California sets probate attorney and executor fees by law (Probate Code §§10800 and 10810). They're based on the gross value of the estate — debts and mortgages are not subtracted. Enter your numbers below to estimate what your family could pay.
| Portion of gross estate | Rate (each: attorney and executor) |
|---|---|
| First $100,000 | 4% |
| Next $100,000 | 3% |
| Next $800,000 | 2% |
| Next $9,000,000 | 1% |
| Next $15,000,000 | 0.5% |
| Above $25,000,000 | Set by the court |
Example: a $1,000,000 gross estate means $23,000 for the attorney and $23,000 for the executor — $46,000 before court costs, appraisal, bond, and any "extraordinary" fees. And probate typically takes 12–18 months.
Estates under $208,850 (since April 1, 2025) can often use a simplified small-estate procedure, and a primary residence up to $750,000 may qualify for a simplified petition. Above that, a funded living trust is the most common way to avoid probate entirely.
This calculator is an estimate for general education, not legal advice. Actual costs vary.
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