Estate Planning for Portage County, Ohio Property Owners

For most Portage 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 Portage 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 Portage 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, Portage 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 Portage County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Portage County are recorded with the County Recorder at 449 S. Meridian St., 4th Floor, Ravenna, OH 44266. Phone: 330-297-3553. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 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 Portage County comes to $34. A transfer on death designation affidavit is exempt from transfer tax.

Portage County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Portage County

Address

449 S. Meridian St., 4th FloorRavenna, OH 44266

Fax

330-297-7349

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 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 July 14, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Portage County

FirmCuyahoga Falls, OH

Hoover Kacyon, LLC

Serves 4 counties

A Summit County firm with offices in Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, and Green, working the Summit County Probate Court and surrounding counties. Administers estates and trusts, contests wills, and petitions for guardianships when an adult can no longer manage their own affairs. The estate practice is led by OSBA-certified specialist Corinne Hoover.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 3 more

Office
527 Portage TrailCuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

FirmCanton, OH

Bixler Moore LLC

Bixler Moore focuses exclusively on estate planning, elder law, and closely related practice areas in Stark County. Edgar M. Moore is one of approximately 160 OSBA Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration. The firm serves Stark, Summit, Carroll, and Tuscarawas counties from offices in Canton and Louisville.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 2 more

Office
4505 Stephen Circle NW, Suite 101Canton, OH 44718

FirmWooster, OH

Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston, Ltd.

Since 1943

Serves Wayne, Holmes, Medina, Knox, and Ashland counties from five offices anchored in Wooster. Handles estate, trust, and guardianship administration and represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in will contests, fiduciary removal, and trust and probate litigation. Several attorneys are OSBA-certified specialists in estate planning, trust, and probate law.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 2 more

Office
225 North Market StreetWooster, OH 44691

FirmKent, OH

Flynn Keith & Flynn LLC

Since 1997

Located in downtown Kent, Flynn Keith & Flynn has provided Portage County with estate planning, probate, trust administration, real estate, and business law services since 1997. The three-partner firm brings over 100 years of combined legal experience.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate

Office
214 South Water StreetKent, OH 44240

Solo PracticeCanton, OH

Law Offices of Gerald L. Baker

Since 1981

The Law Offices of Gerald L. Baker is a boutique practice in Canton dedicated to estate planning, elder law, and probate. Founded in 1981, the firm has served individuals and small businesses across Stark, Summit, Carroll, and Tuscarawas counties for over 40 years.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawBusiness Succession

Office
3711 Whipple Avenue NWCanton, OH 44718
Free consultationVirtual consultations

Solo PracticeWadsworth, OH

Ohio Heritage Law LLC

Ohio Heritage Law provides estate planning, probate administration, elder law, and asset protection services throughout Northeast and East Central Ohio. The firm offers virtual and mobile services throughout Medina, Wayne, Holmes, and Coshocton counties in addition to in-person meetings in Wadsworth.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawAsset Protection

Office
8598 Hartman RoadWadsworth, OH 44281
Virtual consultations
See all 19 firms serving Portage 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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