- 1). Get a title report from the deed assessor's office in your county. This will state whether the property is considered jointly owned by two spouses, community property between multiple nonspousal owners or owned by a single person. The title report will also give a description of the property, such as the lot number, subdivision, type of property, assessors parcel number (APN) and mailing address.
- 2). Download a blank Grant Deed form and a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report from your California county's deed assessor office website. Fill out the Grant Deed with information from the title report. Include the name of the trustee to transfer the property to your living trust. Do not sign the document yet.
- 3). Fill out the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report with information about the property and the names of the current owners and the trustee's name. Check the appropriate boxes to indicate the reason for and nature of the transfer. Do not sign the document yet.
- 4). Get both documents notarized by a certified notary public. This requires you and all other owners to meet with the notary in person and sign the documents.
- 5). Return the paperwork to the county assessor's office by mail or in person. Pay the recording fee in cash or by money order. The fee varies by county but is generally $10 to $15 per page. Wait two to four weeks to receive the new deed with the living trust named as the owner.
- 6). Enter a description of the property, including the address, lot number, subdivision, type of property and APN, on Schedule A of your living trust. Take the amended schedule to a notary public to have it notarized as a legal document.
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