Estate Planning for Clark County, Ohio Property Owners

For most Clark 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 Clark 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 Clark 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 Clark County

A transfer on death designation affidavit names a beneficiary who receives Clark 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 →Clark Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Clark County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by Acting County Recorder Bonnie Sakaitis, at 31 N. Limestone St., Springfield, OH 45502. Phone: 937-521-1705. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 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 Clark County. A transfer on death designation affidavit is exempt from transfer tax.

Clark County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Clark County · Acting County Recorder · Bonnie Sakaitis

Address

31 N. Limestone St.Springfield, OH 45502

Fax

937-328-4620

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 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 Clark County

FirmWashington Township, OH

O'Diam & Estess Law Group, Inc.

Serves 5 counties

Washington Township firm just south of Dayton, appearing in the Montgomery and Greene county probate courts. Guides families through estate administration after a death, along with guardianships, adoptions, and trust administration, and handles long-term-care and Medicaid asset-protection work for aging clients. Special needs planning rounds out the settlement-side practice.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 3 more

Office
8039 Washington Village Drive, Suite 110Washington Township, OH 45458

FirmSpringfield, OH

Martin, Browne, Hull & Harper, P.L.L.

Since 1872

Martin, Browne, Hull & Harper is one of the oldest continuously operating law firms in Ohio, founded in 1872. The probate and estate planning practice handles everything from simple wills to complex estate plans, including full estate administration and probate court representation. Offices in Springfield, Urbana, and Bellefontaine.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigation

Office
500 North Fountain AvenueSpringfield, OH 45504

FirmDayton, OH

Coolidge Wall Co., L.P.A.

Since 1853

Coolidge Wall has served the Dayton area since 1853 and has stayed true to its Dayton roots. Their estate planning attorneys have extensive experience with probate administration, post-mortem planning, and business succession.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningBusiness Succession

Office
33 West First Street, Suite 200Dayton, OH 45402

FirmDayton, OH

Gudorf Law Group, LLC

Since 1992

Gudorf Law Group has served Ohio since 1992 with estate planning, elder law, probate, and trust administration. The firm includes two OSBA Board Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, a distinction held by fewer than 200 attorneys statewide.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 5 more

Office
8153 North Main StreetDayton, OH 45415
Free consultation

FirmKettering, OH

Roberson Law

Roberson Law serves over 4,000 clients and is one of the premier estate planning firms in the Dayton area. Partners Nancy Roberson and Kristina Rainer are both OSBA Board Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, and members of the Ohio Chapter of NAELA.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 2 more

Office
1225 East David RoadKettering, OH 45429

FirmDayton, OH

StachlerHarmon Attorneys at Law

StachlerHarmon Attorneys at Law has represented hundreds of clients in the Dayton area in probate and estate planning matters for over 25 years. The firm handles estate planning, wills, trusts, probate administration, probate litigation, and guardianships.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate LitigationGuardianship

Office
7810 McEwen Road, Suite BDayton, OH 45459
See all 18 firms serving Clark 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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