How much does a California Probate cost?

The California Probate Code sets the statutory attorney’s and executor’s fees. Additional fees can be ordered by a court for more difficult cases. The statutory fee is determined by a formula that is $7,000 on the first $200,000 in assets plus 2 percent on the excess (up to a limit). Hence, a $700,000 estate would trigger $17,000 in attorney’s fees. (PLEASE NOTE, we are one of the rare firms that will usually discount the fee.) 

The executor may, but does not have to take, the same fee for his or her services as executor. There are also court filing and legal notice fees and a fee paid to the probate referee. Tax preparer fees are also necessary, and will vary depending on the size, complexity, and number of beneficiaries of the Trust. 

Other costs typically involve insurance premiums for real or personal property and occasionally a bond fee if required by the court. Such fees are paid out of the estate.

As a Ventura County estate planning law firm specializing in probate, our firm commonly recieves questions about the process of probate court.  We are often contacted by individuals who have questions about the benefits of estate planning, and what the advantages are of working with an experienced probate attorney. We have a team of experts with the legal knowledge to answer questions about the process of probate, and what the benefits of proper estate planning can be. 

Our firm can provide expert legal services as estate planning attorneys.  We are a Southern California based law firm in business since 1985.  We specialize in probate and estate planning matters. To learn more about probate, or if you would like a free consultation regarding probate law, please do not hesitate to contact us at (805) 482-2282, or e-mail us.

It is our privilege to guide clients through estate planning decisions

California Estate Planning Attorneys

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  • We have interviewed several estate planning firms in the area and decided to work with Kevin Staker as he was able to share insightful details about fiscal matters. Kevin adds value... read more

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    November 6, 2025
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    October 22, 2023
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  • Mr Staker did a wonderful job doing a restatement of our trust. He explained everything well. He also has a lot of great stories!

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    July 16, 2023
  • Mr Staker did a wonderful job doing a restatement of our trust. He explained everything well. He also has a lot of great stories!

    Theresa Kelly Avatar Theresa
    December 19, 2022
  • Experienced trust & estate attorney in Ventura County, we are so grateful for their help.

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    July 16, 2022