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California Probate Statistics

Compare county-level filing fees, e-filing access, and probate process signals across California. Use the statewide view to spot local differences, then confirm the county page before filing.

Data for all 58 California counties, most recently verified January 14, 2026.

Average Petition for Probate

$435

County averages are directional only. Always confirm the live county fee schedule before filing.

Average Spousal Property Petition

$435

Other fee categories often capture summary or simplified administration cost differences.

Filing fees are only part of the cost. Estimate total probate costs with the California fee calculator.

Where the Petition for Probate Differs

58 of the 58 counties with a captured fee charge $435. No county in this dataset charges a different amount.

See every countyAll 58 counties: filing fees, e-filing status, and creditor periods

Swipe sideways to see every column.

CountyPetition for ProbateSpousal Property PetitionE-FilingCreditor Period
Alameda$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Alpine$435$435In-person4 mo
Amador$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Butte$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Calaveras$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Colusa$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Contra Costa$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Del Norte$435$435In-person4 mo
El Dorado$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Fresno$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Glenn$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Humboldt$435$435In-person4 mo
Imperial$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Inyo$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Kern$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Kings$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Lake$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Lassen$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Los Angeles$435$435✓ (Required)4 mo
Madera$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Marin$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Mariposa$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Mendocino$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Merced$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Modoc$435$435In-person4 mo
Mono$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Monterey$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Napa$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Nevada$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Orange$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Placer$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Plumas$435$435In-person4 mo
Riverside$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Sacramento$435$435✓ Available4 mo
San Benito$435$435✓ Available4 mo
San Bernardino$435$435✓ Available4 mo
San Diego$435$435✓ Available4 mo
San Francisco$435$435✓ (Required)4 mo
San Joaquin$435$435✓ Available4 mo
San Luis Obispo$435$435✓ Available4 mo
San Mateo$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Santa Barbara$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Santa Clara$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Santa Cruz$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Shasta$435$435In-person4 mo
Sierra$435$435In-person4 mo
Siskiyou$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Solano$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Sonoma$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Stanislaus$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Sutter$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Tehama$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Trinity$435$435In-person4 mo
Tulare$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Tuolumne$435$435In-person4 mo
Ventura$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Yolo$435$435✓ Available4 mo
Yuba$435$435✓ Available4 mo

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the California probate statistics on this page measure?
This page compares county-level filing fees, e-filing availability, creditor-claim periods, and data coverage so you can see how probate logistics vary across California.
Why do probate costs vary by county within California?
Counties can charge different filing fees, certification fees, and local add-on costs. They can also vary on e-filing rules, hearing logistics, and which simplified procedures are easiest to access.
Should I rely on the state average before I file?
No. Use the averages for comparison, but confirm the exact county page before filing. Probate fees and submission requirements can change, and local clerk instructions control the real filing process.

Information current as of May 31, 2026

Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in California can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.