how are attorney fees calculated in california probate case

by Prof. Darien Hane 3 min read

California uses a 4-3-2-1 system to calculate statutory probate attorney fees. In this system, the attorney is entitled to 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate’s value, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and 1% for amounts over $1 million.

A completed Inventory and Appraisal starts the basis for the attorney fee calculation. 2% of the next $100,000 up to $800,000 and then this percentage scale goes downward from 1% to the next $9,000,000.00. If you want to see the entire scale, see California Probate Code Section 10810 and subsequent sections.Jan 10, 2019

Full Answer

How much is a probate attorney in California?

Jan 10, 2019 · The California Probate Code awards the attorney fees based on this simple formula: 4% of the first $100,000 in appraised assets on the Inventory and Appraisal then it is 3% of the next $100,000 and then it is 2% of the next $100,000 up to $800,000 and then this percentage scale goes downward from 1% to the next $9,000,000.00.

How much do lawyers charge for probate?

CA Probate Fees. CA probate fees are set by California probate code § 10810, which caps the maximum fees that attorneys and executors can charge for a probate. There are filing fees and a fee percentage (4%,3%,2%,1%,.5% based on the gross value of the probate estate); and can have other extraordinary fees like appraisals.

Does California probate law permit an attorney?

Mar 30, 2020 · How Are These Fees Calculated in California? California uses a 4-3-2-1 system to calculate statutory probate attorney fees. In this system, the attorney is entitled to 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate’s value, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and 1% for amounts over $1 million.

How much does probate cost in ca?

Nov 27, 2020 · The attorney and executor fees, in probate, would be based on the $500,000 value. As a reminder the calculation of fees in a California probate is as follows: 4% of the first $100,000. 3% of the next $100,000. 2% of the next $800,000. 1% of the next $9,000,000. .5% of the next $15,000,000.

How much do probate attorneys charge in California?

Statutory probate fees under §10810 are as follows: 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate. 3% of the next $100,000. 2% of the next $800,000.Feb 14, 2020

How are probate fees calculated in California?

How much are probate fees in California?Estimated value of real and personal property*4 percent on the first $100,000.3 percent on the next $100,000.2 percent on the next $800,000.1 percent on the next $9 million.one-half of 1 percent on the next $15 million.Estimated attorney's Probate fees.More items...

Who pays probate attorney fees in California?

Based on the gross value of decedent's Estate (as determined by the court-appointed Probate Referee's Inventory and Appraisal of the Estate), the fees are divided in half. One half is payable to the Attorney for the Estate and the other half is payable to the Estate Representative.

How does a probate lawyer get paid?

A probate lawyer's fees are paid for by the estate, not by the executor or administrator. Many probate lawyers charge an hourly rate, which varies by location as well as by how specialized and/or experienced the attorney is (the more specialized and/or experienced, the higher the rate).Jul 10, 2017

How is executor fee calculated in California?

Under California Probate Code section 10800, the Executor, Administrator, or Personal Representative typically receives statutory compensation based on California law calculated in the following manner:4% on the first $100,000;3% on the next $100,000;2% on the next $800,000;0% on the next $9M;More items...

What is a reasonable trustee fee in California?

A reasonable hourly rate for a private trustee is often in the $25-35 per hour range. Trustees should keep a detailed log from the very beginning of all time spent doing trust-related activities, including the task completed and how long it took.

How much do probate lawyers charge per hour?

Probably the most common way for probate lawyers to charge clients is to bill by the hour. Hourly rates vary depending on where you live and how experienced (and busy) the lawyer is. In a rural area, you might be billed $150/hour; in urban areas, you're more likely to see rates of $200/hour and up.

How much does an estate have to be worth to go to probate in California?

In California, if your assets are valued at $150,000 or more and they are not directed to beneficiaries through either a trust plan, beneficiary designation, or a surviving spouse, those assets are required to go through the probate process upon your incapacity or death.Feb 15, 2017

What is the average cost of probate in California?

The 2018 fee charged to file a probate petition is $435. There will be a $435 filing fee to file the petition for final distribution of the estate assets.

How much does an attorney charge for probate?

Lawyers usually use one of three methods to charge for probate work: by the hour, a flat fee, or a percentage of the value of the estate assets. Your lawyer may let you pick how you pay—for example, $250/hour or a $1,500 flat fee for handling a routine probate case.

What is the normal fee for an executor of a will?

How much are executor fees? Executors can be paid a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage based on the gross value of the estate. When the fees are based on the estate value, they are usually tiered — like 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate, 3% of the next $100,000, and so on.Jun 25, 2021

Do you have to pay probate fees up front?

The probate application fee must be paid up-front. As a result solicitors are being bombarded by applicants trying to submit forms before the new fees come in.Mar 23, 2019

What is the probate code in California?

All probate fees are predetermined by the State of California. California Probate Code § 10810 sets the maximum fees that attorneys and personal representatives (i.e. executors, administrators, etc.) can charge for a probate. Since statutory fees and costs will the same from attorney to attorney why not pick the best firm you can, ...

How long does it take to get a probate in California?

How long does it take to probate in California. Normally in the state of California, it can take between 12 months to 2+ years depending on the circumstance. Of course, all costs are not derived from your own account, but from the proceeds of the deceased.

How to avoid probate fees?

The way to have avoided probate fees is to have an estate plan. A trust as it is called. A trust is a predefined instrument that explains how the trustor/settlor elects to distribute the inheritance to their heirs and beneficiaries. If your loved one died without a trust, then the courts will determine costs, etc.

How to avoid probate fees?

Use the following methods to help eliminate attorney fees for probate or avoid probate altogether: 1 Set up a living trust: Assets owned through a living trust do not need to be probated. 2 Title real property in joint tenancy: Real property owned as joint tenant with right of survivorship does not need to be probated. 3 Investigate probate alternatives for estates under $166,250: Small estates of less than $166,25 do not need to be administered through a full probate and can be settled using cheaper, simplified procedures. 4 File spousal property petitions to change the titles of the assets to the surviving spouse’s ownership to avoid probate. 5 Don’t hire an attorney to probate a simple uncontested estate: Using the services of a professional, experienced legal document assistant to handle the probate process will save you and the beneficiaries thousands of dollars. To determine your savings, use our probate calculator.

What are extraordinary fees?

Extraordinary fees tend to arise in the events of the sale of real property, handling creditor claims against the estate, probate litigation, or aiding in difficult tax issues while administering an estate. The probate court must approve the ordinary and extraordinary fees. However, since the estate representative usually sells real property ...

Do you need to probate a living trust?

Set up a living trust: Assets owned through a living trust do not need to be probated. Title real property in joint tenancy: Real property owned as joint tenant with right of survivorship does not need to be probated.

What is Probate?

In basic terms, probate is a legal process supervised by the court, during which the estate is distributed to the beneficiaries of a deceased person. Probate takes place after a person’s death. The probate process may include the following steps:

Probate Process. How to Probate a Will?

The process to probate a Will in California, similar to most other states in the United States, seems overwhelming, yet it’s meant for individuals to be able to do it and even though hiring a probate attorney may save you countless headaches, hiring an attorney is not required.

Fees Associated with Probate Attorneys

An attorney will take payment for probate following one of these three different fee structures: hourly rate, fixed fee, or a percentage of the estate’s value.

Probate Cost and Attorney Fees for California and other states

Now that you a general idea of how probate attorney fees break down, let’s examine other costs accrued throughout the probate process.

What is a fee in court?

A brief digression here: “fees” are different from “costs.” “Fees” are the monies paid to an attorney for prosecuting or defending the case. “Costs” are monies that are paid out of pocket during the litigation for other services, usually outside vendors. These typically include Court filing fees, fees for service of process, ...

Can attorney fees be recovered?

Though generally not recoverable, the law provides that the responsibility for attorney’s fees may be shifted from one party to another if authorized by statute or provided for in a contract. In the probate courts, there are several such statutes. The clever attorney should know and be prepared to utilize these exceptions at every phase ...

What is the California probate code?

California Probate Code 8872 (c): A personal representative of the estate can petition the court to compel a person into court, or to answer written interrogatories, concerning allegations that the person has wrongfully taken property from an estate. (See Probate Code 8870.)