Property and legal
What is a transfer on death deed?
Short answer
A California deed that transfers real property to a named beneficiary at death without probate. It must have been signed and recorded before death. If they had one, it works automatically — get a certified death certificate and record it with the…
What this usually means
A California deed that transfers real property to a named beneficiary at death without probate. It must have been signed and recorded before death. If they had one, it works automatically — get a certified death certificate and record it with the county recorder.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.