Inheriting money from a family member can change your financial situation. Often that change is for the better, but it does not mean an instant payday. Often the estate must first go through probate. This process can be a lot of work for the personal representative of the estate. Probate has a reputation for being expensive, so how much does probate cost when everything is said and done? First, the cost of probate varies from one estate to another. Secondly, the cost of probate in California typically depends on the value of the estate and how much estate planning the deceased person did. Thirdly, whom you hire to help you file probate can have a huge impact on how much probate costs. Probate can be quite confusing and complex, and estimating California probate costs and fees is no exception. Plus, factor in additional attorney and executor fees and payment schedules, and you’re faced with a ton of information. Unfortunately, the cost of probate can just as confusing as the process itself.
Potential probate clients who phone our office often ask “what are the costs to probate in California?” Not surprising, the answer will depend on who you choose to help you with the process. Most lawyers charge by the hour or collect a flat fee when representing clients. However, when filing a California probate, statutory provisions govern attorney fees. Most people are surprised to learn that when faced with having to file a California probate… there is another option to hiring an attorney!
At A People’s Choice, we try to explain the probate process as simply as possible to get you on the right track quickly. Plus, we’ve outlined some general information about California probate costs and fees to answer any questions you may have before starting the process. For more specific data, feel free to use our online California probate calculator to determine your statutory attorney fees and see how much you will save by using our services.
Even though probate can be frustratingly slow, most people do not need to hire a lawyer. In California, you can save paying the thousands of dollars in statutory attorney fees by filing probate using a legal document assistant. Being a personal representative of an estate may sound daunting. Fortunately, having a registered legal document assistant prepare your probate forms can ease the stress of probate and lower your probate costs!
California Statutory Attorney Fees for Probate
California probate statutory fees allow an attorney to collect a percentage of the gross value of the probated estate as his/her fee. State statute defines the percentages as follows:
- 4% of the first $100,000 of the gross value of the probate estate
- 3% of the next $100,000
- 2% of the next $800,000
- 1% of the next $9 million
- .5% of the next $15 million
“A People’s Choice walked me through the entire probate process. They are so professional and helpful. Thank you A People’s Choice for your staff’s guidance and patience to talk me through such difficult time. You made the process very smooth for me. I am so glad that I found you.” Sandie K.
“A People’s Choice made a scary Probate pretty much stress free. I would send an email with a question I had thought of over the weekend with the expectation that I would get an answer on Monday. Lo and behold, I often got an answer within minutes! We are very pleased and will be referring our friends/family to A People’s Choice!” Lyn G.
Get Low-Cost Help filing Probate!
What Will an Attorney Charge for Probate in California?
The fee an attorney is allowed to charge in probate can be quite high. Often the fee falls dramatically short of being justified compared to the amount of work actually done. In most probate cases, there is no trial and little to no court appearances. Fees are primarily paid to cover the paperwork services the attorney performs (which is usually done by the attorney’s paralegal). Unfortunately, many people are shocked to discover just how expensive probate really is! Between filing and hearing fees and statutory attorneys fees, the cost of probate can easily rise to tens of thousands of dollars. Further, many people also fail to realize that the size of the estate under review has a direct effect on probate cost! In fact, estate size is the number one determinant of probate cost when using an attorney. Use our convenient probate calculator to find out what the statutory attorney’s fees would be in a particular case. Our calculator will not only show you the attorney fees costs to probate in California but also how much the estate will save using our non-attorney probate services.
Types of Fees in Probate
Probate is so expensive due to a plethora of court-mandated fees. For example, executors are responsible for ensuring the estate pays the following:
- initial filing fee ($435 in most California counties)
- final distribution filing fee ($435 in most California counties)
- court reporter hearing fee (typically $30)
- newspaper publication fee ($180-700)
- referee appraisal (0.1% of non-cash assets)
- third-party costs (approx. $1200-1800)
- statutory attorneys’ fees (ranges)
Unfortunately, some of these fees are unavoidable. However, executors can avoid some probate costs, either by self-representation or by avoiding probate altogether!
Avoidable Probate Costs
1. Attorneys’ Fees
Believe it or not, attorneys’ fees account for a huge percentage of the probate cost in California. In fact, California probate attorneys get paid both statutory and extraordinary fees.
When it comes to statutory fees, California laws outline exactly how much probate attorneys can charge. More specifically, probate lawyers are entitled to 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate’s value, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and 1% for amounts over $1 million. Thus, the larger the estate, the higher the attorneys’ fees. Not to mention, a lawyer may also charge extraordinary fees based on the value of the estate, time spent performing extraordinary tasks, and the outcomes of those tasks. Therefore, estates and heirs benefit greatly from avoiding these fees altogether… but how exactly is that possible?
Probate Without a Lawyer
Luckily, successful probate without a lawyer is possible! While representing oneself in a probate case is not always the easiest task, there are endless free resources available to help executors through the process. For example, A People’s Choice’s California law blog is full of information on probating estates. Plus, local law libraries have guides for the probate process and self-representation in court! Finally, local probate courts provide information on local rules and court-specific documents.
That said, if you decide to represent yourself in a probate case, there are other options for legal document assistance! Specifically, registered legal document assistants such as A People’s Choice are here to help you complete and file your legal forms from start to finish. Plus, A People’s Choice offers a range of services, from simple document assistance to full-service help throughout the entire probate.
While we are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice, A People’s Choice can help you ensure you are accurately completing the necessary forms to settle your loved one’s estate. Not to mention, we can keep probate cost down by saving you thousands compared to what you would spend on an attorney.
2. Courts’ Fees
Between filing, hearings, and other miscellaneous fees, repeated interactions with the court makes probate that much more expensive. However, not every estate requires a full probate. In fact, some estates are eligible to have assets distributed to beneficiaries under California’s simplified probate procedures.
Specifically, certain small estates are eligible for transfer by affidavit. Plus, others are transferable via a spousal property petition. While utilizing these simplified procedures will not save executors from paying all court fees, it will lessen the load quite a bit!
Small Estate Affidavits in California
Below is a quick description of California’s quick probate procedures for small estates in California.
- Real and personal property worth $20,000 or less – Successors can ask the court to “set aside” the estate.
- Real property worth $55,425 or less – Successors can file an Affidavit Re: Real Property of Small Value and provide an inventory and appraisal of the real property.
- Real and personal property worth $166,250 or less – Successors can collect the property and distribute it to the heirs with the Affidavit for Collection or Transfer of Personal Property.
Be sure to read up on the specific processes and requirements for each of these and other small estate procedures in California.
Spousal Property Transfer Petition
Finally, individuals with decedent spouses can file a Spousal Property Petition to transfer property without a full probate proceeding. While there will be a court hearing, this process is much simpler than probate. Spouses must simply fill out and file the petition along with their spouse’s will and a copy of any agreement (if applicable). Then, before the hearing, spouses must serve necessary parties and file an Order for a Spousal Property Petition. Feel free to contact A People’s Choice for more help with this process.
Get help with your California probate forms today!
A People’s Choice can save you hundreds of dollars by preparing your California probate documents instead of an expensive attorney!
Costs to Probate in California with Attorney vs Non-Attorney
The costs comparison of using the services of a non-attorney vs an attorney to assist with the probate process might surprise you. Below are two comparison scenarios:
Comparison 1 - $9,100 in Savings!
Kimberly is in the process of probating her mother Josephine’s estate. Josephine owns a home valued at $500,000 and there are two beneficiaries to her estate. The remaining mortgage on the home is $360,000. The home has $140,000 in equity. Kimberly hires attorney Paulette to probate her mother’s estate. Based on California’s probate statutory fees, Paulette can charge $13,000 for probating Josephine’s estate. The present mortgage is not factored into attorney fees. The total gross value of the estate is the deciding factor in determining the attorney fee percentage. In comparison, had Kimberly retained the non-attorney probate services of A People’s Choice, the fees would have been $3900.00. The estate would have saved $9100 in fees!
Comparison 2 - $15,100 in Savings!
Robert retains attorney Gus to probate his father’s estate. Robert’s father, Henry, has an estate valued at $800,000. Henry owned a house outright valued at $700,000 and an antique car valued at $100,000. There are 5 beneficiaries. Gus, the attorney, can charge $19,000 in attorney fees for probating a house and car. This means Gus can earn $19,000 for very little paperwork. In comparison, had Robert retained A People’s Choice instead of attorney Gus to assist with the probate process, the fees would have been $3900.00, Using the probate services of a non-attorney would have saved Robert and the estate $15,100!
As you can see, the costs to probate in California can vary dramatically depending on which service you choose to help you through the process. Unless family members and creditors are fighting over assets, an attorney is not necessary to probate an estate. As mentioned above, probate is largely a matter of paperwork. At A People’s Choice, we can help you complete and file the forms with the appropriate court. You do not have to hire an attorney to probate an estate in California! An executor or administrator can charge the above referenced statutory fee as well. Note, the executor may not necessarily be the attorney. The estate’s appointed executor can retain an attorney to assist in probating the estate. This means the attorney and executor can both receive a statutory fee as reflected above.
Other Expected Costs to Probate in California
Other costs to probate in California include newspaper publication fees and the probate appraiser fee. The newspaper publication fee is somewhat consistent, ranging typically from $200 to $700, depending on the newspaper that handles publishing the probate notice. On the other hand, the probate appraiser, is allowed to charge 0.1% of the gross value of the appraised property. Assets of $500,000 would demand a probate referee fee of $500 plus mileage and miscellaneous copying costs.
Of course, there are also court filing fees as well. In a full probate proceeding, there are at least two Petitions that must be filed, both of which trigger the payment of a court filing fee. The current court filing fee for the Petition to Probate is $435. Another filing fee of $435 must be paid with the Petition for Final Distribution. In addition, most courts also charge a court reporter fee of $30 with each Petition. There are also other costs of probate associated with obtaining certified copies of Letters and recording the Order, but these are nominal and do not usually exceed $100.
As you can see, fees and costs to probate in California can quickly add up and completing probate in California can be a long process. Estates over $166,250 can take up to a year to settle. On the other hand, you can usually complete a small estate probate in 2-3 months. No matter whether your estate is large or small, hiring A People’s Choice allows you to avoid paying statutory attorneys fees. As a result, using a professional legal document assistant for probate, you will save thousands of dollars in probate costs. Contact us for more information on how to save money when probating your loved one’s estate.
Avoid High California Probate Costs and Fees With A People’s Choice
A People’s Choice has been in business since 1980 and has successfully helped thousands of people just like you. Consequently, your probate will be in good hands. Contact A People’s Choice to prepare your documents so that the probate of your family member’s estate can go by quickly and painlessly, whether it is full probate or simplified probate. Call us today at 800-747-2780.
When it comes to estates, it’s best to prepare as early as possible to avoid high California probate costs and fees. When you and your family think ahead about planning your estate, your heirs will have less complications and lower fees to face upon your death.
To plan your estate in the simplest, quickest way possible, contact A People’s Choice today. If you need help probating a will in California, A People’s Choice can cut down on your probate costs and save you thousands of dollars in California probate costs and fees. Plus, we can help you create a trust to avoid asking your heirs and beneficiaries to probate your estate after your death.
Get help with your California probate forms today!
A People’s Choice can save you hundreds of dollars by preparing your California probate documents instead of an expensive attorney!
Was this article helpful? We would love to know your thoughts! If you found this article helpful, please check the LIKE button below. Your feedback helps us plan topics for future articles.
I have a case in probate the house is worth 500,000 and 200,000 the case I won on June 3 but now I received the attorney fees and my bill came out to 469,000 is this right for them to charge so much?
Attorneys fees in California re set by statute. I am not sure where your case is but it definately would seem excessive if the attorneys fees equal to the worth of the house. Was there litigation involved? If so, that may be why.
I wish I would have found this website before. I am facing the statutory fee charges right now as my probate lawyer is about to end the probate. She was charging me by hour for 1 year. She kept telling me my case is simple and straight forward. So, what kind of services does the statutory fee include by law? I don’t want to have another surprise on the charges.
The statutory fee covers the basic probate process but not costs or extraordinary fees.
Great information, I do have a question; are court filing and advertising fees and included the attorney fees or are in addition to regulated fees? Thanks
The California statutory attorney fees allowed do NOT include any third party costs such as court filing fees, advertising fees, etc. Also, in addition to the base fee, attorneys can also changed additional fees for selling property, handling creditors, etc.
Great website and alternative way to go through this process of probate. Wish I had known this before. I have one question that I could not find an answer on your website. Does a probate lawyer have to show us what services he did for the fee? The reason I am asking is that the lawyer we are using for my brothers estate won’t provide that info and he is charging us for extraordinary duties over top of the fee. Really wish I would have found you before. I will be sure to pass on your services to others.
Since the fees are statutory probably not but I would assume yes for any extraordinary fees. So sorry you got “stuck” paying statutory fees. Extraordinary fees have to be approved by court so you could object.