Estate Planning for Stark County, Ohio Property Owners

For most Stark 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 Stark 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 Stark 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 $125 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 Stark County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Stark County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by County Recorder Jamie Walters, at 110 Central Plaza S., Suite 170, Canton, OH 44702. Phone: 330-451-7443. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 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 Stark County. A transfer on death designation affidavit is exempt from transfer tax.

Stark County accepts electronic recording through CSC, ePN, Indecomm Global Services, Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Stark County · County Recorder · Jamie Walters

Address

110 Central Plaza S., Suite 170Canton, OH 44702

Fax

330-451-7394

Hours

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

E-recording

Available via CSC, ePN, Indecomm Global Services, 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 Stark 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

Solo PracticeCanton, OH

Mitchell A. Machan Law Office

Serves 1 county

A Canton solo practice on Tuscarawas Street W that has worked the Stark County Probate Court for over three decades. Handles estate administration, probate matters, and guardianship petitions for incapacitated family members. Also assists with adoptions filed through the same probate court.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawGuardianship

Office
3810 Tuscarawas Street WCanton, OH 44708

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

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

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
See all 19 firms serving Stark 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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