Although probate costs in California will vary from case to case, according to the complexity of an estate and how long probate lasts (among other things), the court costs for probate are typically standard, only varying as the court updates them or for different types of court petitions.
The table below provides an overview of the most common probate court costs in California (as of August 2015).
California Probate Court Fees at a Glance
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition to determine the fact of death | $435 |
| Petition regarding a capacity determination for an adult without a conservator | |
| Petition regarding powers of attorney and/or advance health care directives | |
| Petition regarding the succession of real property | |
| Petition to approve, compromise, or settle claims against a decedent | |
| Any other petition that initiates a proceeding under the Probate Code | |
| Oppose a petition for the appointment of a personal representative | |
| Petition regarding the affairs of a trust | |
| Petition regarding the appointment of a guardian or conservator of an estate | |
| Petition regarding compensation for a fiduciary or regarding the removal or resignation of a fiduciary | |
| Petition regarding the sale, lease, purchase, or exchange of property | |
| Motion for summary judgment | $500 |
| Petition to withdraw funds from a blocked account | $60 |
| Deposit of estate planning documents | $20 |
| Opposition to the appointment of a guardian or conservator filed on behalf of the conservatee/ward | No charge |
More Important Information Regarding Probate Court Fees in California
Please be aware that:
- The above court fees are subject to change as the court sees fit. Therefore, it’s important to consult the court for the most up-to-date fee schedule.
- The above fees may only be a starting point, as additional court fees can apply for other administrative needs (like archive retrievals, copying/faxing/mailing documents, etc.)
- In addition to the court fees, there may be other expenses associated with initiating probate, including (but not limited to) inventorying an estate, notifying beneficiaries that the probate case has been opened, etc.
Contact a San Fernando & Santa Clarita Probate Lawyer at the Law Offices of Darrell C. Harriman
When you need help to settle an estate or you want the best representation in California probate, it’s time to contact a trusted San Fernando & Santa Clarita probate lawyer at the Law Offices of Darrell C. Harriman. Since 1980, our San Fernando & Santa Clarita attorney has been dedicated to providing his clients with personalized, highly responsive service, as well as superior representation for their important legal matters.
To talk about your case and legal needs today, contact our firm by calling (818) 892-7093 or by filling out the contact form on this page.
From our offices based in North Hills, we provide the highest quality legal services to our clients throughout the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, and the greater Los Angeles area.