Estate Planning for Johnson County, Missouri Property Owners

For most Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Johnson County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Johnson County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds at 300 N. Holden St, Suite 305, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Phone: 660-747-6811. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

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

Johnson County accepts electronic recording through CSC.

Recording Office Record

Recorder of Deeds

Johnson County · Recorder of Deeds

Address

300 N. Holden St, Suite 305Warrensburg, MO 64093

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

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 Johnson County

FirmLexington, MO

Bradley and Bradley, L.C.

Since 1951 · Serves 6 counties

Sits across the street from the historic Lafayette County Court House in Lexington and has practiced there since 1951, now in its third generation with Gary R. Bradley and Douglas R. Bradley. Handles wills, trusts, and probate, and takes on step-family real estate disputes that surface while an estate is going through probate. A second office operates in Kansas City.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationReal EstateWills Trusts

Office
105 S 10th StLexington, MO 64067

FirmWarrensburg, MO

Lance A. Riddle Law Office, Attorneys at Law

Serves 4 counties

Warrensburg firm serving families in Johnson County and the surrounding central Missouri counties. Lance A. Riddle, Kristin Cerri, and Chance W. Riddle handle probate and estate administration, guardianship and conservatorship for minors and adults with disabilities, and either side of a will contest or fiduciary dispute. Initial attorney consultations are free.

PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipPower Of AttorneyProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
311 N Holden StWarrensburg, MO 64093
Free consultation

FirmSedalia, MO

Randy K. Sparks, Attorney at Law

Serves 3 counties

Sedalia solo practice in Pettis County, where Randy K. Sparks has lived and practiced since 1984. Files probate estates both under wills and under Missouri intestate law, including expedited small administrations, and prepares wills, trusts, living wills, durable powers of attorney, and beneficiary deeds. Initial consultations are free.

PracticesEstate PlanningBusiness LawProbate AdministrationReal Estate

Office
414 S OhioSedalia, MO 65301
Free consultation

FirmWarsaw, MO

Dull Law LLC

Serves 7 counties

Warsaw law office serving Benton County, with sister offices in Clinton (Henry County) and Sedalia (Pettis County). Founding attorney Jeffrey Dull handles complex civil and probate matters; the firm also drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and Missouri nonprobate transfers. Free initial consultation, by phone, video conference, or in person.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationReal EstateWills Trusts

Office
220 Main StreetWarsaw, MO 65355
Free consultationVirtual consultations

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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