Fresno County Transfer on Death Affidavit Form (California)

Completed Example of the Transfer on Death Affidavit Document

Example of a properly completed form for reference.
Included Fresno County compliant document last validated/updated 9/3/2024

Included Supplemental Documents

The following California and Fresno County supplemental forms are included as a courtesy with your order:

Recorder Information

When using these Transfer on Death Affidavit forms, the subject real estate must be physically located in Fresno County. The executed documents should then be recorded in the following office:

Fresno County Recorder

2281 Tulare St, Rm 302 / PO Box 766, Fresno, California 93721-2137

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm M-F

Phone: (559) 600-3471

Local jurisdictions located in Fresno County include:

• Auberry
• Big Creek
• Biola
• Burrel
• Cantua Creek
• Caruthers
• Clovis
• Coalinga
• Del Rey
• Dunlap
• Firebaugh
• Five Points
• Fowler
• Fresno
• Friant
• Helm
• Hume
• Huron
• Kerman
• Kingsburg
• Lakeshore
• Laton
• Mendota
• Miramonte
• Mono Hot Springs
• Orange Cove
• Parlier
• Piedra
• Prather
• Raisin City
• Reedley
• Riverdale
• San Joaquin
• Sanger
• Selma
• Shaver Lake
• Squaw Valley
• Tollhouse
• Tranquillity

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my forms?

Forms are available immediately after submitting payment.

How do I get my forms, are they emailed?

Immediately after you submit payment, the Fresno County forms you order will be available for download directly from your account. You can then download the forms to your computer. If you do not already have an account, one will be created for you as part of the order process, and your login details will be provided to you. If you encounter any issues accessing your forms, please reach out to our support team for assistance. Forms are NOT emailed to you.

What does "validated/updated" mean?

This indicates the most recent date when at least one of the following occurred:

• Updated: The document was updated or changed to remain compliant.
• Validated: The document was examined by an attorney or staff, or it was successfully recorded in Fresno County using our eRecording service.

Are these forms guaranteed to be recordable in Fresno County?

Yes. Our form blanks are guaranteed to meet or exceed all formatting requirements set forth by Fresno County including margin requirements, content requirements, font and font size requirements.

Can the Transfer on Death Affidavit forms be re-used?

Yes. You can re-use the forms for your personal use. For example, if you have more than one property in Fresno County that you need to transfer you would only need to order our forms once for all of your properties in Fresno County.

What are supplemental forms?

Often when a deed is recorded, additional documents are required by California or Fresno County. These could be tax related, informational, or even as simple as a coversheet. Supplemental forms are provided for free with your order where available.

What type of files are the forms?

All of our Fresno County Transfer on Death Affidavit forms are PDFs. You will need to have or get Adobe Reader to use our forms. Adobe Reader is free software that most computers already have installed.

Do I need any special software to use these forms?

You will need to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer to use our forms. Adobe Reader is free software that most computers already have installed.

Do I have to enter all of my property information online?

No. The blank forms are downloaded to your computer and you fill them out there, at your convenience.

Can I save the completed form, email it to someone?

Yes, you can save your deed form at any point with your information in it. The forms can also be emailed, blank or complete, as attachments.

Are there any recurring fees involved?

No. Nothing to cancel, no memberships, no recurring fees.

What is the California Transfer on Death Affidavit

Using an Affidavit of Death to Claim Real Estate from a California Transfer on Death Deed

Transfer on death deeds allow individual landowners to transfer their real estate when they die, without a will or the need for probate distribution. The transferor simply executes a TODD form, then records it during the course of his/her natural life, and within 60 days of the signing date (5626(a)). Unlike grant deeds or quitclaim deeds, the owner continues to hold title to the property when a transfer on death deed is recorded (5650). As such, TODDs are exempt from transfer taxes and the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR).

What happens, then, when the owner dies? Section 5680 defines the process for switching the title over to the beneficiary. The beneficiary may establish the fact of the transferor's death under the procedure provided in California Probate Code Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 210) of Part 4 of Division 2. The first step is obtaining a certified copy of the death certificate. Then research the recording information from the transfer on death deed identifying the beneficiary. Complete an affidavit of death and sign it in front of a notary. Finally, file the affidavit, along with the copy of the death certificate, in the recording office for the county where the property is situated. Note that this act transfers title to the beneficiary, so it also requires the PCOR and any associated taxes and fees.

Beneficiaries take title to the property under the rules set out at section 5652. Be aware that any associated debts, obligations, or agreements in place when the owner died follow the real estate to the beneficiaries. In addition, the title transfers without warranty, so the beneficiaries might find themselves liable for future claims against the property. For these reasons, among others, some beneficiaries might wish to disclaim the gift (5652(a)(1)).

In general, transferring title to the beneficiary of a transfer on death deed is a simple process. Even so, complications may arise. Contact an attorney for complex situations or with any questions.

(California Transfer on Death Affidavit Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)