California · Set by law
California executor fee calculator
California executor fees are set by law for the usual duties: 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, 1% of the next $9 million and 0.5% of the next $15 million. Above $25 million, the court sets a reasonable amount (Cal. Prob. Code § 10800).
Last updated
Set by law
$0
Enter the estate values to see the fee.
Source: Cal. Prob. Code §§ 10800–10805; Cal. Prob. Code § 10810. This doesn't include extra pay for extraordinary work, or anything a will or written agreement sets instead.
General information, not legal advice. Statutes change, and courts apply them to the facts of each estate. Check with the probate court or a probate attorney before you rely on a figure or a date.
California executor fee rates
| Part of the estate | Rate |
|---|---|
| First $100,000 | 4% |
| $100,000 to $200,000 | 3% |
| $200,000 to $1,000,000 | 2% |
| $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 | 1% |
| $10,000,000 to $25,000,000 | 0.5% |
Source: Cal. Prob. Code §§ 10800–10805; Cal. Prob. Code § 10810.
What the fee is based on
The appraised value of the inventory, plus any gain over that value when assets are sold, plus receipts, minus losses on sales. Mortgages and other debts on estate property aren't subtracted (Prob. Code § 10800(b)).
Worked example
- Value of the estate accounted for: $500,000
| 4% of the first $100,000 | $4,000 |
| 3% of $100,000–$200,000 | $3,000 |
| 2% of $200,000–$1,000,000 | $6,000 |
| Total | $13,000 |
What can change the amount
- The court can award extra pay for extraordinary work, such as selling real estate or handling a lawsuit (§ 10801).
- If the will sets the executor's pay, the will controls unless the court releases the executor from that clause (§ 10802).
- Co-executors split one fee, and the court decides the split (§ 10805).
- The executor's attorney is paid on the same schedule (§ 10810), on top of the executor's fee.
Common questions
How much does an executor get paid in California?
California executor fees are set by law for the usual duties: 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, 1% of the next $9 million and 0.5% of the next $15 million. Above $25 million, the court sets a reasonable amount (Cal. Prob. Code § 10800).
What is the executor fee on $500,000 in California?
The California formula gives $13,000 for the usual executor duties (set by law). Extra work, a clause in the will or a court order can change it.
Which assets count toward the executor fee in California?
The appraised value of the inventory, plus any gain over that value when assets are sold, plus receipts, minus losses on sales. Mortgages and other debts on estate property aren't subtracted (Prob. Code § 10800(b)).
Can a California executor get more or less than the formula?
The court can award extra pay for extraordinary work, such as selling real estate or handling a lawsuit (§ 10801).
What else changes executor pay in California?
If the will sets the executor's pay, the will controls unless the court releases the executor from that clause (§ 10802).
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How probate works there, how long it takes, and when you can skip it.
- California probate courts→
Phone numbers, addresses, fees and forms for each county court.
Sources
- Cal. Prob. Code §§ 10800–10805 — California Legislative Counsel
- Cal. Prob. Code § 10810 — California Legislative Counsel
We last checked the statute text against the official publishers in August 2026.