Estate Planning & Probate in Franklin County, Missouri
Franklin 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 Franklin County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Franklin County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Franklin County→The Probate Process in Franklin 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 Franklin County, probate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at 401 East Main Street, Room 100A, Union. The court sits in the 20th Judicial Circuit. Franklin County shares the 20th Judicial Circuit with Gasconade and Osage.
Full Franklin Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Circuit Court - Probate Division
Franklin County · 20th Judicial Circuit
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Franklin County · Recorder of Deeds · Lisa A. Smart
Address
Phone
Fax
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 Franklin County.
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