Estate Planning for Sherman County, Oregon Property Owners
For most Sherman 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 Sherman County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Circuit Court. The two tools that keep a Sherman County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Clerk, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Sherman County property passes through the Circuit Court — even simple Oregon probates run 4+ months and start with $278 in filing fees.
Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Sherman County
A transfer on death deed lets an owner name a beneficiary who receives Sherman County property automatically at death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Clerkduring the owner’s lifetime and can be revoked any time.
Before recording, a Oregon transfer on death deed needs notary acknowledgment. The deed must be recorded before the owner's death to take effect.
Where to Record Property Documents
Deeds and other real property documents for Sherman County are recorded with the County Clerk, led by County Clerk Kristi Weis, at 500 Court Street, Moro, OR 97039. Phone: 541-565-3606. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; recording hours 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Recording costs $101 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page. Page count, cover sheets, and any local transfer-tax add-ons under Oregon law can change the final amount, so confirm the total with the County Clerk before submitting.
Sherman County accepts e-recording. Electronic recording referenced on the county clerk fee schedule.
Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 243, Moro, OR 97039.
One of Oregon's least populated counties. Website moved from co.sherman.or.us to shermancountyor.gov (old fee-schedule URLs now 404); the current schedule is the DocumentCenter PDF above. Documents received after 4:30 PM are recorded the next business day.
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Sherman County · County Clerk · Kristi Weis
Address
500 Court StreetMoro, OR 97039Mailing: PO Box 243, Moro, OR 97039
Phone
Fax
541-565-3771
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; recording hours 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
E-recording
Available
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $101 |
| Each additional page | $5 |
Oregon charges $5 for EVERY page including the first (ORS 205.320(1)(d)(A)) — there is no flat base fee and no "first N pages" threshold. The first page costs more only because flat per-document surcharges are added once per instrument: $76 state minimum ($5 page + $1 OLIS + $10 A&T + $60 affordable housing, per ORS 205.323(1)(a)-(c)), plus this county's local surcharges, for a $101 first-page total. Each additional page is $5. All three state surcharges apply to a TOD deed — it is in none of the ORS 205.323(2)/(3) exemption lists.
ORS 205.320(1)(d)(A); ORS 205.323(1)
One of Oregon's least populated counties. Website moved from co.sherman.or.us to shermancountyor.gov (old fee-schedule URLs now 404); the current schedule is the DocumentCenter PDF above. Documents received after 4:30 PM are recorded the next business day.
Verified July 14, 2026 · Source
A Living Trust Covers More Than One Deed
A transfer-on-death deed moves a single property. A revocable living trust holds the home, bank and investment accounts, and other assets together, so the whole estate skips the Circuit Court — not just the house. For a Sherman County family with more than one major asset, the trust is usually the cleaner plan.
Create a Revocable Trust in 15 minutes
Legal Sources
- ORS 205.320(1)(d)(A); ORS 205.323(1)
Data sourced from Oregon statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deeds and other real property documents for Sherman County are recorded with the County Clerk at 500 Court Street, Moro, OR 97039. Call 541-565-3606 to confirm current recording procedures.
Recording a deed in Sherman County costs $101 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page. Page count, required cover sheets, and any local transfer tax can change the final total.
Sherman County accepts electronic recording. Electronic recording referenced on the county clerk fee schedule. Paper recording by mail or in person is also accepted.
The County Clerk is open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; recording hours 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Reach the office at 541-565-3606. Confirm whether walk-in or mail-in recording is preferred before you go.
Yes. Deeds recorded in Oregon must be signed in front of a notary before the County Clerk will accept them. A transfer-on-death deed follows the same execution rules — see the Sherman County signing requirements.
A transfer-on-death (TOD) deed names a beneficiary who receives the property automatically when the owner dies, without probate. The deed is recorded with the County Clerkduring the owner’s lifetime. Start one with the Oregon TOD deed form.
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