Estate Planning for Lancaster County, Nebraska Property Owners

For most Lancaster 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 Lancaster County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the County Court. The two tools that keep a Lancaster County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the Register of Deeds, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.

Skipping this planning step means the County Court decides who receives the property: a simple Nebraska probate takes 4+ months and opens with $44 in court filing fees. Nebraska 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 Lancaster County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Lancaster County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the Register of Deeds during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.

Before recording, a Nebraska transfer on death deed is signed with 2Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-3401 to 76-3424Verified Aug 24, 2026View source witnesses and notary acknowledgmentNeb. Rev. Stat. 76-3401 to 76-3424Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded within 30 daysNeb. Rev. Stat. 76-3401 to 76-3424Verified Aug 24, 2026View source of signing and before the owner's deathNeb. Rev. Stat. 76-3401 to 76-3424Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a NebraskaTOD deed →Lancaster Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Lancaster County are recorded with the Register of Deeds at 500 West O Street, Lincoln, NE 68508. Phone: 402-441-7463. Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Documents submitted by mail go to 555 South 10th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.

The Register of Deeds charges $10 for the first page plus $6 for each additional page. A 2-page transfer on death deed costs $16 to record in Lancaster County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Lancaster County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, CSC, EPN.

Recording Office Record

Register of Deeds

Lancaster County

Address

500 West O StreetLincoln, NE 68508Mailing: 555 South 10th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508

Hours

Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

E-recording

Available via Simplifile, CSC, EPNE-recording info →

Recording fees

Base fee (first page)$10
Each additional page$6
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

Neb. Rev. Stat. 33-109

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 7, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Lancaster County

FirmLincoln, NE

Ball, Loudon, Ebert & Brostrom, LLC

Serves 3 counties

Boutique estate and business firm in Lincoln working in the Lancaster County courts. The team handles will and trust administration, guides fiduciaries through probate, and manages estate transfers ranging from simple wills to tax-driven planning for larger estates. Trusts and estates is one of its two core focus areas alongside business and commercial law.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate Administration

Office
3701 Union Drive, Suite 200Lincoln, NE 68516

FirmWahoo, NE

Bromm, Lindahl, Freeman-Caddy & Lausterer

Since 1893 · Serves 4 counties

Providing legal services to residents of east-central Nebraska since 1893. AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Additional offices in David City and Eagle.

PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawProbate Administration

Office
551 North Linden StreetWahoo, NE 68066

FirmLincoln, NE

Cada, Jewson & Bryant

Serves 1 county

Lincoln firm in Lancaster County, founded in 1974. Helps individuals and families create wills, trusts, and other estate planning tools, and assists with probate and estate administration.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
1024 K StreetLincoln, NE 68508

FirmLincoln, NE

Johnson Flodman Guenzel & Wasserburger LLP

Serves 3 counties

Since 1962, providing legal services to individuals, businesses, and institutions in Lincoln and Eastern Nebraska. Steven E. Guenzel concentrates on wills, trusts, estates, and special needs trusts.

PracticesEstate PlanningSpecial Needs PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
1227 Lincoln MallLincoln, NE 68508
Free consultation

FirmGrand Island, NE

Neuhaus Law Office

Serves 3 counties

Gregg Neuhaus has served Grand Island and central Nebraska for over 30 years, with a second office in Lincoln. Drafts wills, trusts, and estate planning documents and handles probate representation and probate litigation for personal representatives and beneficiaries.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
205 South Cedar Street, Suite 150Grand Island, NE 68801
Free consultation

FirmBellevue, NE

Reagan Melton & Delaney

Since 2010 · Serves 3 counties

Bellevue firm serving Sarpy County and eastern Nebraska, with a second Lincoln office. Handles probate and estate administration, wills, trusts, and guardianships and conservatorships, with attorneys including a retired district court judge and a former prosecutor. Boutique practice with over 150 years of combined experience.

PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianships ConservatorshipsProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
4530 Maass Road, Suite 101Bellevue, NE 68133
See all 11 firms serving Lancaster County→

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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