California probate · Probate Code §10810

What could probate cost your family?

California sets probate fees by law, as a percentage of everything that goes through court. Put in rough numbers and see the bill before your family ever gets it.

These are example numbers. Replace them with yours and the estimate updates as you type.

Your name (optional)

Home value (primary residence)

Use today's market value. Your mortgage is not subtracted: California figures the fee on the gross value.

My home is already in a living trust

Other real estate (rentals, land)

Bank & investment accounts with no beneficiary named

Leave out 401(k)s, IRAs and life insurance that name a beneficiary. Those usually pass outside probate.

Vehicles, jewelry & other belongings

Are you married?

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Estimated probate billCal. Prob. Code §§10800, 10810

Up to$0

About $0 if a family member serves as executor and waives the fee.

Going through probate (gross value): $0
Attorney feeSet by statute: $0
Executor feeSame schedule; a family executor can waive it: $0
Probate referee appraisalAbout 0.1% of real estate & belongings: $0
Court filing feeFirst petition, varies by county: $0

How the attorney fee is figured

California's statute charges a sliding percentage on each slice of the estate. Here's your estate, slice by slice.

Slice	Rate	In this slice	Fee
Statutory attorney fee			$0

The 5 documents most families need

You have 0 of 5

A will or a funded living trustSays who gets what. A trust only avoids probate if your assets are retitled into it.
A guardianship nominationNames who raises your kids if something happens to both parents.
A durable power of attorneyLets someone you trust handle money if you can't.
An advance health care directiveYour medical wishes, and who speaks for you.
Up-to-date beneficiariesOn life insurance, 401(k)s, IRAs and bank accounts. Old forms win over wills.

Want to see your real number?

In 20 minutes, Alex Hastings will walk through your estimate with you, show you which gaps matter most for your family, and point you to the right next step, whether that's a simple will or a full trust.

Book a 20-minute review →

Prefer to text? (760) 514-1884 · alex@hastingsfinancial.org