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Probate in California typically costs 2%–5% of the estate value in attorney feesCal. Prob. Code § 10810Verified May 31, 2026, plus court filing fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and any required surety bond. California sets attorney fees by statute, so the percentage is the same regardless of the actual work involved. Total all-in costs typically run 3-8% of estate value. The California probate calculator gives a detailed estimate based on estate value.
California allows "independent administration" (sometimes called unsupervised or informal probate), which lets the executor handle most estate decisions without ongoing court approval. The executor still files the will, inventories assets, and reports to the court, but doesn't need a hearing for routine actions like paying bills or selling assets. Independent administration typically saves both time and attorney fees compared to supervised probate.
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.
85 firms
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
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
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
Describes itself as Amador County's only full-service firm. Five generations in Amador County serving Northern California and the Foothills with estate planning, trust administration, probate, litigation, and property law. Estate planning and trust administration comprise 40% of the practice.
Location
14220 Old State Route 49Amador City, CA 95601
Phone
(209) 267-9217
Service Area
3 counties
Solo estate planning and probate practice in Chico with over 30 years of experience since 1993. Brett A. Gilman personally handles every client file, with services including wills, trusts, trust administration, and probate.
Location
140 Yellowstone Drive, Suite 120Chico, CA 95973
Phone
(530) 343-4318
Established
1993
Service Area
2 counties
Serves Fresno, Madera, Kings, and Tulare counties from Fresno, one of Central California's largest firms since 1903. Trusts and estates group handles estate and trust administration, probate, probate litigation, and estate and gift tax matters. Multiple attorneys are State Bar certified specialists in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.
Location
5260 N. Palm Ave, Suite 201Fresno, CA 93704
Phone
(559) 432-5400
Established
1903
Service Area
4 counties
Serves Santa Cruz and Monterey counties from Capitola. Handles probate, trust and estate administration, conservatorships, and guardianships alongside estate planning and tax planning. Emily Buchbinder is a State Bar certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law and chairs the Santa Cruz County Bar Estate Planning Council.
Location
525 Capitola AvenueCapitola, CA 95010
Phone
(831) 462-1313
Service Area
2 counties
Attorney Christine Breen provides estate planning, probate and trust administration, business formation, and real estate law services with over 27 years of experience. Woman-owned firm serving San Benito, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and South Santa Clara Counties, including special needs trusts.
Location
330 Tres Pinos Rd, Suite F8-4Hollister, CA 95023
Phone
(831) 636-2529
Established
1996
Service Area
4 counties