How much does probate cost in California?
California sets the ordinary probate attorney's fee by statute (Probate Code §10810) as a sliding percentage of the gross estate — and sets an identical commission for the executor (§10800). On a home-owning estate that's tens of thousands of dollars, owed whether or not Kindred is involved.
- The statutory attorney fee (Prob. Code §10810) is 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, then 1% of the next $9M — roughly $13,000 on a $500,000 estate and $23,000 on a $1,000,000 estate.
- California sets an identical statutory commission for the executor (Prob. Code §10800) — though a family member serving as executor often waives it. Where both are paid, a $1M estate can carry roughly $46,000 in combined statutory fees.
- The fee is calculated on the GROSS estate — the full value of the home, not the equity — so a mortgaged house still drives the fee.
- Court filing fees run about $435 to open the case and again for the petition for final distribution, plus a probate referee's fee (about 0.1% of the appraised non-cash assets).
- Kindred's role is the administration alongside any attorney — one flat fee, with clear estate-payment timing, not a percentage of the estate.
Estimate your California costs
Set by Probate Code §10810. You pay this with or without Kindred — we don't reduce it, and an attorney handles the legal work.
Where California families save
Not on the statutory fee — but where formal probate can be avoided entirely(small estate, a living trust, or a Heggstad petition). That's the conversation to have.
Either way, we take ~150 hours of administration off your plate.
Based on the California statutory schedule (Probate Code §10810). Illustrative example only — not a quote or legal advice. Figures vary by estate; we're not a law firm.
Common questions
How much does probate cost in California?
The ordinary attorney's fee is set by statute (Prob. Code §10810) as a percentage of the gross estate — about $13,000 on a $500,000 estate and $23,000 on a $1,000,000 estate — plus roughly $435 court filing fees and a probate referee's fee. The executor is owed the same statutory amount, though family executors often waive it. These are illustrative figures; actual costs vary by estate.
Last verified June 2026. Figures are illustrative and vary by estate — not a quote or legal advice. Kindred is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we handle the administrative work and coordinate an independent attorney where one is legally required.
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