What to Know About Owning Property in Burbank 

If you own a home in Burbank, estate planning is not something you can put off, telling yourself you’ll “get to it eventually.” Safeguarding your home with an estate plan is one of the most important financial decisions you can make, because you never know what the future will hold. And what will happen to your house after you’re gone.

As a Burbank estate attorney, one of the most common things I see homeowners assume is that because they have a mortgage, a spouse, or a “simple inheritance situation,” everything will pass easily to their kids or spouse. Unfortunately, California law doesn’t work that way.

In reality, owning property in California — especially in Los Angeles County — creates a very specific set of legal risks if you don’t have a proper estate plan in place. Here’s our advice on estate planning for Burbank homeowners:

How Does Your House End Up in Probate? 

The biggest issue for Burbank homeowners is probate.

In California, probate fees are calculated based on the gross value of your estate, not your equity. That means if your home is worth $1 million — even if you still owe most of the mortgage balance on it — the court calculates fees based on the full value. 

I’ve seen this absolutely shock new homeowners.

An experienced Los Angeles estate lawyer in Burbank, I will tell you that many families end up paying tens of thousands of dollars in probate fees simply because no one explained this rule to them ahead of time. Beyond just the cost, probate can also take anywhere from 9–18 months to settle. Or longer, believe it or not. During that time, your family may be unable to sell or fully access the property, which can create stress during an already difficult period.

Should I Put My House in a Trust? 

Most Burbank estate lawyers strongly recommend a revocable living trust for homeowners. What is a revocable living trust? It;s a properly structured trust account that allows your home to pass directly to your beneficiaries without going through probate court. It also keeps your estate private and allows for much faster administration. That’s right, did I mention that probate is completely public? So once your property goes into probate, ANYONE can see you and your home’s details.

Here’s the part many people miss: creating a trust is only half the process.

As a Burbank estate attorney, I often see people who created a trust years ago — but never transferred their home into it. Without that step (called “funding” the trust), the property can still end up in probate. This is why working with an experienced estate planning attorney in Burbank matters. The details are what make the plan actually work.

Estate Planning Lawyers in Burbank

Owning a home is rarely your only asset. Most homeowners also have:

  • Retirement accounts
  • Savings and investment accounts
  • Life insurance
  • Personal property
  • Sometimes rental or secondary properties

A complete estate plan coordinates all of these pieces into one cohesive strategy. For example, your home might be in a trust, while your retirement accounts pass through beneficiary designations. Without proper alignment, these systems can conflict, creating confusion or unintended outcomes.

An experienced Burbank estate lawyer like Brittany Britton at Best Coast Estate Law ensures everything works together. 

Planning for Incapacity

Another critical piece of estate planning for homeowners is planning for incapacity. If you become unable to manage your affairs due to illness or injury, someone needs legal authority to handle:

  • Mortgage payments
  • Property taxes
  • Insurance
  • Maintenance decisions

Without a Durable Power of Attorney, your family may need court approval just to manage your home. As a trusted Burbank estate attorney, this is one of the most important protections I help clients put in place. A power of attorney protects you while you’re alive, not just after you pass.

The Emotional Side of Homeownership

Your home is more than an asset. It’s where your life happens. It’s where your family gathers. It’s where memories are built. And often, it’s the most emotionally significant thing you’ll pass on. A good, foolproof estate plan ensures that your home is handled with intention, so it’s not left to court procedures or default state laws.

If You Own a Home, You Need a Plan

If you own property in Burbank, estate planning is not optional — it’s foundational.

Working with an experienced Burbank estate lawyer ensures your home:

  • Avoids probate
  • Transfers smoothly
  • Stays protected
  • Reflects your wishes

If you’re searching for a Burbank estate attorney or a trusted Los Angeles estate lawyer, the most important step is starting the conversation. The sooner you plan, the more control you have.

Call Best Coast Estate Law for a FREE consultation.

FAQ: Estate Planning for Burbank Homeowners

Q: Do I need a trust if I own a home in Burbank?
In most cases, yes. A trust helps avoid probate and simplifies how the home is transferred to heirs after you die.

Q: What happens to my home if I don’t have an estate plan?
 It will likely go through probate, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Q: Can I just add my child to the deed?
 Yes, but it could create tax and legal issues. It’s best to consult a Burbank estate attorney before making changes.