For most Kings 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 Kings County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Superior Court - Civil Division. The two tools that keep a Kings County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Recorder, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Kings County property passes through the Superior Court - Civil 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 Kings County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the County 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.
Deeds and other real property documents for Kings County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by Assessor/Clerk/Recorder Kristine Lee, at 1400 West Lacey Boulevard, Hanford, CA 93230. Phone: (559) 852-2470. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
The County Recorder charges $13 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page revocable transfer on death deed in Kings County comes to $91, which is $16 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.
Kings County accepts electronic recording.
Recording Office Record
Kings County · Assessor/Clerk/Recorder · Kristine Lee
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $13 |
| 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
FirmHanford, CA
Serves Kings County and the Central Valley from Hanford, handling trusts and probate alongside estate planning, agricultural and real property law, and family law. Founded by Michael A. Dias and now ten attorneys, many of whom grew up in Kings County and the surrounding area.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 more
FirmHanford, CA
Hanford firm serving Kings, Fresno, and Tulare Counties since 1945. Files petitions for probate in Kings County Superior Court, guides executors and administrators through estate settlement, advises trustees on trust administration, and litigates will contests and trust disputes. Its 13 attorneys quote estate planning work at flat rates.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 2 more
FirmFresno, CA
Serves Fresno and the surrounding Central Valley from Fresno, practicing since 1903 with roughly 40 attorneys. The trusts and estates group handles trust and estate administration, trust and estate contests, litigation and appeals, and represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in estate and gift tax audits and disputes.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 more
Solo PracticeVisalia, CA
Visalia firm serving Tulare County and the Central Valley with probate petitions and court filings, trust administration support for trustees, and estate planning. Also handles special needs planning and Medi-Cal and elder law matters. Free initial call.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 5 more
FirmFresno, CA
Fresno firm serving the central San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast from offices in Fresno, Modesto, Visalia, and San Luis Obispo. Its trusts and estates group administers testate and intestate estates and trusts, and represents beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and creditors in probate and trust litigation, will and trust contests, and fiduciary surcharge and removal proceedings.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 4 more
FirmVisalia, CA
Handles trust administration, probate, and trust and estate litigation for families in Tulare and Kings counties from its Visalia office, including estate settlement, appraisal and estate-tax issues, and contested probate matters. It is the oldest continuously practicing firm in Tulare County, with a legal history spanning more than 130 years.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 2 more
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 Kings 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.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for California.
