Estate Planning for Monterey County, California Property Owners

For most Monterey 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 Monterey County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Superior Court. The two tools that keep a Monterey 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.

Skipping this planning step means the Superior Court 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 Monterey County

A revocable transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Monterey 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.

Create a CaliforniaTOD deed →Monterey Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Monterey County are recorded with the County Recorder at 168 West Alisal Street, 1st Floor, Salinas, CA 93901. Phone: (831) 755-5041. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM); documents may be presented for recording 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

The County Recorder charges $23 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page. A 2-page revocable transfer on death deed costs $101 to record in Monterey County, which is $26 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.

Monterey County accepts electronic recording through CeRTNA (ERDS authorized agents).

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Monterey County · Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder

Address

168 West Alisal Street, 1st FloorSalinas, CA 93901

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM); documents may be presented for recording 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

E-recording

Available via CeRTNA (ERDS authorized agents)E-recording info →
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Base fee (first page)$23
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

Open in Google Maps

Verified July 13, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Monterey County

Solo PracticeHollister, CA

Breen Law Firm

Since 2013 · Serves 4 counties

Hollister practice serving San Benito, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and south Santa Clara counties. Handles probate administration and trust administration alongside wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts including special needs trusts, powers of attorney, and business formation. Christine Breen has practiced since 1996 and started the firm in 2013.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateSpecial Needs Planning

Office
330 Tres Pinos Rd, Suite F8-4Hollister, CA 95023

Solo PracticeSalinas, CA

Hempel & Mudd Law

Serves 1 county

Salinas practice serving Monterey County, focused on probate, estate planning, and conservatorships. Attorney Steven M. Mudd walks executors and administrators through court-supervised administration, from appointment and appraisal through accounting and distribution, and advises on small-estate alternatives, trust administration, and Medi-Cal planning.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 4 more

Office
306 Capitol StreetSalinas, CA 93901

FirmSalinas, CA

JRG Attorneys at Law

Since 1998 · Serves 3 counties

Central Coast firm serving Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties since 1998, with offices in Salinas, Monterey, and Hollister. Its estate attorneys guide trustees and executors through trust administration and probate, including the court-supervised process for estates over the small-estate threshold. Bilingual assistance for Spanish-speaking clients.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 more

Office
318 Cayuga StSalinas, CA 93901

Solo PracticePacific Grove, CA

KRASA LAW, Inc.

Serves 2 counties

Pacific Grove solo practice serving Monterey County and the Central Coast, handling probate from the petition through inventory, appraisal, and final distribution, plus trust administration for successor trustees. Also covers special needs planning, asset protection, and Medi-Cal planning. Kyle A. Krasa is a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 4 more

Office
704-D Forest AvenuePacific Grove, CA 93950
Free consultation

FirmCapitola, CA

Law Office of Emily J. Buchbinder

Serves 2 counties

Boutique Capitola firm serving Santa Cruz County and the surrounding Monterey Bay area. Handles probate, trust administration, conservatorships, and guardianships alongside estate planning and taxation, with three attorneys on staff. Founding attorney Emily J. Buchbinder is a State Bar certified legal specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 more

Office
525 Capitola AveCapitola, CA 95010

FirmSanta Cruz, CA

Penrose Chun & Gorman LLP

Serves 4 counties

Santa Cruz firm handling probate and trust administration and estate and trust litigation across Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Clara Counties, representing executors, trustees, and beneficiaries in distribution and conservatorship disputes. Partner Steven Penrose has been a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law since 2004.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 4 more

Office
1200 Pacific Ave, Suite 260Santa Cruz, CA 95060
See all 32 firms serving Monterey 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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