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Probate Cost: How a Probate Lawyer Cost is Determined
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How Much Does a Probate Attorney Cost?

If you’ve been named as an executor of a will or are seeking to be appointed as the administrator of a deceased person’s estate, it’s crucial to understand California probate fees and their structure.
Specialist probate lawyers typically have higher rates than general practice attorneys due to their expertise in the probate process. The fee structure for California probate lawyers is as follows:

4% of the first $100,000 of the estate
3% of the next $100,000 of the estate
2% of the next $800,000 of the estate
1% of the next $9,000,000 of the estate
0.5% of the next $15,000,000 of the estate

This tiered fee structure is designed to accommodate the varying sizes and complexities of estates, ensuring the probate process is managed efficiently by qualified professionals.

CALIFORNIA PROBATE COSTS

Now, you can typically break the probate cost into two distinct parts. They are as follows:

Statutory Probate Fees (basic fees)

    1. Filing fees: $435.00 for each petition you have to file.
    1. Normally only 2 filing fees. They are:

    Petition to probate
    Petition for Final Distribution

    • Publication fee: $100-200.00
    • Certified Copies: $100.00
    • Misc.: $100.00
    • Extraordinary fees (these fees will be reviewed by the judge)
    1. Fees can be based on the value of the estate
    2. The difficulty of the extraordinary tasks performed and time spent,
    3. Results achieved, and
    4. Did the results benefit the estate
    • Appraisal fees
    1. Typically .1% of the value of the appraised asset

    And in California, the executor is paid executor fees in a sum equal to the statutory attorney fees unless the executor elects to waive these fees.

    Now below is a breakdown that a Set of fees by the State of California estate planning firm should abide by.  That is why we say, “Pick the BEST Probate Law firm For Your Family”.  You deserve the best attention to detail during this trying time. 

    We here at Hess-Verdon, are a “women-led” estate planning attorney firm with a staff of attorneys and paralegals ready to assist you.  We can also help you mitigate any litigation that may arise.

    Probate Fees Cost Breakdown

    Probate Fees Chart: (Gross Estate)
    4% of the first $100,000.00
    3% of the next $100,000.00
    2% of the next $800,000.00
    1% of the next $9,000,000.00
    .5% of the next $15,000.00
    Above $25,000,000.00, court will determine

    https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=10810.&lawCode=PROB

    *This probate fee calculator is for informational purposes only and should not be considered nor relied on in place of legal advice as it is only a general estimate based on California Probate Code Section 10810’s general provisions and is not fact-specific

    Note:  And the fees above are on uncontested probate with no complications.

    How do I avoid unnecessary probate costs?

    First, if you are the spouse of the deceased, you can save by becoming the trustee and can elect to forgo the compensation. This way, you can save on the taxable income and receive the entire inheritance tax-free.

    How much does a lawyer charge for probate?

    It is predefined by the courts. All attorneys will charge the same statutory fees.

    How much does an executor of an estate get paid?

    Should you need an executor, you will have to pay them the same amount as the law firm. Let us help you understand how to manage the process yourself should you be the spouse.

    How do I avoid probate fees?

    The way to have avoided probate fees is to have an estate plan, a trust as it is called. A trust is a predefined instrument that explains how the trustor/settlor elects to distribute the inheritance to their heirs and beneficiaries. If your loved one died without a trust, then the courts will determine costs, etc.

    Hess-Verdon & Associates, A Professional Law Corp. is a full-service law firm, established in 1990. The firm’s founding principles and its dedication to a proven philosophy of client-centered service have remained unchanged.

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    PROBATE FEES BREAKDOWN

    Estate Value

    Probate Fees

    (Attorney Fee’s and *Executor Fees)

    *If applicable.  The executor can waive the fees.

    $100,000 $4,000 + $4,000 = $8,000
    $200,000 $7,000 + $7,000 = $14,000
    $300,000 $9,000 + $9,000 = $18,000
    $400,000 $11,000 + $11,000 = $22,000
    $500,000 $13,000 + $13,000 = $26,000
    $600,000 $15,000 + $15,000 = $30,000
    $700,000 $17,000 + $17,000 = $34,000
    $800,000 $19,000 + $19,000 = $38,000
    $900,000 $21,000 + $21,000 = $42,000
    $1,000,000 $23,000 + $23,000 = $46,000
    $1,100,000 $24,000 + $24,000 = $48,000
    $1,200,000 $25,000 + $25,000 = $50,000
    $1,300,000 $26,000 + $26,000 = $52,000
    $1,400,000 $27,000 + $27,000 = $54,000
    $1,500,000 $28,000 + $28,000 = $56,000
    $1,600,000 $29,000 + $29,000 = $58,000
    $1,700,000 $30,000 + $30,000 = $60,000
    $1,800,000 $31,000 + $31,000 = $62,000
    $1,900,000 $32,000 + $32,000 = $64,000
    $2,000,000 $33,000 + $33,000 = $66,000
    $2,100,000 $34,000 + $34,000 = $68,000
    $2,200,000 $35,000 + $35,000 = $70,000
    $2,300,000 $36,000 + $36,000 = $72,000
    $2,400,000 $37,000 + $37,000 = $74,000
    $2,500,000 $38,000 + $38,000 = $76,000
    $2,600,000 $39,000 + $39,000 = $78,000
    $2,700,000 $40,000 + $40,000 = $80,000
    $2,800,000 $41,000 + $41,000 = $82,000
    $2,900,000 $42,000 + $42,000 = $84,000
    $3,000,000 $43,000 + $43,000 = $86,000
    $4,000,000 $53,000 + $53,000 = $106,000
    $5,000,000 $63,000 + $63,000 = $126,000
    $6,000,000 $73,000 + $73,000 = $146,000
    $7,000,000 $83,000 + $83,000 = $166,000
    $8,000,000 $93,000 + $93,000 = $186,000
    $9,000,000 $103,000 + $103,000 = $206,000
    $10,000,000 $113,000 + $113,000 = $226,000

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    Probate Overview

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