Estate Planning for Highland County, Ohio Property Owners
For most Highland 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 Highland 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 Highland 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.
Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Highland County
A transfer on death designation affidavit lets an owner name a beneficiary who receives Highland County property automatically at death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Recorderduring the owner’s lifetime and can be revoked any time.
Where to Record Property Documents
Deeds and other real property documents for Highland County are recorded with the County Recorder at 119 Governor Foraker Pl., Suite 108, Hillsboro, OH 45133. Phone: 937-393-9954. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Recording costs $28 base recording fee; $8 per additional page; TOD deeds are generally transfer-tax exempt. Page count, cover sheets, and any local transfer-tax add-ons under Ohio law can change the final amount, so confirm the total with the County Recorder before submitting.
Highland County doesn't offer e-recording. Plan to record by mail or in person.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Highland County
Address
119 Governor Foraker Pl., Suite 108Hillsboro, OH 45133
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
E-recording
Not available
Recording fees
| Base recording fee | $28 |
| Per additional page | $8 |
Base fee of $28.00 covers the first two pages. Each additional page is $8.00. A typical TOD designation affidavit is 1-2 pages, so the total recording fee is $28.00. Counties may charge additional technology and modernization fees per ORC 317.36 and ORC 317.321.
ORC 317.32
Transfer tax
$1.00 per $1,000 of value (mandatory state conveyance fee, ORC 322.02) State; Up to $3.00 per $1,000 of value (county permissive fee, ORC 322.02). Varies by county. local. Transfer-on-death deeds are generally exempt (TOD designation affidavits (ORC 5302.22) involve no transfer of consideration at recording. The real property conveyance fee under ORC 322.02 applies only when consideration is exchanged. The conveyance fee statement (DTE Form 100) is not required for TOD affidavits.). The conveyance fee may apply later when the beneficiary sells or transfers the property after the owner's death, but not at the time the TOD designation affidavit is recorded.
Verified March 22, 2026 · Source
A Living Trust Covers More Than One Deed
A transfer-on-death deed moves a single property. A revocable living trust holds the home, bank and investment accounts, and other assets together, so the whole estate skips the Probate Court — not just the house. For a Highland County family with more than one major asset, the trust is usually the cleaner plan.
Create a Revocable Trust in 15 minutes
Legal Sources
- ORC 317.32
Data sourced from Ohio statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deeds and other real property documents for Highland County are recorded with the County Recorder at 119 Governor Foraker Pl., Suite 108, Hillsboro, OH 45133. Call 937-393-9954 to confirm current recording procedures.
Recording a deed in Highland County costs $28 base recording fee; $8 per additional page; TOD deeds are generally transfer-tax exempt. Page count, required cover sheets, and any local transfer tax can change the final total.
Highland County does not offer e-recording. Plan to record by mail or in person at the County Recorder.
The County Recorder is open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Reach the office at 937-393-9954. Confirm whether walk-in or mail-in recording is preferred before you go.
Yes. Deeds recorded in Ohio must be signed in front of a notary before the County Recorder will accept them. A transfer-on-death deed follows the same execution rules — see the Highland County signing requirements.
A transfer-on-death (TOD) deed names a beneficiary who receives the property automatically when the owner dies, without probate. The deed is recorded with the County Recorderduring the owner’s lifetime. Start one with the Ohio TOD deed form.
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