What Will Probate Cost
in California?
California sets the attorney’s fee and the personal representative’s fee by statute — a percentage of the estate’s gross value under Probate Code §§ 10800 and 10810. Enter an estate value below to estimate what probate would cost.
Fees are calculated on the full appraised value of the assets, before any loan is subtracted. A $1,000,000 home with a $700,000 mortgage still generates fees on the full $1,000,000 — not the $300,000 of equity.
This calculator provides a general estimate based on California Probate Code §§ 10800 and 10810 and typical 2026 court costs. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. It excludes surety bond premiums (roughly 0.5%–1% per year when a bond is required) and extraordinary fees under §§ 10801/10811 for litigation, real-estate sales, or tax work. Estates over $25,000,000 receive an additional fee set by the court. Consult a licensed California attorney before relying on these figures.