For most Amador 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.
For a Amador County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Superior Court - Probate Division. The two tools that keep a Amador County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Recorder-Clerk, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Amador County property passes through the Superior Court - Probate Division — even simple California probates run 9+ months and start with $435 in filing fees. California also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.
A revocable transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Amador County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Recorder-Clerk during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.
Before recording, a California revocable transfer on death deed is signed with 2Cal. Prob. Code 5600-5698Verified Aug 24, 2026View source witnesses and notary acknowledgmentCal. Prob. Code 5600-5698Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded within 60 daysCal. Prob. Code 5600-5698Verified Aug 24, 2026View source of notarization and before the owner's deathCal. Prob. Code 5600-5698Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Deeds and other real property documents for Amador County are recorded with the County Recorder-Clerk, led by County Clerk/Recorder/Registrar of Voters Kimberly L. Grady, at 810 Court Street, Jackson, CA 95642. Phone: (209) 223-6468. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (public counter); phone hours 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
The County Recorder-Clerk charges $12 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page revocable transfer on death deed in Amador County comes to $90, which is $15 in recording fees plus the $75 Building Homes and Jobs Act Fee (SB 2). A revocable transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Recording Office Record
Amador County · County Clerk/Recorder/Registrar of Voters · Kimberly L. Grady
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $12 |
| Each additional page | $3 |
| GC 27388.1 Building Homes and Jobs Act Fee (SB 2)Applies to a TOD deed | $75 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
Cal. Gov. Code 27361; Cal. Gov. Code 27388; Cal. Gov. Code 27388.1; Cal. Gov. Code 27388.2; Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code 11911; Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code 11930
Verified July 26, 2026 · Source
FirmAmador City, CA
Amador City firm serving Amador County and the surrounding Gold Country. Handles probate and estate administration and trust and estate litigation, alongside wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, elder law, and real estate work. Notary services are available at the office.
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Solo PracticeJackson, CA
Serves Amador and Calaveras counties from Main Street in Jackson. Handles probate and trust administration after a death alongside wills and trusts. Gwendolyn K. Christeson founded the practice and is a State Bar certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, practicing in Amador County since 2003; new estate plans get a free 30-minute consultation.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbate
Solo PracticeJackson, CA
Jackson sole practitioner serving Amador County and the surrounding Mother Lode with estate planning, probate, trust administration, and Medi-Cal planning. Guides clients through probate from the petition through paying creditors, selling estate real property, and final distribution, and advises trustees on accountings. Makes house calls for clients unable to come to the office.
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FirmSouth Lake Tahoe, CA
South Lake Tahoe firm serving El Dorado County and the Tahoe basin, with attorneys admitted in both California and Nevada. Partner Tara Christian handles probate and trust administration, conservatorships and guardianships, and estate planning, alongside the firm's real estate and land use practice. The first consultation is free.
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FirmSan Francisco, CA
Serves San Francisco and the greater Bay Area from downtown San Francisco, and handles probate proceedings in every California county. Guides executors, administrators, and trustees through probate and trust administration alongside estate planning, billing probate work at California Probate Code statutory rates. Founded in 2018.
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FirmSan Rafael, CA
Serves Marin County from San Rafael, with offices across Northern and Southern California and statewide service by phone and video. Handles probate, trust administration, and Medi-Cal and elder law matters alongside estate and tax planning. Founder Jim Cunningham heads the San Rafael office and is a State Bar certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.
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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.
Data sourced from California statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for California.
Forms and tools for property owners in Amador County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
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Estate planning articles for California.
