Probate Fees California Calculator

California Probate Fees Calculator

Estimated Statutory Fees

Statutory Attorney Fees: $0.00

Statutory Executor/Administrator Fees: $0.00

Total Estimated Statutory Fees: $0.00

function calculateProbateFees() { var grossEstateValue = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossEstateValue").value); var attorneyFees = 0; var executorFees = 0; var errorMessage = document.getElementById("errorMessage"); errorMessage.textContent = ""; // Clear previous errors if (isNaN(grossEstateValue) || grossEstateValue < 0) { errorMessage.textContent = "Please enter a valid positive number for the gross estate value."; document.getElementById("attorneyFees").textContent = "$0.00"; document.getElementById("executorFees").textContent = "$0.00"; document.getElementById("totalStatutoryFees").textContent = "$0.00"; return; } // California Probate Code § 10810 (Attorney) and § 10800 (Executor/Administrator) // Fees are calculated on the gross value of the probate estate. // The schedule is the same for both attorney and executor. if (grossEstateValue <= 100000) { attorneyFees = grossEstateValue * 0.04; } else if (grossEstateValue <= 200000) { attorneyFees = (100000 * 0.04) + ((grossEstateValue – 100000) * 0.03); } else if (grossEstateValue <= 1000000) { // 200,001 to 1,000,000 (next 800,000) attorneyFees = (100000 * 0.04) + (100000 * 0.03) + ((grossEstateValue – 200000) * 0.02); } else if (grossEstateValue <= 10000000) { // 1,000,001 to 10,000,000 (next 9,000,000) attorneyFees = (100000 * 0.04) + (100000 * 0.03) + (800000 * 0.02) + ((grossEstateValue – 1000000) * 0.01); } else if (grossEstateValue <= 25000000) { // 10,000,001 to 25,000,000 (next 15,000,000) attorneyFees = (100000 * 0.04) + (100000 * 0.03) + (800000 * 0.02) + (9000000 * 0.01) + ((grossEstateValue – 10000000) * 0.005); } else { // Over $25,000,000 // For estates over $25,000,000, the fee is a reasonable amount determined by the court. // We'll calculate up to $25M and note the remainder. attorneyFees = (100000 * 0.04) + (100000 * 0.03) + (800000 * 0.02) + (9000000 * 0.01) + (15000000 * 0.005); errorMessage.textContent = "For estates over $25,000,000, the fee for the amount exceeding $25,000,000 is determined by the court as a reasonable amount. This calculation provides the statutory fee up to $25,000,000."; } executorFees = attorneyFees; // Executor fees are typically the same as attorney fees var totalStatutoryFees = attorneyFees + executorFees; document.getElementById("attorneyFees").textContent = "$" + attorneyFees.toLocaleString('en-US', { minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2 }); document.getElementById("executorFees").textContent = "$" + executorFees.toLocaleString('en-US', { minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2 }); document.getElementById("totalStatutoryFees").textContent = "$" + totalStatutoryFees.toLocaleString('en-US', { minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2 }); } // Run calculation on page load with default value window.onload = calculateProbateFees;

Understanding California Probate Fees

Probate is the legal process of proving a will in court and distributing a deceased person's assets according to the will or, if there is no will, according to state law. In California, the probate process can be complex and involves various fees, the most significant of which are statutory attorney and executor/administrator fees.

How Statutory Fees Are Calculated

California Probate Code sections 10810 (for attorneys) and 10800 (for executors/administrators) set forth a statutory fee schedule based on the gross value of the probate estate. This means the fees are calculated on the total value of assets subject to probate *before* debts, mortgages, or other liabilities are subtracted. The fee schedule is tiered:

  • 4% on the first $100,000 of the estate.
  • 3% on the next $100,000 ($100,001 to $200,000).
  • 2% on the next $800,000 ($200,001 to $1,000,000).
  • 1% on the next $9,000,000 ($1,000,001 to $10,000,000).
  • 0.5% on the next $15,000,000 ($10,000,001 to $25,000,000).
  • For estates valued over $25,000,000, the fee for the amount exceeding $25,000,000 is determined by the court as a reasonable amount.

It's crucial to understand that both the probate attorney and the executor (or administrator, if there's no will) are entitled to these statutory fees *separately*. Therefore, the total statutory fees for a probate estate are typically double the amount calculated for a single party.

What Our Calculator Estimates

Our California Probate Fees Calculator provides an estimate of these statutory fees based on the gross value of the probate estate you enter. It calculates the separate fees for the attorney and the executor/administrator, then provides a total estimated statutory fee.

Other Potential Probate Costs

Beyond the statutory attorney and executor fees, other costs can arise during probate:

  • Court Filing Fees: These vary by county and the complexity of the case, but typically range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
  • Publication Fees: Notice of the probate must be published in a local newspaper, costing a few hundred dollars.
  • Appraisal Fees: If assets need professional valuation, appraisal fees will apply.
  • Extraordinary Fees: In complex cases (e.g., litigation, selling real estate, operating a business), the court may approve additional "extraordinary" fees for the attorney and/or executor beyond the statutory schedule. These are not included in this calculator.
  • Bond Premiums: If the executor is required to post a bond, there will be an annual premium.

Example Calculation

Let's say a California probate estate has a gross value of $750,000:

  • First $100,000: $100,000 * 4% = $4,000
  • Next $100,000: $100,000 * 3% = $3,000
  • Remaining $550,000 ($750,000 – $200,000): $550,000 * 2% = $11,000
  • Total Statutory Attorney Fee: $4,000 + $3,000 + $11,000 = $18,000
  • Total Statutory Executor Fee: $18,000
  • Total Estimated Statutory Fees: $18,000 (Attorney) + $18,000 (Executor) = $36,000

This example demonstrates how the tiered system works and why the total statutory fees can be substantial.

Disclaimer

This calculator provides an estimate of statutory probate fees in California based on current law. It does not include court costs, appraisal fees, publication fees, extraordinary fees, or other potential expenses. The actual fees may vary depending on the specifics of the estate, court discretion, and other factors. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a qualified California probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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