Avoid probate and leave your real estate with a simple transfer-on-death deed

If you own real estate and want to make sure that it passes to your heirs without the hassle and expense of probate court, simply create a transfer-on-death (TOD) deed. This deed transfers ownership of your property just like a regular deed, but with a crucial difference: it doesn't take effect until after your death.

Creating a TOD deed is a snap. Simply complete the following steps:

• fill in information about you and the TOD beneficiary
• enter a legal description of the property
• check over the completed deed
• sign the deed and have it notarized
• record the deed at the land records office in the county where the property is located

If you change your mind later, no problem—you can revoke the deed or make a new one, leaving the property to someone else.

Take care of your beneficiaries and help them avoid probate with this deed form and plain-English instructions from Nolo.