Probate cost · California
Probate cost in California
What every fee is, who sets it, and what a typical estate actually pays end to end.
Probate in California costs about $27,635 to $32,535 for a $500,000 estate. The Superior Court charges $435 to open the case. Executor and attorney fees are the largest line items, set under Prob. Code § 13100. Publication, bond, and appraisal add $1,200-$6,100.
Fee breakdown
Every probate cost in California, itemized. Amounts vary by county and by estate complexity.
| Court filing fee | $435 | Superior Court filing fee, one-time. First petition and letters together. |
|---|---|---|
| Publication of notice | $200 - $600 | Newspaper notice to creditors, required in most counties. |
| Executor bond | $500 - $4,000 | Often waived by the will. When required, premium is ~0.5% of the estate value. |
| Appraisal | $500 - $1,500 | For real estate, business interests, or unique personal property. |
| Executor fee | $13,000 on $500k | Statutory under Cal. Prob. Code §10800: 4% first $100k, 3% next $100k, 2% next $800k, 1% next $9M, 0.5% next $15M. |
| Attorney fee | $13,000 - $13,000 on $500k | Statutory attorney fee mirrors the executor fee (§10810). Extraordinary services billed separately. |
Total by estate size
Estimated total probate cost in California across three common estate sizes. Uses statutory fees where California has them, market ranges where it doesn't.
| $200,000 estate | $15,635 - $20,535 |
|---|---|
| $500,000 estate | $27,635 - $32,535 |
| $1,000,000 estate | $47,635 - $52,535 |
Ranges assume an uncontested estate with one parcel of real property. Contested estates, out-of-state assets, and businesses add cost.
How to reduce probate cost in California
- If the estate is under $184,500, use a small estate affidavit instead of full probate.
- Convert accounts to payable-on-death and beneficiary designations before death. Those assets bypass probate entirely.
- Use a revocable living trust for real estate to avoid the Superior Court probate process.
- Ask the will to waive bond. That saves the $500-$4,000 premium.
- For clean, uncontested estates, use a cost calculator first so you know what to expect before hiring counsel.
Common questions
How much does probate cost in California?
Total probate cost in California for a $500,000 estate typically runs $27,635 to $32,535. A $200,000 estate costs about $15,635-$20,535, a $1M estate $47,635-$52,535. Court filing alone is $435.
Who pays probate fees in California?
The estate pays every probate cost from estate assets before heirs receive anything. Executor and attorney fees, the Superior Court filing fee, publication, and bond premiums all come out of the estate under Prob. Code § 13100.
Can I reduce probate cost?
Yes. Using the small estate affidavit skips full probate when the estate is under the state threshold ($184,500 in California). Beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and living trusts also keep assets out of probate entirely.
What is the executor fee in California?
Statutory under Cal. Prob. Code §10800: 4% first $100k, 3% next $100k, 2% next $800k, 1% next $9M, 0.5% next $15M.
How long does it take to pay these fees?
Filing and publication are paid at filing. Executor and attorney fees are approved by the Superior Court at the end, typically 7 months after opening the estate.
Where in California
In California, probate fees are paid at the Superior Court in the county where your relative lived at death. These three counties handle the largest caseload.
- County seat
Los Angeles County
Superior Court - courthouse in Los Angeles
- County seat
San Diego County
Superior Court - courthouse in San Diego
- County seat
Orange County
Superior Court - courthouse in Santa Ana
Every California county has its own Superior Court clerk. Filing fees and processing time vary by county.
Other tasks in California
Related: Probate in California · Cost calculator · Probate timeline