Estate Planning & Probate in Jefferson County, Missouri
Most Jefferson County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. 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 Jefferson County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Jefferson County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Jefferson County→The Probate Process in Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, probate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at 300 Main Street, Hillsboro. The court sits in the 23rd Judicial Circuit. E-filing here is required, not optional — true in only 4 Missouri counties.
Full Jefferson Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Circuit Court - Probate Division
Jefferson County · 23rd Judicial Circuit
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Jefferson County · Recorder of Deeds · Debbie Dunnegan-Waters
Address
Phone
Fax
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
Local Procedures at the Circuit Court - Probate Division
Attorneys required to e-file per Missouri Supreme Court Rule 103. Non-attorneys may file in person at 2nd floor Clerk's Office. 23rd Judicial Circuit Local Court Rules (Rule 72 on Probate Division) and Probate Filing Fee Sheet available on county website.
Missouri Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Jefferson County.
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