Probate and Recording Deeds in Boone County (Columbia), Missouri
Where to file a will or open probate, and where to record a deed, in Boone County (Columbia) — with the state rules that apply.
Recording deeds
Boone County Recorder of Deeds
Recording fee: Standard document: $26.00 first page, $3.00 for each additional page; non-standard document: $51.00 first page Fee schedule
Missouri rules that apply
| Small estate affidavit | If the entire estate, less liens, debts and encumbrances, is $40,000 or less, a distributee (or the personal representative named in a will) may file a small estate affidavit with the probate division at least 30 days after death, if no application for letters is pending or granted. A bond is generally required unless the court waives it. Real estate may pass this way; the affidavit and clerk's certificate are recorded with the recorder of deeds. If the property listed is over $15,000, the clerk publishes notice to creditors for two weeks. Source: RSMo § 473.097 |
|---|---|
| Probate steps | An application for letters is filed in the probate division. Once letters issue, the clerk publishes notice of letters once a week for four consecutive weeks and mails a copy to each known heir and devisee. The personal representative files an inventory and appraisement within 30 days after letters are granted (unless the court allows more time), pays allowed claims, and files settlements leading to final distribution and discharge. Source: RSMo §§ 473.033, 473.233 |
| Signing and recording a deed | A deed must be signed by the grantor (or a lawful agent), acknowledged before a notary public or other authorized officer, and state whether each individual grantor is married or unmarried. It is recorded with the county recorder of deeds; the first page must show the title, date, grantor names and marital status, grantee names, statutory addresses and legal description, with a 3-inch top margin. No state real estate transfer tax provision was identified in the sections reviewed. Source: RSMo §§ 442.130, 442.150, 59.310 |
| Transfer-on-death deed | Yes (beneficiary deed). The deed must expressly state that it does not take effect until the owner's death and must be executed and recorded with the recorder of deeds in the county where the property is located before the owner's death. No consideration or delivery to the beneficiary is required. A beneficiary designation may be revoked or changed during the owner's lifetime, but not by will unless the designation expressly allows it. Source: RSMo §§ 461.025, 461.033 |
All Missouri wills, probate and estate rules · Eviction court and tenant help in Boone County (Columbia)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.