How to Record a California Deed After a Death
- 1). Attach a copy of the death certificate to the Death of Spouse or Domestic Partner affidavit, and file it with the recorder of deed's office in the county in which the land is located. Make certain to sign and date the form.
- 2). Fill out a Preliminary Change of Ownership form, and submit it with a cover letter requesting that it be recorded with the affidavit and returned to the address you have provided in the upper-left-hand corner of the form. It's not necessary to obtain a new title to the deed. The affidavit will automatically remove the name of the deceased from the deed, and only the name of the surviving partner will appear on the document.
- 3). Pay the applicable recording fee assessed by the county. The amount is nominal but varies with the county.
