For some, probate is about protecting family property. To keep everyone clear on who owns what, you’ll want the county’s ownership records updated. Perhaps you’ve just arrived near the end of probate, and have an Order for Final Distribution in your hands. Let’s get right to the point. Your court might issue an order, but orders don’t record themselves. Someone must get the documents, cover sheet, and the correct recording fee to the recorder’s counter.
As the Placer County Clerk-Recorder says on its webpage: “The County Recorder’s Office is responsible for the recording or filing of documents which give constructive notice of transactions relating to real estate and are authorized by law. Documents are preserved and archived for reproduction for property searches and genealogical research.” See https://www.placer.ca.gov/departments/recorder
Every recorder we’ve dealt with has been quite picky about how documents are presented. In addition to the Certified Order for Final Distribution, SmartProbate customers have found it helpful to include a cover sheet for the order and a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report. We prepare them for our customers.
The Change of Ownership Statement — Death of Real Property Owner form is almost identical across California, but most counties add a logo and county-specific language in the upper right corner. We make sure we’re using the latest version to avoid push back.
If you qualify, don’t forget to add your Claim for Reassessment Exclusion For Transfer Between Parent and Child.
And, that’s all we have to say about recording your order and getting your name on title. A lot of forms, right? But, probate is all about forms.