Estate Planning for Licking County, Ohio Property Owners

For most Licking 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 Licking 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 Licking 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 Licking County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Licking County are recorded with the County Recorder at 20 S. 2nd St., Newark, OH 43055. Phone: 740-670-5300. 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 Licking County. A transfer on death designation affidavit is exempt from transfer tax.

Licking County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Licking County

Address

20 S. 2nd St.Newark, OH 43055

Fax

740-670-5303

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 Licking County

FirmColumbus, OH

Kessler & Ballenger Co., L.P.A.

Serves 4 counties

Serves Franklin and Delaware county families from the Rivers Edge office on Columbus’s northwest side, filing in the Franklin County Probate Court. The practice is limited to estate planning, probate, and estate taxation rather than general litigation. Russell Kessler is an OSBA certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Free initial consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningGuardianship

Office
7650 Rivers Edge Drive, Suite 220Columbus, OH 43235
Free consultation

FirmWesterville, OH

Metz, Bailey & McLoughlin, LLP

Serves 4 counties

Serves Franklin and Delaware county families from Schrock Road in Westerville, filing in the Franklin County Probate Court. Probate and estate administration is a named practice area alongside estate planning, business law, and real estate. William McLoughlin is an OSBA certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateBusiness LawReal Estate

Office
33 East Schrock Road, Suite 1Westerville, OH 43081

FirmWorthington, OH

R. F. Meyer & Associates

Serves 7 counties

Serves Franklin, Delaware, and surrounding central Ohio counties from Worthington, filing in the Franklin County Probate Court. Handles probate and estate administration for executors and administrators alongside guardianship, Medicaid planning, and special needs trusts. Richard F. Meyer is an OSBA certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Free 15-minute phone consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 4 more

Office
450 West Wilson Bridge Road, Suite 380Worthington, OH 43085
Free consultationVirtual consultations

FirmNewark, OH

Reese Pyle Meyer PLL

The largest firm in Licking County, serving Newark and central and southeastern Ohio. It handles wills, trusts, powers of attorney, special needs trusts, and business succession, along with probate and trust administration. Over 150 combined years of experience.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 3 more

Office
36 North 2nd StreetNewark, OH 43055

FirmColumbus, OH

Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP

Since 1967

Serves families across central Ohio from its Columbus office on Goodale Boulevard. The Family Wealth & Estate Planning group handles wills, trusts, and probate administration, and represents beneficiaries, creditors, and fiduciaries in contested estate matters. Founded 1967.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 2 more

Office
950 Goodale Boulevard, Suite 200Columbus, OH 43212

FirmDelaware, OH

Gordon Law Office

Gordon Law Office serves clients in Delaware, Franklin, Morrow, Marion, and adjacent counties with estate planning, probate, wills, trusts, and real estate matters.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate

Office
82 North Franklin StreetDelaware, OH 43015
See all 25 firms serving Licking 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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