Estate Planning for Warren County, Missouri Property Owners

For most Warren 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 Warren 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 Warren 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 Warren County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Warren County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, led by Recorder of Deeds Christy Bonstell, at 101 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 303, Warrenton, MO 63383. Phone: 636-456-9800. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (recording accepted until 4:00 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 Warren County. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Warren County accepts electronic recording through CSC.

Recording Office Record

Recorder of Deeds

Warren County · Recorder of Deeds · Christy Bonstell

Address

101 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 303Warrenton, MO 63383

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (recording accepted until 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 Warren County

FirmWarrenton, MO

Mense Law Firm, LLC

Serves 5 counties

Serves Warren, Lincoln, Montgomery, St. Charles, and Franklin counties from Warrenton. Handles Missouri probate administration — proving the will in court, resolving claims against the estate, paying debts, filing tax returns, and distributing assets — plus trust administration and guardianship petitions. The practice is limited to estate planning, elder law, and long-term care.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawSpecial Needs Planningand 2 more

Office
603 E Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Suite 300Warrenton, MO 63383

FirmLake Saint Louis, MO

Legacy Law Center

Serves 3 counties

Serves St. Charles County from Lake St. Louis, with additional offices in St. Charles and O'Fallon. Handles probate and estate administration for executors, contested will and trust matters, guardianship and conservatorship, and estate litigation. Practice is limited to estate planning, elder law, and probate; consultations are free.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate LitigationTrust LitigationElder Lawand 4 more

Office
3401 Technology Dr, Suite 219Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367
Free consultation

FirmHermann, MO

Zick, Voss, Politte, Richardson & Brinker, P.C.

Since 1983 · Serves 4 counties

Hermann office of a Washington, Missouri firm practicing since 1983, drawing clients from Gasconade, Warren, and Montgomery counties. David Politte handles decedents' estates, will administration, small estate administration, guardianships and conservatorships, and will and trust contests. He has served as Hermann's city attorney since 2004.

PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawBusiness LawProbate Administrationand 2 more

Office
111 1/2 E 4th StHermann, MO 65041

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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