Estate Planning for Imperial County, California Property Owners

For most Imperial 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.

Record a TOD deedWhere to recordLocal attorneys

For a Imperial 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 Imperial County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Clerk-Recorder, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.

Skipping this planning step means the Superior Court - Probate Division decides who receives the property: a simple California probate takes 9+ months and opens with $435 in court filing fees. California also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Imperial County

A revocable transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Imperial County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Clerk-Recorder 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.

Create a CaliforniaTOD deed →Imperial Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Imperial County are recorded with the County Clerk-Recorder, led by County Clerk/Recorder Chuck Storey, at 940 West Main Street, Suite 202, El Centro, CA 92243. Phone: (442) 265-1076. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

The County Clerk-Recorder charges $14 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page. A 2-page revocable transfer on death deed costs $92 to record in Imperial County, which is $17 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.

Imperial County accepts electronic recording through CSC.

Recording Office Record

County Clerk-Recorder

Imperial County · County Clerk/Recorder · Chuck Storey

Address

940 West Main Street, Suite 202El Centro, CA 92243

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

E-recording

Available via CSC
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Base fee (first page)$14
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 deedExempt

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

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Verified September 4, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Imperial County

Solo PracticeEl Centro, CA

The Law Offices of Thomas W. Storey, APLC

Since 1990 · Serves 1 county

El Centro firm working the Imperial County probate court since 1990, with more than three decades of probate and estate planning practice. Handles the transfer of a decedent's assets through probate, plus wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives, and serves Calexico, Brawley, Holtville, Heber, Calipatria, and Westmorland.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateBusiness Lawand 2 more

Office
222 S 8th StEl Centro, CA 92243

FirmEl Centro, CA

Pinney, Caldwell & Pace

Serves 1 county

Handles estate planning and probate for families across Imperial County from its El Centro office, including wills, trusts, estate administration, and the title and real-property questions that arise in settling an estate. Attorney Patrick M. Pace has practiced probate and real estate law in the county for more than 40 years.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbate

Office
444 South 8th Street, Suite AEl Centro, CA 92243

FirmEl Centro, CA

Williams and Singh, LLP

Serves 1 county

El Centro firm practicing exclusively in Imperial County, handling estate planning and real property law alongside civil litigation, family law, business formation, and criminal defense. Partners Drew D. Williams and Raj P. Singh draw on local knowledge of Imperial County courts and procedures.

PracticesEstate PlanningBusiness LawFamily LawReal Estate

Office
1430 BroadwayEl Centro, CA 92243

FirmSanta Barbara, CA

Botti Law Group, Ltd.

Serves 5 counties

Serves Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Kern, and Los Angeles counties, with six Central Coast and Southern California offices. Handles probate and trust administration, conservatorships, guardianships, and will and trust disputes, alongside estate planning and Medi-Cal planning. Christopher Botti is a State Bar board certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 7 more

Office
351 Paseo NuevoSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Free consultation

Solo PracticeNapa, CA

Celaya Law

Serves 16 counties

Napa estate planning and elder law practice led by Anthony Celaya, with offices across California from Santa Rosa and Sacramento to Los Angeles and San Diego. Handles probate and estate administration and Medi-Cal planning alongside trusts, wills, and incapacity planning. Clients are served in person or through virtual consultations, and the initial consultation is free.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 2 more

Office
960 School St.Napa, CA 94559
Free consultationVirtual consultations

FirmCorona, CA

Holstrom, Block & Parke, APLC

Serves 7 counties

Corona-headquartered firm with offices in San Diego, Newport Beach, Glendale, and San Francisco, plus satellite offices in Riverside, Temecula, Vista, and Roseville. Through its Sandoval Legacy Group division it handles probate and trust administration, conservatorships, will contests and fiduciary disputes, elder law, and special needs planning. Offers a free phone consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 8 more

Office
1897 California Ave, Suite 102Corona, CA 92881
Free consultationVirtual consultations
See all 38 firms serving Imperial County→

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.

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