[toast0]

It depends on the state. california is known for expensive probate and has a lot of turnkey trust attorneys with strong marketting. I still don't know that 'the average personal home' is in a trust there, but there are lots of 'average personal homes' held in trust, not just big fancy houses.

OTOH, California recently added a transfer on death deed that may provide a simpler way to avoid probate on homes, which may reduce the number of trusts formed just for that.

A lot of people leave California and still think they need a trust in other states, so trusts in other states are growing in numbers as well.

[psunavy03]

It's also done if you have, say, a vacation home in another state or have other assets which would make probate complicated.