Estate Planning for Lafayette County, Missouri Property Owners
For most Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 $184 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 Lafayette County
A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Lafayette 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 Lafayette County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, led by Recorder of Deeds JoAnn Swartz, at 1001 Main St, Room 207, Lexington, MO 64067. Phone: 660-259-6178. 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 Lafayette County. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Lafayette County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, CSC, ePN.
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Lafayette County · Recorder of Deeds · JoAnn Swartz
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.
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
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.
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.
