Protect your Rancho Fontana, Sierra Lakes, or Hunter's Ridge home from expensive probate. Skip the 18-24 month backlog at San Bernardino Justice Center. Attorney-reviewed living trust documents for $400-$500.
All Fontana probate cases are heard at the San Bernardino Justice Center, located at 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino CA 92415. Current probate backlog: 18-24 months before cases are resolved.
For a $624,000 Fontana home (city median): Probate costs approximately $32,000 in statutory fees. For Rancho Fontana homes averaging $1M+, probate costs reach $46,000+. A living trust avoids the Justice Center entirely.
A properly funded living trust bypasses the entire probate system. Your family receives assets immediately - no 18-24 month wait, no $32,000-$46,000 in fees, no public court records at Third Street.
San Bernardino Justice Center (247 West Third Street) is experiencing an 18-24 month backlog for probate cases.
During this time, your Fontana home cannot be sold, refinanced, or transferred. Your family must continue paying mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance while waiting.
Avoid Justice Center Probate - Get Your Trust TodayCalifornia Probate Code §10810 statutory fees based on current home values
Rancho Fontana & Sierra Lakes Homeowners: With homes approaching or exceeding $1 million, your probate exposure exceeds $46,000. Protect your family with a California living trust for just $500.
The Proposition 19 inflation-adjusted exclusion threshold for 2026 is $1,044,586. In Fontana, where many family homes in Rancho Fontana and Sierra Lakes now exceed the $650K mark and luxury enclaves reach $1M+, inherited properties will be reassessed to full market value unless your child moves in as a primary resident within one year.
Impact: This can cause annual property taxes to jump from $3,500 to over $11,000. Our attorney-led trust strategy helps maximize your parent-child exclusions to keep your Fontana tax base locked in.
Common questions from Inland Empire homeowners
While the local district court is on Arrow Blvd, all probate and trust matters are heard at the San Bernardino Justice Center, 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino CA 92415. Current backlog is 18-24 months before cases are resolved. A properly funded living trust bypasses the Justice Center entirely, allowing immediate asset transfer to your beneficiaries.
Statutory fees under California Probate Code §10810 are approximately $16,000 for the attorney and $16,000 for the executor, totaling $32,000 plus filing fees. For Rancho Fontana homes exceeding $1M, probate fees reach $46,000+. A living trust costs $400-$500 one-time and avoids these fees entirely.
Under Proposition 19 (2026 threshold: $1,044,586), inherited property in Fontana will be reassessed to full market value if your children do not use it as a primary residence within one year. For Sierra Lakes and Rancho Fontana homes approaching $1M, this can increase annual property taxes from $3,500 to over $11,000. Our attorney-led trust strategy helps maximize parent-child exclusions.
We provide deed templates and detailed instructions specific to San Bernardino County. You'll prepare a grant deed transferring ownership from your name to your trust, then record it at the San Bernardino County Recorder's Office. Recording fees are approximately $25-50. This bypasses the Justice Center probate system entirely.
Yes. California law allows online living trust creation with attorney review. We provide attorney-reviewed digital delivery, allowing you to receive, print, notarize, and fund your trust immediately without office visits. Our living trusts are prepared by Attorney Rozsa Gyene (State Bar #208356) and are fully enforceable under California law.
No. Under California Revenue and Taxation Code §62(d), transferring your home to your own revocable living trust does NOT trigger property tax reassessment. Your Prop 13 protected tax basis remains intact. Your mortgage remains the same. Everything stays exactly the same - except now your home avoids the 18-24 month probate backlog at the Justice Center.
With median home prices at $624,000 and Rancho Fontana homes exceeding $1 million, Fontana families face significant probate exposure. Here's why a California living trust is essential for Inland Empire homeowners.
The 18-24 month probate backlog at the Justice Center (247 West Third Street) means your family waits nearly two years to access your assets. A living trust bypasses the court system entirely - immediate transfer upon your passing.
California Probate Code §10810 mandates statutory fees. A $624K home costs $32K in probate. Rancho Fontana's $1M+ homes cost $46K+. Your $400-$500 living trust eliminates these mandatory fees completely.
Probate at the San Bernardino Justice Center creates public records - anyone can see your assets, debts, and beneficiaries. A living trust keeps your family's financial matters completely private.
If you become incapacitated, your successor trustee manages your assets immediately - no court-appointed conservatorship needed. Conservatorship in San Bernardino County costs $10,000-$15,000+ to establish.
Fontana is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Inland Empire. Homes purchased for $200,000-$350,000 in the early 2000s are now worth $500,000-$650,000+. Protect this appreciation from probate.
Own property in multiple California counties? Without a trust, your family faces separate probate in each county. A living trust consolidates everything - one set of documents covers all California real estate.
Real testimonials from Inland Empire families
"As a Rancho Fontana resident, I was stunned that probate for my home would cost $35k. Rozsa's service handled everything in 20 minutes for a $400 flat fee. Protected our family from the San Bernardino Justice Center nightmare."
- Elena V., Rancho Fontana (92336)
"Best $400 I've spent. I have properties near Sierra Lakes and needed an attorney-reviewed trust that actually protects them from SB court delays. The 18-24 month backlog at the Justice Center would have been devastating."
- Mark D., Sierra Lakes
"We avoided the 18-month backlog at the San Bernardino Justice Center for our Hunter's Ridge estate. Seamless and professional. Our $850K home is now protected from $40K+ in probate fees."
- The Thompson Family, Hunter's Ridge (92337)
Complete estate planning protection for $400-$500
Complete trust document customized for California law. Includes provisions for your Fontana home, distribution instructions, successor trustee designations, and beneficiary protections.
Catches any assets not transferred to your trust and directs them into the trust. Provides backup protection for your complete estate plan.
Appoints someone to manage financial affairs if you're incapacitated. Avoids costly conservatorship proceedings in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
Documents your medical wishes and appoints a healthcare agent. Includes HIPAA authorization for access to medical records at Kaiser Fontana, Arrowhead Regional, and other local facilities.
Abbreviated document for San Bernardino County financial institutions, proving your trust exists without revealing private details. Accepted by all major banks.
Step-by-step guidance for transferring your Fontana home to your trust via the San Bernardino County Recorder. Includes grant deed templates.
Transfers personal property (furniture, jewelry, vehicles, collectibles) into your trust with one simple document.
Questions after receiving your documents? Call (818) 291-6217. We help ensure your trust is properly executed and funded.
Serving Fontana and all of San Bernardino County from our Glendale headquarters
450 N Brand Blvd, Suite 600
Glendale, CA 91203
Phone: (818) 291-6217
Email: rozsagyenelaw@yahoo.com
No need to travel to Glendale! Complete your living trust entirely online from your Fontana home. Phone consultations available.
Join thousands of Inland Empire residents who have created their living trust online. Avoid the San Bernardino Justice Center. Save $32,000-$46,000 in probate fees. Get started in 20 minutes.
Licensed California Attorney (State Bar #208356) | 25+ Years Experience
Attorney-Reviewed Documents | Lifetime Support | Serving Fontana Since 2001
Fontana Courthouse
17780 Arrow Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335
Probate timeline: 16-20 months
222 W Hospitality Ln, San Bernardino, CA 92415
For recording trust transfer deeds
This Inland Empire city's rapid growth and logistics industry presence means many families have multiple properties and business interests requiring comprehensive estate planning.
Special consideration: Warehouse and logistics employees from nearby distribution centers often have 401(k) plans and union benefits needing coordination with trust planning.
As a Fontana homeowner, I was worried about my family going through probate at Fontana Courthouse. Attorney Gyene made the process simple and now my home will transfer directly to my kids without court involvement.
— Fontana Homeowner, 2024
As a Fontana homeowner, I was worried about my family going through probate at Fontana Courthouse. Attorney Gyene made the process simple and now my home will transfer directly to my kids without court involvement.
— Fontana Homeowner, 2024
We also help families with living trusts in these nearby Inland Empire cities:
Legal Review By
California State Bar #208356 | Licensed Since 2000
25+ years estate planning experience in California
Probate timelines vary by county. A living trust protects your family regardless of jurisdiction:
Information verified by Rozsa Gyene, Esq. (CA Bar #208356) for 2025 statutory compliance.