California probate estimate
What could probate cost your family?
Use this simple estimate to understand the court fees a California estate may face—and what a living trust may help your family avoid.
A calm place to start
The estimate uses California’s statutory schedule for ordinary attorney and executor services. It is for planning context, not a quote or legal advice.
Your estimate
Start with the value of your home or estate.
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Estimated statutory fees
What a living trust can save you
$46,000
A revocable living trust helps assets pass outside probate, which can help your family avoid these court costs and fees.
A practical next step
Protect your home with a plan made for your family.
Galileo prepares revocable living trust documents under your direction, with packages from $750 and unlimited trust consultations.
This estimate is illustrative only and is not legal advice. Actual fees vary by county, court, and case. Attorney and executor fees are paid from the estate. The schedule shown is based on California Probate Code § 10810 for ordinary services: 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, 1% of the next $9,000,000, and 0.5% of the next $15,000,000. Amounts over $25 million are set by the court.
California’s small-estate threshold is about $184,500; estates below that amount may not require formal probate. Some assets may pass outside probate regardless, such as assets passing to a spouse or through beneficiary designations. Ask a licensed California attorney about your circumstances.