For most Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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, Mercer 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.
A transfer on death designation affidavit names a beneficiary who receives Mercer 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.
Deeds and other real property documents for Mercer County are recorded with the County Recorder at 101 N. Main St., Room 203, Celina, OH 45822. Phone: 419-586-4232. Hours: Monday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Tuesday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 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 Mercer County comes to $34. A transfer on death designation affidavit is exempt from transfer tax.
Mercer County accepts electronic recording through CSC, ePN, Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Mercer County
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first 2 pages) | $34 |
| Each page beyond 2 | $8 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
ORC 317.32(A)(1); ORC 317.36(A)
Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
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Data sourced from Ohio statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Ohio.
Forms and tools for property owners in Mercer County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Ohio.
