Estate Planning for Lucas County, Ohio Property Owners

For most Lucas 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 Lucas 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 Lucas 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, Lucas County property passes through the Probate Court — even simple Ohio probates run 6+ months and start with about $200 in 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 Lucas County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Lucas County are recorded with the County Recorder at 1 Government Center, Suite 700, Toledo, OH 43604. Phone: 419-213-4400. 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. Recording a 2-page transfer on death designation affidavit in Lucas County comes to $34. A transfer on death designation affidavit is exempt from transfer tax.

Lucas County accepts electronic recording through CSC, ePN, Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Lucas County

Address

1 Government Center, Suite 700Toledo, OH 43604

Fax

419-213-4284

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

E-recording

Available via CSC, ePN, 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 Lucas County

FirmRossford, OH

Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC

Since 2010 · Serves 7 counties

Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski combines over 100 years of collective expertise in probate, estate planning, and litigation. Founded in 2010, the firm serves clients throughout northwest Ohio from Rossford, handling probate administration, estate litigation, wills and trusts, and inheritance disputes. Licensed in both Ohio and Michigan.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigation

Office
200 Dixie HighwayRossford, OH 43460

FirmToledo, OH

Malone, Ault & Farell

Since 1991 · Serves 5 counties

Serves Toledo and northwest Ohio, including Lucas, Wood, and Fulton counties. The trusts and estates group prepares wills, trusts, and guardianships, and on the settlement side assists executors with collecting, valuing, and distributing estate assets and defends beneficiary rights in Ohio probate court. Founded 1991.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax Planningand 2 more

Office
7654 West Bancroft StreetToledo, OH 43617

FirmToledo, OH

Mockensturm, Ltd.

Since 1999 · Serves 6 counties

Mockensturm, Ltd. is a team of attorneys and CPAs providing business- and tax-related legal services throughout the Toledo area and northern Ohio. Founded in 1999 by Mark Mockensturm, the firm brings combined legal and accounting expertise to estate planning, probate, trusts, and tax matters.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningBusiness Succession

Office
1119 Adams Street, Floor 1Toledo, OH 43604

FirmToledo, OH

Eastman & Smith Ltd.

Since 1844

Eastman & Smith is among the oldest companies in Toledo and one of the oldest law firms in Ohio, founded in 1844. Their Estate Planning, Trust and Probate attorneys provide estate planning, charitable planned giving, probate administration, trust administration, and business succession planning services.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax Planningand 2 more

Office
One SeaGate, 27th Floor, 550 North Summit StreetToledo, OH 43604

FirmToledo, OH

Semro Henry Ltd.

Semro Henry is an estate planning and probate firm in Toledo serving Northwest Ohio. The firm includes two OSBA Board Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law and serves clients across Ohio and Michigan.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax Planningand 2 more

Office
7255 Crossleigh Court, Suite 104Toledo, OH 43617

FirmBowling Green, OH

Middleton Law Offices, Ltd.

Middleton Law Offices has served families in northwestern Ohio from Bowling Green for over 100 years. Three generations of Middleton attorneys have practiced at the firm. The firm focuses on estate planning, probate avoidance, elder law, and residential and commercial real estate, serving Wood, Henry, Lucas, and Hancock counties.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Law

Office
521 North Main StreetBowling Green, OH 43402
See all 20 firms serving Lucas 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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