Estate Planning for Lawrence County, Missouri Property Owners

For most Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Lawrence County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, led by Recorder of Deeds Denise Massie, in Mount Vernon, MO 65712. Phone: 417-466-2670. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 449, Mount Vernon, MO 65712.

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

Lawrence County accepts electronic recording through CSC.

Recording Office Record

Recorder of Deeds

Lawrence County · Recorder of Deeds · Denise Massie

Address

P.O. Box 449, Mount Vernon, MO 65712Mount Vernon, MO 65712Mailing: P.O. Box 449, Mount Vernon, MO 65712

Fax

417-466-4995

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 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 Lawrence County

FirmSpringfield, MO

Dunn Law Firm LLC

Since 2015 · Serves 8 counties

Serves Greene, Christian, Webster, Polk, Dallas, Lawrence, and Laclede counties from Springfield. Handles full probate administration, small estate affidavits, creditor and spousal refusal of letters, and determination of heirship, alongside adult and minor guardianship and conservatorship. The firm arranges evening and weekend appointments when needed.

PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipHealthcare DirectivesProbate Administration

Office
620 W Republic Rd, Suite 104Springfield, MO 65807

FirmMonett, MO

Randall, Masri & Randall, P.C.

Serves 3 counties

Serves Lawrence, Barry, Newton, and Stone counties from Monett, with a second office in Aurora. Handles probate, wills and trusts, guardianships and conservatorships, property management, and estate tax matters for families across southwest Missouri.

PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipProbate AdministrationReal EstateWills Trusts

Office
405 E Broadway StMonett, MO 65708

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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