Tools for Planning Your Estate in California

In California, a will is signed before 2 witnesses, and the witnesses sign an affidavit at probate instead of a self-proving affidavit.

All Planning ahead Settling an estate

21 tools for California

How Much Does Probate Cost?

Probate on a $500,000 estate in California costs an estimated $27,235. Attorney fees are statutory (set by law).

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Who Inherits Without a Will?

California is a community property state, so the surviving spouse already owns half of what the couple acquired during the marriage. Without a will in California, descendants divide what passes to them per capita with representation, and an heir must survive the decedent by 120 hours to inherit.

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How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?

California levies no estate or inheritance tax; only the federal estate tax applies above $15,000,000.

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Do I Need Probate?

In California, estates valued at $208,850 or less skip probate with the Small Estate Affidavit, 40 days after death.

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What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?

An attorney-prepared revocable trust in California runs $4,320 to $6,480 and a simple will $1,329 to $2,658, against $0 to $549 up front plus a subscription with an online service.

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How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?

An attorney-prepared revocable living trust in California runs $4,320 to $6,480 for an individual, against $0 to $549 up front plus a subscription with an online service.

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How Much Does a Will Cost?

An attorney-prepared will in California runs $1,329 to $2,658, against $0 to $299 up front with an online service, and probate on a $500,000 estate adds about $27,235.

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How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

In California, four years at a public university cost about $99,700 and the cost of living is 11% above the U.S. average; no state estate or inheritance tax applies.

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How Does Step-Up in Basis Work?

Inherited assets in California take a basis reset to fair market value on the date of death, and the gain on a later sale faces ordinary income tax at the state's regular rates.

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Are My Beneficiary Designations Protected?

California automatically revokes an ex-spouse as beneficiary at divorce; employer plans under ERISA follow federal rules either way, so a 401(k) beneficiary changes only by a new designation.

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What Are the Estate Laws in My State?

Probate on a $500,000 estate in California costs an estimated $27,235 and takes 9 months to 12 months for a simple estate, with attorney fees set by statute as a percentage of the gross estate. Estates under $208,850 can use a small-estate procedure instead.

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How Does SimplyTrust Compare to LegalZoom, Trust & Will, and Other Services?

Compare what it costs to make a trust official across SimplyTrust, LegalZoom, Trust & Will, Rocket Lawyer, and Quicken WillMaker.

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How Do I Name a Guardian for My Minor Children?

In California, a parent names a guardian for a minor child in a will or a separate signed writing, and the nomination covers the child until the age of majority, 18.

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What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in My State?

California allows you to name your own agent in a signed, written document, and that designation takes priority over the statutory order of next of kin who otherwise control disposition of the remains.

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How Do I Sign Estate Documents?

Find witness, notary, and remote signing requirements for all 50 states.

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Will My Estate Documents Transfer?

Check if estate planning documents signed in one state are valid in another.

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Do I Need a Revocable Trust?

Probate in California takes 9 months to 12 months for a simple estate and charges attorney fees set by statute as a percentage of the gross estate; assets held in a revocable trust skip both.

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Do I Need a TOD Deed?

California authorizes transfer on death deeds: a recorded, revocable deed that passes real property at death outside probate.

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Do I Need a Vehicle TOD?

California allows a transfer-on-death beneficiary designation on a vehicle title, filed through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

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How Do I Open a Trust Account at My Bank?

Compare trust-account requirements bank by bank: how a revocable trust account is opened or retitled, and what proves the trust.

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A will in California costs what the provider charges. An online service runs $0 to $299 up front. An attorney in California charges around $443 an hour for wills and estates work, which puts a simple will at $1,329 to $2,658. The document is only part of the cost: probate adds about $27,235 on a $500,000 estate in fees the heirs pay later.

A revocable living trust in California costs what the provider charges. An online service runs $0 to $549 up front plus a subscription. An attorney in California charges around $432 an hour for trust work, which puts an attorney-prepared trust at $4,320 to $6,480 for an individual plan.

Yes. California allows revocable transfer on death deeds. The deed names a beneficiary for real property, is recorded during the owner's life, and passes the property at death without probate.

In California, a parent names a guardian for a minor child in a will or a separate signed writing. It needs your signature, and the nomination covers the child until the age of majority, 18. It can be recorded alongside the rest of an estate plan when you create a revocable living trust.

In California, a will-based plan pays probate attorney fees set by statute as a percentage of the gross estate; a funded revocable trust keeps those assets out of probate and off that fee. The trust also distributes assets faster than the 9 months to 12 months probate timeline a simple estate takes.