Protect your Huntington Harbour, Seacliff, or Edwards Hill coastal home from expensive probate. Skip the 18-24 month backlog at Costa Mesa Justice Complex. Attorney-reviewed living trust documents for $400-$500.
All Huntington Beach probate cases are heard at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex, located at 3390 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa CA 92626. Current probate backlog: 18-24 months before cases are resolved.
For a $1,365,000 Huntington Beach home (city median): Probate costs approximately $53,300 in statutory fees. For Huntington Harbour waterfront homes averaging $2.5M+, probate costs reach $76,000+. A living trust avoids Costa Mesa entirely.
A properly funded living trust bypasses the entire probate system. Your family receives assets immediately - no 18-24 month wait, no $53,000-$76,000 in fees, no public court records in Orange County.
Costa Mesa Justice Complex (3390 Harbor Blvd) is experiencing an 18-24 month backlog for probate cases.
During this time, your Huntington Beach coastal home cannot be sold, refinanced, or transferred. Your family must continue paying mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance while waiting.
Avoid Costa Mesa Probate - Get Your Trust TodayCalifornia Probate Code §10810 statutory fees based on current home values
Huntington Harbour & Seacliff Homeowners: With waterfront homes exceeding $2 million, your probate exposure exceeds $76,000. 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 Huntington Beach, where almost every single-family home exceeds this threshold, inherited properties will be reassessed to full market value unless your child moves in as a primary resident within one year.
Impact: On a $1.3M Surf City home, this could mean an annual property tax jump from $5,000 to over $16,000. Our attorney-led trust strategy helps maximize your parent-child transfer exclusions to keep your Huntington Beach tax base locked in.
Common questions from Surf City homeowners
All Orange County probate and trust matters are heard at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 3390 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa CA 92626. Current backlog is 18-24 months before cases are resolved. A properly funded living trust bypasses Costa Mesa entirely, allowing immediate asset transfer to your beneficiaries.
Statutory fees under California Probate Code §10810 are approximately $26,650 for the attorney and $26,650 for the executor, totaling $53,300 plus filing and appraisal fees. For Huntington Harbour waterfront homes exceeding $2.5M, probate fees reach $76,000+. A living trust costs $400-$500 one-time and avoids these fees entirely.
Under Proposition 19 (2026 threshold: $1,044,586), inherited property in Huntington Beach will be reassessed to full market value if your children do not use it as a primary residence within one year. Since almost every Huntington Beach home exceeds this threshold, property taxes can increase from $5,000 to over $16,000 annually. Our attorney-led trust strategy helps maximize parent-child exclusions.
We provide deed templates and detailed instructions specific to Orange County. You'll prepare a grant deed transferring ownership from your name to your trust, then record it at the Orange County Recorder's Office. Recording fees are approximately $25-50. This bypasses the Costa Mesa Justice Complex probate system entirely.
California allows electronic notarization (RON) for most documents. However, we recommend a physical notary for finality on Orange County real estate deeds. Mobile notaries are available throughout Huntington Beach. 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 Costa Mesa.
With median home prices at $1,365,000 and Huntington Harbour waterfront homes exceeding $2.5 million, Surf City families face significant probate exposure. Here's why a California living trust is essential for coastal homeowners.
The 18-24 month probate backlog at Costa Mesa Justice Complex (3390 Harbor Blvd) 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 $1.3M home costs $53K in probate. Huntington Harbour's $2.5M+ homes cost $76K+. Your $400-$500 living trust eliminates these mandatory fees completely.
Probate at Costa Mesa Justice Complex 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 Orange County costs $10,000-$15,000+ to establish.
Huntington Beach's coastal properties have unique considerations - waterfront views, boat slips, beach proximity. A living trust ensures these premium assets transfer smoothly without probate complications.
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 Surf City families
"Our Huntington Harbour waterfront home was facing a $65k probate nightmare at Costa Mesa Justice Complex. This service and Rozsa's review saved our family legacy in 20 minutes for a $400 flat fee."
- Jonathan K., Huntington Harbour (92649)
"As a Seacliff resident, I needed an expert who understood Orange County's probate court logistics. The $400 flat fee is unbeatable compared to local attorneys charging $5,000+. My $1.4M home is now protected."
- Linda P., Seacliff (92648)
"Avoided the 2-year backlog at the Costa Mesa courthouse for our downtown property. Fast, legal, and professional. Our $1.1M estate is now protected from $48K in probate fees."
- Capt. James S., Downtown (92648)
Complete estate planning protection for $400-$500
Complete trust document customized for California law. Includes provisions for your Huntington Beach coastal 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 Orange County Superior Court.
Documents your medical wishes and appoints a healthcare agent. Includes HIPAA authorization for access to medical records at Hoag Hospital, Huntington Beach Hospital, and other local facilities.
Abbreviated document for Orange County financial institutions, proving your trust exists without revealing private details. Accepted by all major banks.
Step-by-step guidance for transferring your Huntington Beach home to your trust via the Orange County Recorder. Includes grant deed templates.
Transfers personal property (furniture, jewelry, vehicles, boats, 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 Huntington Beach and all of Orange 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 Huntington Beach home. Phone consultations available.
Join thousands of Surf City residents who have created their living trust online. Avoid Costa Mesa Justice Complex. Save $53,000-$76,000 in probate fees. Get started in 20 minutes.
Licensed California Attorney (State Bar #208356) | 25+ Years Experience
Attorney-Reviewed Documents | Lifetime Support | Serving Huntington Beach Since 2001
Lamoreaux Justice Center
341 The City Dr S, Orange, CA 92868
Probate timeline: 18-22 months
601 N Ross St, Santa Ana, CA 92701 (Orange County)
For recording trust transfer deeds
Surf City USA's beachfront properties command premium values, making probate avoidance essential. Many homes have been in families for generations with valuable Prop 13 tax bases to preserve.
Special consideration: Oil production royalties from the historic Huntington Beach Oil Field may provide income to some property owners, requiring specialized trust provisions.
As a Huntington Beach homeowner, I was worried about my family going through probate at Lamoreaux Justice Center. Attorney Gyene made the process simple and now my home will transfer directly to my kids without court involvement.
— Huntington Beach Homeowner, 2024
As a Huntington Beach homeowner, I was worried about my family going through probate at Lamoreaux Justice Center. Attorney Gyene made the process simple and now my home will transfer directly to my kids without court involvement.
— Huntington Beach Homeowner, 2024
We also help families with living trusts in these nearby Orange County 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.