Estate Planning for Monroe County, Missouri Property Owners

For most Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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.

Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Monroe County property passes through the Circuit Court - Probate Division — even simple Missouri probates run 6+ months and start with about $115 in 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 Monroe County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Monroe County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, led by Recorder of Deeds Lori Decker, at 300 N. Main St, Room 103, Paris, MO 65275. Phone: 877-433-3061. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed 12:00-1:00).

The Recorder of Deeds charges $26 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page beneficiary deed in Monroe County comes to $29. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Monroe County accepts electronic recording through CSC.

Recording Office Record

Recorder of Deeds

Monroe County · Recorder of Deeds · Lori Decker

Address

300 N. Main St, Room 103Paris, MO 65275

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed 12:00-1:00)

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 Monroe County

FirmHannibal, MO

Curl, Hark & Holliday LLC

Serves 5 counties

Hannibal firm in Marion County; managing partner Jeffrey Curl is also municipal attorney for LaGrange and Lewistown in Lewis County. Handles probate, guardianships and conservatorships, and non-probate transfers including beneficiary deeds, alongside wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills. Three of the firm's four attorneys list estate planning among their practice areas.

PracticesEstate PlanningBusiness LawProbate AdministrationReal Estate

Office
999 BroadwayHannibal, MO 63401

FirmMoberly, MO

Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, LLC

Serves 3 counties

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

Office
110 N 5th StMoberly, MO 65270

FirmHannibal, MO

Wasinger Parham, L.C.

Serves 12 counties

Serves northeast and central Missouri and west central Illinois from Hannibal, practicing in thirteen Missouri counties including Marion, Ralls, Pike, Monroe, and Shelby. Handles probate estate administration, guardianships and conservatorships for minors, the elderly, and people with disabilities, and estate litigation. Six attorneys practice at the firm, which was founded in 1974.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate LitigationTrust LitigationBusiness Lawand 2 more

Office
2801 St MarysHannibal, MO 63401

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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