeds

Dunklin County · Recorder of Deeds · Angela Casey

Address

100 Kennett Court Square, Room 204Kennett, MO 63857

Fax

573-888-8956

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (closed 12:00-1:00)

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 Dunklin County

FirmKennett, MO

Dalton, Mowrer, and Chidister, LLP

Serves 3 counties

Kennett firm representing clients at every level of the Missouri civil court system across the Bootheel, in practice in the same town since 1937. Handles probate and estate planning alongside real property, agricultural, banking, and corporate matters. The practice was founded by John M. Dalton, later Missouri attorney general and governor.

PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipBusiness LawProbate AdministrationReal Estate

Office
203 College AveKennett, MO 63857

FirmSikeston, MO

Lawrence & Lawrence, LLC

Serves 8 counties

Sikeston law firm serving Missouri's Bootheel region with estate planning, estate administration, and estate litigation services. Bruce A. Lawrence and R. Kye Lawrence provide coverage across southeast Missouri.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbate LitigationTrust Litigation

Office
250 N KingshighwaySikeston, MO 63801
Free consultation

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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