Probate is mandatory in the State of California if your total assets are with over $184,500.  With homes being valued at way over $184,500, you will have to go thru the Probate Process if you do not have a proper Estate Plan. 

Trusts avoid the probate process and allow for a quicker and cheaper transfer of your wealth to your desired beneficiaries. Contrary to popular belief, having a Will does NOT avoid probate and is often no better than not having a Will at all.