For most Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera 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.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Madera 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 Madera 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.
Deeds and other real property documents for Madera County are recorded with the County Clerk-Recorder, led by County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters Rebecca Martinez, at 200 West 4th Street, Madera, CA 93637. Phone: (559) 675-7724. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Recording hours 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
The County Clerk-Recorder charges $14 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page revocable transfer on death deed in Madera County comes to $92, 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.
Madera County accepts electronic recording through CeRTNA.
Recording Office Record
Madera County · County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters · Rebecca Martinez
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
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 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 13, 2026 · Source
FirmMadera, CA
Madera firm serving Madera County and the Central Valley with probate and trust administration alongside estate planning, business and non-profit, employment, health, family, and real estate law. Attorney Stacy F. Sablan carries the estate work; notary services are available in the office.
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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.
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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.
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Solo PracticeFresno, CA
Estate planning and tax law firm in Fresno serving the San Joaquin and Central Valley since 2004. Drafts wills, codicils, trusts, and powers of attorney and handles trust planning and asset protection alongside tax controversy and business law; the site advertises no probate work. Frank Huerta Jr. brings nearly 18 years as a tax attorney, and consultations are 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 Madera 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.
