Estate Planning for Hickory County, Missouri Property Owners
For most Hickory 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 Hickory 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 Hickory 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 Hickory County
A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Hickory 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.
Deeds and other real property documents for Hickory County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, led by Recorder of Deeds Pam Hutton, at 23645 Polk St, Suite 203, Hermitage, MO 65668. Phone: 417-745-6833. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed 12:00-12:30).
Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 101, Hermitage, MO 65668.
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 Hickory County. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Hickory County accepts electronic recording through CSC.
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Hickory County · Recorder of Deeds · Pam Hutton
Address
23645 Polk St, Suite 203Hermitage, MO 65668Mailing: P.O. Box 101, Hermitage, MO 65668
Clinton firm serving Henry County, where Mike Edgett has practiced since 1977 — first as an associate to Senator William J. Cason, then with the firm's successor. Advises executors and administrators through Missouri estate administration: filing the will, posting bond, locating beneficiaries and assets, paying creditors and taxes, and distributing property. Also handles guardianships.
PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipBusiness LawProbate Administrationand 2 more
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.
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