Jointly Owned Residence Trust Creation

Job ID: 40486266

Budget: $250 – $750 USD

Estate Planning / Trust Services Request

Two divorced but amicable individuals are seeking assistance with establishing a trust for a jointly owned residence.

Property Information

Single-family home located in ZIP code 91331 (California)
Home purchased in the 1980s
Property is owned jointly, with each owner retaining a 50% interest
Home is fully paid off

Goals

Transfer the property into an appropriate trust structure
Preserve each owner's 50% ownership interest during their lifetimes
Avoid probate upon death
Ensure ownership passes according to the following wishes:

Inheritance Distribution

Upon the death of either owner, that owner's 50% interest passes equally to their children
If a child predeceases their parent, that child's share passes to their own children (per stirpes distribution)
Any surviving child retains only their original 50% share and does not inherit the deceased sibling's portion
Ultimately, ownership should remain divided according to each family line

We are seeking guidance on the most appropriate trust structure (joint trust versus separate trusts or other alternatives), preparation of all necessary documents, and recording any deeds required to transfer the property into trust.

Please provide your experience with California trust and estate planning, estimated fees, and timeline for completion.