California probate is both expensive and time-consuming. Attorneys charge statutory fees, and a simple probate can take between 8-12 months to complete. With this in mind, here are the best ways to avoid probate in California, making sure your beneficiaries receive your estate.

What our Clients Say...
“Lightning fast response, I had my very simple document on the same day as my order for the very fair and reasonable price of $325 (including the rush fee!) compared to my attorney who quoted me 3 weeks and $2500. I will definitely use these folks again and highly recommend them!”
L. Carnes
“I can’t say enough about the level of service and professionalism I received working with A People’s Choice. Emails were always responded to quickly and thoughtfully. They really care about the process and helping you get the best result with no up-selling. The process played out according to plan and I ended up saving a lot of money by going with A People’s Choice over an attorney.”
M. Rice
“I just recently moved to the Ventura area and didn’t know of any companies to help me with my legal paperwork. I am glad I chose A People’s Choice. They were very friendly and helped me with my documents in a very efficient way in very little time. Give them a try and you will be writing a positive review just as I did.”
D. Buelna
“A People’s Choice – Saved me time, money and hardship. The people are professional and a pleasure to work with, I totally recommend them to everyone! I will used them for all my legal documents in the future. Thank you!”
C. Lazalde
“I recently required the help of A People’s Choice, Inc. and found them to be entirely professional. Everything was done in short order yet all was explained to my satisfaction. They were friendly and courteous. I am happy and impressed.”
C. Zyobel
“Staff there were friendly, courteous and very professional. They did my Living Trust and the price was very reasonable. I am very pleased with their work and would highly recommend them.”
Anne M.
“When my father passed away without a will, we needed help handling the transfer of his assets. Since there weren’t significant assets, I didn’t want to spend too much on the legal paperwork. A People’s Choice offered just the right service we needed. In particular, the staff was very responsive to our document filing needs, helping to turn around corrections almost immediately. They helped to ease a tough situation.”
Michael C.
“We needed to add a few changes to our estate plan. Found “A People’s Choice” on the internet. People were very efficient and helpful. The cost was way less than an attorney would have charged. Thank you.”
Gene N.
“Extremely satisfied with the performance of A People’s Choice. The communication was excellent and all was handled in a timely efficient manner.”
Pam T.
“I needed to create a living trust, will and end of life statement. I checked out several options and found A People’s Choice. They’ve been in the business for years and their experience/expertise is a great asset. Second, it’s very helpful to have a real person you can work. Finally their prices are fair. Overall I rate A People’s Choice as excellent…quality, speed, personal service are qualities delivered!”
Bruce R.
“Made the process so easy for me. Also VERY prompt replies through email. So glad I used their services.”
Kristina C.
“My wife and I needed to have some papers filed in court but found that traditional lawyers were quite expensive. We found the phone number for “A People’s Choice” and gave them a call, and am so happy that we did. They did a very professional job completing our paperwork and I might say, at a very reasonable price. And you can bet; I will contact A People’s Choice again if or when the need arises. “
D. Hileman
“The service provided by A People’s Choice was very professional and comprehensive. We have used A People’s Choice on a previous occasion and were completely satisfied. We would highly recommend A People’s Choice to anyone!”
R. Betancourt
“A People’s Choice is extremely customer orientated and friendly. Their service was fast and reliable. in the future, should I need their services again, I will not hesitate to call them. All e-mails were answered with either a phone call or e-mail sometimes even late at night.”
Tar
“Super prices, great service, I can’t say enough about this place. We had A People’s Choice help us with a trust and POA. They are the best!”
Jessica S.
“How much is peace of mind worth to you? This company of hardworking, caring individuals will help you get the job done in the quickest, most efficient way. Conveniently located. Check it out. Thank you!”
Diana K.
“We love A People’s Choice. It’s legally run and professional. Everyone has to have a recommendation and license. Highly recommended.”
Christy C.
“This company is excellent! They helped me get through all of my paperwork, submitted it to the court, and now everything is complete. Everything was clear and almost too easy. I saved thousands of dollars!”
Seth M.
“Very professional, excellent follow up and easy to work with. I will recommend them often! The staff rocks!”
Gene A.
“I had the opportunity to use A People’s Choice again, Wow doesn’t say enough for the way the staff was able to get me in and out and all my answers answered. Very Professional, Organized and Friendly. I highly recommend!”
Debbie E.
“I have worked with A People’s Choice since September 2013. They are very knowledgeable and experienced. Their work is done professionally and timely. They show a real concern for my situation. I recommend you give them the opportunity to be of service to you.”
D. Echeverra
“A People’s Choice is awesome! They made the legal documentation process painless. I highly recommend A People’s Choice. The name says it all.”
Eric J.
“I was very happy with the service received. They were extremely responsive by phone and email and completed the document in less than 24 hours! All questions were answered promptly. I would highly recommend this service to anyone needing a legal document prepared!”
M.D.
“A People’s Choice is a great option to get legal documents prepared inexpensively. They offer a very professional, low cost service for all sorts of legal paperwork. I always received a prompt reply to my inquiries and found the legal guide they gave me extremely helpful and informative. I strongly recommend calling this company. You won’t be disappointed and will save lots of money as compared to using an expensive attorney!”
Kathryn R.
“A People’s Choice prepares legal documents so you can represent yourself and still look like you know what you’re doing. I utilized their services recently and found them to be professional as well as extremely helpful. I couldn’t be happier.”
Evan J.
“I used A People’s Choice for a probate transaction and later for the preparation of a deed. All went smoothly. They were professional, efficient, easy to work with and reasonably-priced. Highly recommended.”
David S.
“This team is efficient, professional, ethical and easy to work with. Any of my questions were responded to immediately. They did everything they could to help me. I highly recommend their services.”
Leigh A.
“Cannot remember how I found A People’s Choice. I think it was through a web search. In any case I found the company and have been and am completely satisfied with the service provided. They were very friendly whenever we spoke on the phone and always responded promptly to any emails. The answers were always clear. The entire process was smooth and painless. I would recommend A People’s Choice without hesitation.”
Les A.
“Great service. Highly professional and efficient creating legal documents. I am completely satisfied and highly recommend them to others. I am so glad I found you on the internet. People who are looking for professional legal services look no further, try A People’s Choice.”
Radtech N.
“A People’s Choice is a business that delivers what they promise. I was treated like a VIP by their staff and Sandy was the best. As for their services, they promptly delivered all of the official documents and fillings on my behalf and their price is more than reasonable. In short, this is a business that I will always recommend and continue to use. Thank you!”
Juan B.
“I was in need of serious help and didn’t know what to do. I had contacted a lawyer and he wanted to charge me $1800.00. Then I found A People’s Choice. They were great. They got my paperwork started and at a much lower cost, and steered me, with the help of lots of paperwork, in the right direction. Very grateful for the company’s services and would recommend them to anyone that may need the services they offer.”
April R.

Get Help to Avoid Probate Today!

  • or call 1-800-747-2780

Ways to Avoid Probate in California

We all work hard during life and usually hope that we will be able to pass a small (or large) inheritance to our children or family.  Whether a legacy is big or small, the last thing we want to do is waste what we have worked hard to accumulate. We certainly do not want to have our family and loved ones pay a considerable sum of money to lawyers to probate our estate when, with a little planning, you can avoid. With this in mind, most legal professionals will agree that these are the best ways to avoid probate in California.

1. Create a Revocable Living Trust

Certainly one of the best ways to avoid probate in California is  to create a revocable living trust. In the past, setting up a living trust has been expensive because the only option one had was to hire an expensive attorney. Nowadays there are less expensive ways to create a revocable living trust. First, however, you need to understand what a living trust is. A living trust is very much like a Will, but it is different.

A will, as you know, distributes your assets to those people and in the manner which you have pre-designated. A will, however, does not avoid probate. On the contrary, a revocable living trust creates a separate entity (the trust) which provides a placeholder for your assets until death. During your lifetime, assets can be put into trust as well as taken out of the trust. Upon death, all assets which are in the trust can then be distributed by a designated successor trustee to the people you intend.  All property in the name of the trust can bypass probate and can be paid or distributed directly from the trust, by the successor trustee, to the designated beneficiary.  As a result, having a living trust also bypasses the need to file probate or pay probate attorneys fees. Having a living trust avoids these costs and expenses.

2. Designate Beneficiaries on Bank and/or Retirement Accounts

Certain assets allow an owner to name a beneficiary to the asset should the owner die. Another one of the best ways to avoid probate is to incorporate a pay-on-death clause. Assets with pay-on-death clauses makes it easy to transfer the assets to designated family members immediately. Keep in mind, however, that when you identify a beneficiary on a bank account or a retirement account, the asset will bypass any provisions you may make in a Will. Stock accounts, bonds, life insurance policies, vehicles and even real property can be set up with “pay-on-death” provisions. Be aware, however, that pay-on-death provisions are not always the ideal estate planning tool. For example, it would be inappropriate for a pay-on-death clause to list a minor as the beneficiary. For this reason, if you do choose to incorporate pay-on-death provisions for some of your assets, it is essential to give careful consideration before doing so.

3. Hold Title to Property in Joint Tenancy

Another one of the best ways to avoid probate in California and a easy tool to keep assets out of probate is titling assets in joint tenancy with another party. Joint tenancy title is usually an excellent option for spouses, who often want to hold title to real estate with a right of survivorship. If a married couple owns real estate in joint tenancy, the property can easily be transferred to a surviving spouse if one spouse dies. In this regard, holding property in joint tenancy avoids the asset having to go through a probate proceeding. Another critical point to keep in mind is that it does not matter if the people are married or not. Any two or more people can hold title to an asset in joint tenancy. When a joint tenant dies, the decedent’s ownership of the property spills over to the remaining co-owners equally. If you want to hold title to an asset in joint tenancy, it must be designated as such. If there is no designation, the default assumption is tenants-in-common which means each titleholder owns a specified percentage share.

4. Understand Small Estate Laws that Avoid Probate

California has several options to settle small estates that can avoid probate altogether. It is essential to understand what options might be available to you based on the size of your estate. For example, for estates less than $166,250 and no real property, your beneficiaries can transfer assets by non-court affidavit. Other court proceedings can be used for small estates with real property if the total value of the estate is under $166,250.

Avoid Probate and Set Up Your Estate Plan Today

These best three ways to avoid probate are certainly not all the options one may have to settle a California estate easily. Keep in mind that every state has different laws and there may be simplified probate procedures available to settle smaller estates. Of the three best ways to avoid probate, most attorneys suggest setting up a living trust. You may also want to visit the California State Bar’s website which provides additional information about estate planning.  When considering a living trust, remember, a comprehensive living trust package has several purposes. First, a living trust plans for the distribution of your estate upon death. Second, a living trust provides for contingency options should you become incapacitated. This avoids the equally expensive legal process of a conservatorship.

If you are looking for ways to avoid probate, you do not have to procrastinate any longer since estate planning is more affordable using the services of a registered legal document assistant. Furthermore, if you are reading this article, you are concerned about planning your estate, so there is no time like the present to get things started. Contact us through our website or call our office at 800-747-2780 to discuss our low-cost estate planning packages. You will be glad you did.

Get help with your Legal documents today!

A People’s Choice can save you hundreds of dollars by preparing your legal documents instead of an expensive attorney!

GET STARTED!

Was this article helpful? We would love to know your thoughts! If you found this article helpful, please check the LIKE button below. Your feedback helps us plan topics for future articles.