For most Howard 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 Howard 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 Howard County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the Circuit Clerk & Recorder, 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.
A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Howard County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the Circuit Clerk & Recorder 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 Howard County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk & Recorder at 1 Courthouse Square, Fayette, MO 65248. Phone: 660-248-2194. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
The Circuit Clerk & Recorder charges $26 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page. A 2-page beneficiary deed costs $29 to record in Howard County. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Howard County does not offer e-recording.
Recording Office Record
Howard County · Circuit Clerk and Recorder
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $26 |
| Each additional page | $3 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
RSMo 59.310.6(1), 59.319, 59.321, 59.800, 50.1190
Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
FirmBoonville, MO
Boonville family practice serving Cooper County in probate and estate administration since 1979. Founded by Paul M. Wooldridge, who practiced here until his death in 2005; the practice continues under the Wooldridge family, with Wendy L. Wooldridge covering estate planning and family law.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationFamily LawProbate Administration
FirmMoberly, MO
Serves Randolph County and central Missouri from Moberly, with a second office in Columbia. Handles estate planning — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives — and opens and administers probate estates, including intestate estates where no will directs how assets pass.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate LitigationTrust LitigationProbate Administration
FirmMoberly, MO
Serves Randolph and Carroll counties from offices in Moberly and Carrollton. Handles estate planning and guardianships, with probate work carried by attorney Jake Peak; founder Sidney Wheelan has practiced over 25 years. The Carrollton office came from a July 2025 merger with the Wendel Law Office, which brought in Joyce Wendel, a former Carroll County prosecuting attorney.
PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipProbate Administration
FirmSpringfield, MO
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
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.
Data sourced from Missouri statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Missouri.
Forms and tools for property owners in Howard County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Missouri.
