For most Saunders 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 Saunders 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 Saunders 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.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Saunders 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 Saunders County are recorded with the Register of Deeds, led by Register of Deeds Rhonda J. Andresen, at 433 N Chestnut, Suite 203, Wahoo, NE 68066. Phone: 402-443-8111. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (open through the lunch hour).
Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 184, Wahoo, NE 68066.
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 Saunders County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Recording Office Record
Saunders County · Register of Deeds · Rhonda J. Andresen
Address
Phone
Hours
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
FirmWahoo, NE
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
FirmLincoln, NE
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
FirmFremont, NE
Fremont firm in Dodge County led by attorneys Leta Fornoff and Melissa Schutt, serving Dodge, Saunders, and surrounding counties. Handles estates and trusts, probate, guardianship and conservatorship, wills, and powers of attorney.
PracticesEstate PlanningPower Of AttorneyProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
Fremont firm serving Dodge and Washington Counties, established in 1947. Handles wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, living wills, probate, and Medicaid planning, from young families to high-net-worth wealth transfer. Recent probate appearances confirm an active estate docket.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmBlair, NE
Multi-office firm with locations in Blair, Plattsmouth, and Omaha providing estate planning, probate, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust litigation services.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust LitigationGuardianships ConservatorshipsProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmGrand Island, NE
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
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 Saunders 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.
