California home title type

In California, if you don't have a trust, normally the best way for a married couple to take title to real property is "community property with rights of survivorship."

Doing that will avoid probate when one spouse dies, and at the same time will allow a stepped up basis on the entire value of the property (meaning possibly lower income tax when the house is sold). A trust is the only other way to accomplish both of these goals.

You should talk to an estate planning attorney about your situation and your entire estate plan, to be certain that this is the best solution for you.

Any suggestions to help with the future. ============= If you don't specify another form of ownership, the default type will be "as community property."