Estate Planning for Belmont County, Ohio Property Owners

For most Belmont 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 Belmont County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Probate Court. The two tools that keep a Belmont 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.

Skipping this planning step means the Probate Court decides who receives the property: a simple Ohio probate takes 6+ months and opens with about $200 in court filing fees. Ohio 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 Belmont County

A transfer on death designation affidavit names a beneficiary who receives Belmont 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, an Ohio transfer on death designation affidavit is signed with a notary juratORC 5302.22 to 5302.24Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathORC 5302.22 to 5302.24Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a OhioTOD deed →Belmont Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Belmont County are recorded with the County Recorder at 101 W. Main St., 2nd Floor, St. Clairsville, OH 43950. Phone: 740-699-2140. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

The County Recorder charges $34 for the first 2 pages plus $8 for each page beyond 2. A 2-page transfer on death designation affidavit costs $34 to record in Belmont County. A transfer on death designation affidavit is exempt from transfer tax.

Belmont County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Belmont County

Address

101 W. Main St., 2nd FloorSt. Clairsville, OH 43950

Fax

740-699-2567

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

E-recording

Available via SimplifileE-recording info →
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Base fee (first 2 pages)$34
Each page beyond 2$8
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

ORC 317.32(A)(1); ORC 317.36(A)

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 8, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Belmont County

Solo PracticeSteubenville, OH

David A. LaRue, Attorney at Law

Serves 4 counties

With over three decades of legal experience, David A. LaRue assists residents of the upper Ohio Valley with estate planning, retirement planning, probate representation, and elder law matters. Licensed in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, and accredited as an attorney with the Veterans Administration.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawAsset ProtectionMedicaid Planning

Office
2021 Sunset BoulevardSteubenville, OH 43952

FirmSteubenville, OH

Blake, Bednar, Blake & Richardson

Since 1976

Blake, Bednar, Blake & Richardson has over 50 years of legal experience serving the Ohio Valley. The firm handles probate, tax and estate planning, real estate, and business litigation for clients in Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, and Carroll counties.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateBusiness Succession

Office
4110 Sunset BoulevardSteubenville, OH 43952

FirmNew Philadelphia, OH

Fitzpatrick, Zimmerman & Rose Co., L.P.A.

Since 1951

Fitzpatrick, Zimmerman & Rose has served Tuscarawas County from New Philadelphia since 1951. The AV Rated firm handles probate, wills, trusts, estate planning, and business succession planning with five attorneys across offices in New Philadelphia and Sugarcreek.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateBusiness Succession

Office
140 Fair Avenue NWNew Philadelphia, OH 44663

FirmDover, OH

Kyler Lundholm, LPA

Since 1878

Operating since 1878, Kyler Lundholm is one of the oldest continuously operating law firms in Tuscarawas County. The full-service firm handles estate planning, probate, business law, and property law matters, serving New Philadelphia, Dover, Strasburg, Uhrichsville, and surrounding communities.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate

Office
300 East Third StreetDover, OH 44622

FirmWintersville, OH

Littlejohn Law, LLC

Since 2012

Littlejohn Law handles estate planning, probate administration, probate litigation, trust administration, guardianships, special needs trusts, Medicaid asset protection trusts, will contests, and trustee removal. The firm serves Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, and Carroll counties from Wintersville.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 2 more

Office
352 Main StreetWintersville, OH 43953
Virtual consultations

FirmAkron, OH

Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC

Since 1913 · Serves the whole state

Serves Northeast Ohio from offices in Akron, Canton, and Cleveland. The Trusts & Estates group guides executors and trustees through estate and trust administration and handles contested matters including will and trust disputes, fiduciary litigation, and probate litigation, alongside business succession planning. Founded 1913.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateBusiness SuccessionCharitable Planning

Office
3800 Embassy Parkway, Suite 300Akron, OH 44333
See all 17 firms serving Belmont 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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