Estate Planning for Steele County, North Dakota Property Owners

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

Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Steele County property passes through the District Court — even simple North Dakota probates run 4+ months and start with $160 in filing fees.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Steele County

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

Before recording, a North Dakota transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentNDCC 30.1-32.1-01 to 30.1-32.1-14Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathNDCC 30.1-32.1-01 to 30.1-32.1-14Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Steele County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by Clerk of Court/Recorder Jessica Jordan, at 201 Washington Ave W, 2nd Floor, Finley, ND 58230. Phone: 701-524-2152.

Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 296, Finley, ND 58230-0296.

The County Recorder charges $20 for the first 6 pages plus $3 for each page beyond 6. Recording a 2-page transfer on death deed in Steele County comes to $20. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Steele County accepts electronic recording through NDRIN (records-access network, not an e-recording submission vendor).

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Steele County · Clerk of Court/Recorder · Jessica Jordan

Address

201 Washington Ave W, 2nd FloorFinley, ND 58230Mailing: PO Box 296, Finley, ND 58230-0296

Fax

701-524-1715

E-recording

Available via NDRIN (records-access network, not an e-recording submission vendor)E-recording info →
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Base fee (first 6 pages)$20
Each page beyond 6$3
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

N.D.C.C. § 11-18-05(1)(a) (tiered recording fee); § 11-18-05(1)(a)(2)-(4) (font, legal description, 3-inch first-page header space); § 11-18-05(1)(d) (1-inch margin rule and $10 nonconformance fee); § 11-18-05(2) (filing fee); § 11-18-05(3) (copy fees)

Verified September 7, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Steele County

Serves Fargo-Moorhead and Cass County. Probate work runs from identifying assets and the personal representative through commencing the estate, appointing the representative, and distributing both probate and non-probate property, including jointly held accounts and life insurance proceeds. Also handles farm and business succession.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationTrust LitigationAgricultural LawProbate Administration

Office
4132 30th Avenue South, Suite 100Fargo, ND 58104

Solo PracticeFargo, ND

Astrup Law Office, P.C.

Solo practice in Fargo serving Cass County and the surrounding Red River Valley. Jason Astrup has practiced in North Dakota since 2005 and appears as counsel for the personal representative in Cass County probate matters. Also handles estate planning, trust administration, and guardianship and conservatorship.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationGuardianshipBusiness LawProbate Administration

Office
3186 Sienna Dr. S.Fargo, ND 58104

Solo PracticeFargo, ND

Cheryl Bergian Law Office

Solo practice in Fargo serving North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Handles probate from the petition and appointment of the personal representative through creditor notices, inventory, payment of debts and taxes, sale of estate real estate, and distribution, representing either the representative or an heir disputing a will. Free 30-minute consultations.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianshipWills

Office
112 N. University Drive, Suite 201Fargo, ND 58102
Free consultation

FirmFargo, ND

Conmy Feste Ltd.

Since 1879

Fargo firm serving the Fargo-Moorhead area, North Dakota, and northwestern Minnesota. Represents individual and corporate fiduciaries through probate and trust and estate administration, including court filings, and litigates will and trust disputes, land disputes, and contested guardianships in North Dakota and Minnesota state courts. The firm dates to 1879.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningWills

Office
3369 45th Street SouthFargo, ND 58104

Fargo firm serving Cass County and practicing in both North Dakota and Minnesota. Handles probate where the decedent held real estate solely or as a tenant in common, or accounts with no co-owner or named beneficiary, filing to appoint the personal representative, inventorying property, and distributing it. Also handles guardianship and conservatorship and farm and business succession.

PracticesEstate PlanningBusiness LawProbate AdministrationReal Estate Law

Office
5306 51st Ave. S., Suite BFargo, ND 58104

Fargo office of a regional firm, serving the Red River Valley, North Dakota, and northern Minnesota. Its trusts and estates group of more than 30 attorneys and professionals represents personal representatives, trustees, and charitable institutions, and includes nine Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningCharitable Planning

Office
51 Broadway North, Suite 400Fargo, ND 58102
See all 29 firms serving Steele 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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