How much does probate cost in California?

Probate costs in California depend on estate size and complexity. California uses statutory percentage tiers: 4% on first $100k, 3% on next $100k, 2% on next $800k, 1% on next $9m, 0.5% above $10m. The typical timeline is 9-18 months. Use our free California Probate Cost Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Can I avoid probate in California?

California allows a small estate affidavit for estates valued under $208,850. This simplified process lets heirs collect assets without formal probate.

How much do executors get paid in California?

California Probate Code § 10800 sets identical tiers for executor and attorney: 4%/3%/2%/1%/0.5%

Does California have a state estate tax?

No. California does not impose a separate state estate tax. Only the federal estate tax applies.

How much does a divorce cost in California?

Divorce filing fees in California range from $435 to $450. Total costs depend on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, attorney fees, and any custody or property disputes.

What free legal calculators are available for California?

Made For Law offers 75+ free calculators and state-level calculator pages for California, including probate costs, executor fees, divorce costs, child support, alimony, property division, personal injury, bankruptcy, court filing fees, real estate, elder law, employment, immigration, and more. All tools use verified California statutory data where available.

Is Made For Law affiliated with the California government or courts?

No. Made For Law is an independent private company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency, court system, or bar association. Our calculators use publicly available statutory data for educational purposes only. Always verify results with official California sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions.

All States / California

California Legal Calculators

75 free calculators built with verified California statutory data. Covering all 58 counties.

Reviewed by the Made for Law editorial teamUpdated Mar 2026Cites California statutes

Probate: 9-18 monthsSmall estate: $208,850Community propertyNo state estate tax

Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer

California Legal Overview

California's probate system runs on a statutory fee schedule under Cal. Prob. Code § 10800—the court doesn't negotiate. Executor and attorney compensation follow identical tiers: 4% on the first $100,000, 3% on the next $100,000, 2% on the next $800,000, and 1% on amounts up to $10M. On a $900,000 estate, that's roughly $21,000 each for the executor and the attorney before extraordinary-fee petitions. Estates valued under $208,850 can skip formal probate entirely using a small estate affidavit.

California is one of nine community property states. Under Cal. Fam. Code §§ 760 and 2550, assets acquired during marriage belong equally to both spouses—so at divorce, the court splits community property 50/50 rather than applying an "equitable" balancing test. Separate property (inheritances, pre-marriage assets, gifts) stays with the original owner if properly documented. Commingling is a common source of contested litigation.

The state imposes no estate tax of its own; only the federal $13.61M exemption (2024) applies. Divorce filing fees run $435–$450 depending on the county—Los Angeles and San Francisco Superior Courts sit at the higher end. With 58 counties, probate costs and court timelines vary enough that county-level research matters before you estimate.