Estate Planning for Northampton County, Virginia Property Owners

For most Northampton 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 Northampton 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 Northampton County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the Clerk of Circuit Court, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.

Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Northampton County property passes through the Circuit Court — even simple Virginia probates run 6+ months. Virginia 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 Northampton County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Northampton County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the Clerk of Circuit Court during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.

Before recording, a Virginia transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentVa. Code 64.2-621 to 64.2-638Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathVa. Code 64.2-621 to 64.2-638Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a VirginiaTOD deed →Northampton Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Northampton County are recorded with the Clerk of Circuit Court, led by Clerk Traci L. Johnson, at 5229 The Hornes, Eastville, VA 23347. Phone: 757-678-0465. Hours: 9:00AM - 5:00PM.

The Clerk of Circuit Court charges $26 for 1-10 pages, $40 for 11-30 pages, $60 for 31+ pages. A 2-page transfer on death deed is $29 in recording fees plus the $3 Open-Space Preservation Fee (Virginia Outdoors Foundation), before any required forms the office charges for. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Northampton County accepts electronic recording through CSC.

Recording Office Record

Clerk of Circuit Court

Northampton County · Clerk · Traci L. Johnson

Address

5229 The HornesEastville, VA 23347

Fax

757-678-5410

Hours

9:00AM - 5:00PM

E-recording

Available via CSCE-recording info →

Recording fees

1-10 pages$26
11-30 pages$40
31+ pages$60
Open-Space Preservation Fee (Virginia Outdoors Foundation)Applies to a TOD deed$3
Land Book Transfer FeeRequired with most deeds$1
Deed Processing Fee$20
Paper-Filing Fee (clerks offering electronic land-record filing)Up to $5.00 per instrument
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

Va. Code 17.1-275 (subdivision A 2), 17.1-279; add-ons at Va. Code 58.1-817, 58.1-3314(3), 17.1-258.3:1 and 2002-2010 Appropriations Act Sec. 3-6.01

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Verified September 9, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Northampton County

Solo PracticeAccomac, VA

Anita C. Johnson, Attorney at Law, PLLC

Since 1993 · Serves 2 counties

General-practice firm in Accomac serving Accomack and Northampton counties on Virginia's Eastern Shore since 1993. Handles wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and estate administration alongside real estate and family law. Attorney Anita C. Johnson is licensed in both Virginia and Maryland.

PracticesEstate PlanningMedical DirectivesPowers Of AttorneyWills Trusts

Office
23405 Front StreetAccomac, VA 23301

FirmEastville, VA

Turner & Wiggins, PLLC

Since 1987 · Serves 2 counties

Eastern Shore firm in Eastville serving Northampton and Accomack counties. Handles estate planning and administration, including probate and the settlement of estates, alongside real estate and land matters common to the region. Partner C.A. "Bert" Turner III continues a multi-generation Eastville practice dating to 1987.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
16464 Courthouse Road, Suite 201Eastville, VA 23347

FirmFredericksburg, VA

Carrell Blanton Ferris & Associates, PLC

Serves the whole state

Estate-planning and elder-law firm serving Fredericksburg from its Jackson Street office, part of a four-office Virginia footprint that includes Richmond, Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach. Works with families on trust-based plans, estate and trust administration, Medicaid and asset-protection planning, and guardianship and conservatorship.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawGuardianshipand 3 more

Office
725 Jackson Street, Suite 209Fredericksburg, VA 22401

FirmWilliamsburg, VA

Johnson, Gasink & Baxter, LLP

Since 2009 · Serves the whole state

Williamsburg-anchored estate firm serving the Historic Triangle and central Virginia, with offices in Richmond and satellite locations including Glen Allen and Charlottesville. Handles probate, estate and trust administration, will and trust updates, powers of attorney, and inheritance matters for estates large and small. Offers a free consultation and an ongoing plan-maintenance service.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationAsset ProtectionPowers Of Attorneyand 2 more

Office
1100 Professional DriveWilliamsburg, VA 23185
Free consultation

FirmCharlottesville, VA

MartinWren, P.C.

Serves the whole state

Charlottesville firm with a statewide Virginia practice and a second office in Harrisonburg, serving Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Handles probate and estate administration — locating assets, paying creditors and taxes, and distributing to heirs — plus trust and estate litigation, guardianship, and Medicaid planning. Offers a free consultation and will meet clients at home.

PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawMedical DirectivesPowers Of Attorneyand 2 more

Office
400 Locust Avenue, Suite 1Charlottesville, VA 22902
Free consultation

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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