Estate Planning Resources for California Families

Free guides, a California probate cost calculator, and educational articles to help you understand estate planning before you commit to anything.

Estimate California

Probate Fees

Free California Probate Fee Calculator

California probate attorney fees are set by statute and calculated based on the gross value of the probatable estate — not the net equity after mortgages or debts.

This means a home worth $1,200,000 with a $900,000 mortgage may still generate fees based on the full $1,200,000 value. Use this calculator to estimate.

ESTATE VALUE

ATTORNEY FEE RATE

First $100,000

4%

Next $100,000

3%

Next $800,000

2%

Next $9,000,000

1%

Both the attorney and executor are entitled to this statutory compensation. Extraordinary fees may apply for real estate sales or litigation.

California Probate Cost Estimator

Understand the cost of probate.

Enter the gross fair market value of the estate — before any mortgages or debts.

Gross Estate Value (Before Debts)
$
Home, vehicles, retirement accounts, investments & life insurance
Itemized Breakdown of Probate Fees
Attorney Fees:$0.00
Personal Representative Fees:$0.00
Total Costs
Attorney Fees:$0.00
Personal Representative Fees:$0.00
Combined Total Probate Costs:$0.00
Comparison of probate costs versus estate plan costs.

START WITH CLARITY

Estate planning does not need to feel overwhelming.

Understand your situation - Answer initial questions - Determine the right next step