2025 To-Do List: Review Property Title
When was the last time you reviewed how your home is titled? It might not be top of mind, but keeping this information up to date is critical for protecting your assets and your loved ones. For homeowners, especially those whose property is held in joint tenancy, a trust, or those who have experienced a major life change—such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the loss of a loved one—now is the time to take a closer look.
For California homeowners, this is especially important if your property is held in joint tenancy, placed in a trust, or if you’ve had a major life change like a marriage, divorce, or the passing of a loved one.
Why Title Matters:
If your home is still titled in joint tenancy but you've created a trust, the property might not be covered by the trust's instructions, which could lead to unintended outcomes.
Joint tenancy includes "right of survivorship," which means the surviving co-owner automatically inherits the property.
If you intended for your trust to manage the property for your heirs, protect it from probate, or give detailed instructions, you must ensure the home is actually titled in the name of your trust.
If you want to review your title, I can provide you with a free copy of your property record, so you can see exactly how your title is currently held. It's a quick but powerful step toward protecting your estate and avoiding costly mistakes down the road. I can also refer you to estate planning attorneys who can consult you on questions regarding living trusts and how property is held in title.
