How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in California?
California sets executor compensation by statute — about $13,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 2.6%Cal. Prob. Code § 10800Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
California sets executor compensation by statute — about $13,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 2.6%Cal. Prob. Code § 10800Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate; executors and beneficiaries may agree to a different amount, but the schedule is the default. Executors can waive the fee entirely or accept a reduced amount.
The California statutory schedule for executor compensation is 4% on the first $100K, 3% on the next $100K, 2% on the next $800K, 1% on the next $9M, 0.5% on the next $15M, 0% on amounts above $25MCal. Prob. Code § 10800Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. This is the same schedule used for attorney fees. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate, and extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as the court approves.
In California, co-executors divide one commission — the estate's total does not increase with the number of executors. The division is by agreement among the executors or as the court directs.Cal. Prob. Code § 10805Verified Jul 25, 2026View source
California requires a bond of the personal representative by defaultCal. Prob. Code §§ 8480 (bond required before letters issued), 8481 (waiver: will provision or all-beneficiary written waiver; court may still require bond for good cause)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The requirement can often be excusedCal. Prob. Code §§ 8480 (bond required before letters issued), 8481 (waiver: will provision or all-beneficiary written waiver; court may still require bond for good cause)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, by a waiver in the will, agreement of the heirs, or court order, depending on the state. If the court requires a corporate surety, the premium runs about 0.5%Cal. Prob. Code §§ 8480 (bond required before letters issued), 8481 (waiver: will provision or all-beneficiary written waiver; court may still require bond for good cause)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the bonded amount annually; most estates avoid it through a waiver or a surety-free bond. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in California probate: attorney fees set by statute as a percentage of the gross estateCal. Prob. Code § 10810Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and executor compensation follows the same scheduleCal. Prob. Code § 10800Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Both are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. Estimate the attorney fee with the California probate attorney fee calculator.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Forms for Settling an Estate in California
Free forms for settling an estate in California: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In California, the petition asks the Superior Court of California to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the courtCal. Prob. Code §§ 8005 (matters established at the hearing on the petition), 8006 (court admits the will and appoints the personal representative) — California has no registrar/clerk informal probate track; appointment requires a court hearingVerified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Notice to Creditors
In California, the notice to creditors is published for 3Cal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420; CCP § 366.2Verified Oct 18, 2026View source weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code § 9100 — later of 4 months from letters or 60 days from mailed/personal notice of administrationVerified Sep 8, 2026View source from the personal representative's appointment to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In California, a person named as executor may renounce the right to serveCal. Prob. Code § 8002(b)(3)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In California, the Small Estate AffidavitCal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates valued at $208,850Cal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 40 daysCal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In California, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysCal. Prob. Code §§ 8800-8804, 8900-8903Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In California, the personal representative is discharged by court orderCal. Prob. Code §§ 11753, 12250Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.
Tools for Settling an Estate in California
Free tools for settling an estate in California: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
Can I Self-File Probate?
In California, informal probate is not availableCal. Prob. Code §§ 8005 (matters established at the hearing on the petition), 8006 (court admits the will and appoints the personal representative) — California has no registrar/clerk informal probate track; appointment requires a court hearingVerified Sep 8, 2026View source, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing.
How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?
In California, the Superior Court of California appoints the personal representative and the Superior Court clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the courtCal. Prob. Code §§ 8005 (matters established at the hearing on the petition), 8006 (court admits the will and appoints the personal representative) — California has no registrar/clerk informal probate track; appointment requires a court hearingVerified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In California, creditors have 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code § 9100 — later of 4 months from letters or 60 days from mailed/personal notice of administrationVerified Sep 8, 2026View source from the personal representative's appointment to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, California pays the claims in 7Cal. Prob. Code § 11420Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with administration expenses.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in California costs an estimated $27,235Cal. Prob. Code § 10810Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees are statutory (set by law)Cal. Prob. Code § 10810Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Hire a California Probate Attorney
Browse 222 probate firms in California with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
Your kids shouldn't have to do this.
California Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering California probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.