How to Avoid Probate in CA: A Will? or A Living Trust?

If you own property in California, here’s the deal: a will alone isn’t enough. Real estate valued at more than $184,500 means mandatory probate. That’s court time, public records, and 4-6% of your property’s value going to lawyers and fees. For what? A process that drags on for months, sometimes years.

A living trust changes the story. It’s smooth, seamless, and private. Your property moves to your beneficiaries without court interference. And here’s the kicker: if you’re incapacitated—life happens—your successor trustee takes over, no court approval required. A will? It can’t do that.

Yes, a living trust takes work upfront. It costs more today, but saves exponentially tomorrow. Avoiding probate isn’t just about money; it’s about leaving less chaos and more clarity. For Californians—especially homeowners—the choice is obvious: invest a little now to protect everything later.

Because “I’ll deal with it someday” isn’t a strategy. It’s a risk.