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.
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Posted on Lisa VertzMarch 14, 2022. I worked with Brandon Johnson and he was very thorough and excellent to work with on a living trust and will.Posted on Roman KiszDecember 21, 2021. Antonio is great. I work in a related industry, but my wife does not. He sat down with us and helped to get our estate in order by walking us through the trust process. My wife was very happy we took the time to protect our family and to get this crucial step in life accomplished. Thanks again!Posted on Don HouleAugust 13, 2021. A great place to place your trust for a trustPosted on Mike RicciDecember 5, 2020. Posted on Kathy LocklearOctober 3, 2020. Posted on Kyle TSeptember 22, 2020. Kevin is very knowledgeable, professional, and easy to work with. Highly recommend for Tax and Estate planning.Posted on Joan RileyJanuary 16, 2018. I have just completed my trust work with Mr. Staker and I could not. be happier. I was referred to him by a prominent San Fernando Vally commercial realtor so I had high hopes when I met with him and I was not disappointed. Now I am insisting that my children go to him to make certain that their trusts are in order. Joan RileyPosted on Bryan FreebergMay 2, 2017. Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 9 reviews
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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 to the estate planning process through his vast knowledge and experience of fiscal matters. He quickly produced all the desired documents at a fraction of what other firms had quoted us. We highly recommend Kevin for estate planning.
Vincent
November 6, 2025
