Estate Planning for Shelby County, Missouri Property Owners
For most Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County
A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Shelby 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 Shelby County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, led by Recorder of Deeds Audrey Buzzard, at 100 E. Main St, Shelbyville, MO 63469. Phone: 573-633-2821. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed 12:00-1:00).
Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 188, Shelbyville, MO 63469.
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 Shelby County. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Shelby County accepts electronic recording through CSC.
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Shelby County · Recorder of Deeds · Audrey Buzzard
Address
100 E. Main StShelbyville, MO 63469Mailing: P.O. Box 188, Shelbyville, MO 63469
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.
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
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.
