Overview of Probate Court Costs in California

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 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 withdrawal 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 settling 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. For more than 38 years, 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) 946-0412 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.