In California, a deed of trust must come with security, typically a promissory note. To be valid, a deed of trust must be (1) in writing, (2) with a description of the property, and (3) signed by the trustor of the deed of trust.
Where to Get a Deed of Trust? To get a Deed of Trust, you must file the proper paperwork with the proper court as generally outlined above. These documents must be filed with the county clerk or recorder, and the lender typically sends them to the recording office after the property closing.
You can seek assistance from an estate planning attorney or use online services like to guide you. After preparing the trust documents, have them executed in the presence of a notary public to render the whole trust agreement legally binding.
Step-by-Step Instructions Determine the Parties to The Agreement. There will be three parties to these agreements. Prepare the Deed of Trust and Promissory Note. Get the Signatures Notarized. Record the Signed Documents at the County Recorder's Office. What Happens Next?
First, the grantor works with an attorney who writes the trust document based on the grantor's wishes for the distribution of specific assets. The grantor then chooses a responsible individual or firm to serve as trustee — holding and administering the assets for the benefit of the beneficiary.
There are two main reasons a deed of trust may be considered invalid: (1) lack of required formalities in executing the deed of trust, or (2) there is some fact outside execution that makes the deed of trust invalid.
Here is the rough outline: Select the trust that is best suited to your needs, such as a revocable living trust. Draft a trust deed and have it notarized so that it is legally binding. Record the deed at the county recorder's office. Notify the relevant parties, such as your mortgage lender and insurance provider.
The short answer is that a living trust is a private document and does not need to be recorded in California. The only time a trust is in a public record is when it contains real estate.
Any time owners make a change to the title of real estate, they must record a deed with the County Recorder. This Step-by-Step guide outlines the requirements and provides samples with instructions.