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Estate administration in California typically runs 9–12 months for simple estates and 18–36 months for complex ones. The minimum timeline is largely set by the creditor claim period (4 months), during which the executor can't safely distribute assets. Living trusts bypass this entirely because they don't go through probate. The California estate settlement checklist walks through the steps.
California sets executor compensation by statute at 2%–5% of the estate valueCal. Prob. Code § 10800Verified May 31, 2026. Executors can also waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. When the executor is a family member who is also a beneficiary, waiving the fee is common because beneficiary distributions aren't taxed as income while executor fees are. See the California executor fee calculator.
Estate planning attorneys in California average $443 per hourClio Legal Trends Report 2025Verified Jan 1, 2025 for wills and estates work. Flat-fee packages run roughly $1,329–$2,658 for a simple individual will and $4,320–$6,480 for a basic revocable trust. Online and DIY services cost $30–$300 for the same documents — see the will cost calculator for a side-by-side comparison.
California has a generous small-estate threshold of $208,850. Estates under that line can use the Small Estate Affidavit procedure, which is a form rather than a court case — most families can handle it without an attorney. For estates above the threshold, formal probate generally benefits from counsel because of the procedural overhead, even when nothing is contested. The California probate calculator estimates total costs based on estate value.
In California, the situations where retaining counsel is typically worth the cost are: blended families with children from prior relationships (community property rules can produce surprising outcomes); ownership of a business, rental property, or significant investment assets; special-needs dependents who need a special-needs trust to preserve benefits; substantial property held in multiple states. If none of these describe your situation, the simpler online and DIY tools are often enough.
Search 3,941 estate law firms across 51 states.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability.
130 firms
Serves San Mateo and Santa Clara counties from Redwood City. Handles trust and probate administration, conservatorships and guardianships, and probate and trust litigation, with seven attorneys certified as specialists in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. Practicing on the Peninsula since 1987.
Location
333 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 350Redwood City, CA 94065
Phone
(650) 368-4662
Established
1987
Service Area
2 counties
Husband and wife estate planning attorney team Erik and Tiffani Aanestad understand the risks of probate and create lasting, personalized solutions while protecting assets and ensuring legacy for heirs and family. Specializing in Living Trusts, Estate Administration, Probate, and Elder Law serving Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Nevada County.
Location
430 South Auburn StreetGrass Valley, CA 95945
Phone
(530) 798-4321
Service Area
3 counties
General practice law firm in Red Bluff with nearly 50 years of combined legal experience. Estate planning practice includes trusts, wills, trust administration, and probate. Customized planning to ensure future health care and end-of-life medical decisions are followed and conflicts among heirs are minimized.
Location
715 Madison StRed Bluff, CA 96080
Phone
(530) 527-2740
Service Area
1 county
Over 20 years serving Lake County families in probate, estate planning, conservatorships, and trust administration. Former banker with 28 years of financial experience. President of Lake County Bar Association.
Location
380 N Main Street, Suite JLakeport, CA 95453
Phone
(707) 263-5759
Service Area
1 county
Probate, Estate Planning, and Business Planning attorney serving Northern California since 1996. Offices in Chico, Rocklin, Sacramento, and Lake Almanor.
Location
901 Bruce Rd, Suite 230Chico, CA 95928
Phone
(530) 317-3669
Established
1996
Service Area
6 counties
David A. Arietta is the only attorney in California certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in both Bankruptcy Law and Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. Over 30 years of experience serving Contra Costa and Alameda Counties from Walnut Creek office. Offers a free initial consultation.
Location
700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 150Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone
(925) 472-8000
Established
1990
Service Area
2 counties
Estate planning and probate law firm with offices in Murrieta and San Diego, serving Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Palm Springs, Perris, and Riverside. Offers free consultations by phone or video.
Location
29970 Technology Drive, Suite 217Murrieta, CA 92563
Phone
(951) 304-3431
Established
1998
Service Area
2 counties
Serves Merced, Mariposa, and Stanislaus counties from Merced, with offices in San Jose and Modesto. Handles trust and estate administration, sub-trust funding, fiduciary representation, and probate and trust litigation. One of the few firms with a Mariposa County presence; multiple attorneys are State Bar certified specialists in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.
Location
2844 Park AvenueMerced, CA 95348
Phone
(209) 385-0700
Established
1951
Service Area
5 counties
Walnut Creek law firm with extensive experience in complex estate and succession planning. Prepares wills, living trusts, special needs trusts, pre-nuptial agreements, powers of attorney, and handles tax and succession planning and asset protection.
Location
2033 N Main Street, Suite 720Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone
(925) 944-9700
Service Area
2 counties
Law firm with a Mammoth Lakes office serving Mono and Inyo Counties. Founded by Robert H. Brumfield III, practicing since 1984. Practice includes estate planning, trust administration, probate, asset protection, and real estate matters in the Eastern Sierra.
Location
325 Old Mammoth Rd, Suite A1Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Phone
(661) 384-6940
Service Area
2 counties