For most Platte 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 Platte 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 Platte 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.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Platte County property passes through the County Court — even simple Nebraska probates run 4+ months and start with $44 in filing fees. Nebraska also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Platte 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.
Deeds and other real property documents for Platte County are recorded with the Register of Deeds, led by Register of Deeds Sigrid Parker, at 2610 14th Street, Columbus, NE 68601. Phone: 402-563-4911. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Register of Deeds charges $10 for the first page plus $6 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page transfer on death deed in Platte County comes to $16. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Platte County accepts electronic recording.
Recording Office Record
Platte County · Register of Deeds · Sigrid Parker
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $10 |
| Each additional page | $6 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
Neb. Rev. Stat. 33-109
Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
FirmSchuyler, NE
Long-established Colfax County firm in Schuyler handling probate, estate planning, and trust matters alongside real estate and agricultural law. Larry Karel, licensed for over 50 years, and Richard Seckman serve east-central Nebraska families and farm estates.
PracticesEstate PlanningAgricultural LawProbate Administration
FirmNorfolk, NE
Norfolk firm with a Columbus office serving the Madison and Platte County courts across northeast Nebraska. Handles probate and estate administration, wills, and trusts alongside real estate, business, and family law. Formerly Stratton, DeLay, Doele, Carlson, Buettner & Stover; now practices as Stratton Law Group.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmColumbus, NE
Columbus firm serving Platte County and the 21st Judicial District. Handles estate planning, trusts, probate, and real estate, with attorneys active in the Nebraska State Bar's Real Estate, Probate & Trust and Elder Law sections.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate Administration
FirmO'Neill, NE
Firm with offices in O'Neill, Norfolk, and Laurel serving Holt County and northeast and central Nebraska. Handles probate of complex estates, trust administration, and Nebraska inheritance and federal estate tax matters. Represents families, individuals, and closely held businesses across the region.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmElkhorn, NE
Estate Planning Law Firm located in Elkhorn that serves clients throughout Nebraska and Iowa with estate planning, elder law, and disability planning services. Over 5,000 plans completed.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawSpecial Needs PlanningAgricultural Estate Planning
FirmNorth Platte, NE
North Platte general-practice firm centrally located in Lincoln County, serving clients statewide. Handles probate and estate administration alongside agriculture law, real estate, and corporate work, practicing in Nebraska's county, district, and appellate courts.
PracticesEstate PlanningAgricultural LawProbate Administration
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.
Data sourced from Nebraska statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Nebraska.
Forms and tools for property owners in Platte County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Nebraska.
