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California Probate Statistics

Compare county-level filing fees, e-filing access, and probate process signals across California. This page is built to help families and law firms spot local cost and workflow differences before opening an estate.

Most recent county verification: January 14, 2026

What This Dataset Helps You See

Use the statewide view to compare counties before you rely on a filing-cost estimate, assume e-filing is available, or choose a county page to research in detail. Then click through to the county-specific statistics page before filing.

58

Counties with Data

58

High-Quality County Records

46

Counties with E-Filing

2

Counties Requiring E-Filing

Average Petition for Probate

$435

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

Average Spousal Property Petition

$435

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

Filing Fees by County

State-specific fee fields pulled from county probate data

CountyPetition for ProbateSpousal Property PetitionE-FilingCreditor Period
Alameda$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Alpine$435$435In-person4 mo
Amador$435$435In-person4 mo
Butte$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Calaveras$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Colusa$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Contra Costa$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Del Norte$435$435In-person4 mo
El Dorado$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Fresno$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Glenn$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Humboldt$435$435In-person4 mo
Imperial$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Inyo$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Kern$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Kings$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Lake$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Lassen$435$435In-person4 mo
Los Angeles$435$435 (Required)4 mo
Madera$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Marin$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Mariposa$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Mendocino$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Merced$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Modoc$435$435In-person4 mo
Mono$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Monterey$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Napa$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Nevada$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Orange$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Placer$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Plumas$435$435In-person4 mo
Riverside$435$435In-person4 mo
Sacramento$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
San Benito$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
San Bernardino$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
San Diego$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
San Francisco$435$435 (Required)4 mo
San Joaquin$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
San Luis Obispo$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
San Mateo$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Santa Barbara$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Santa Clara$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Santa Cruz$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Shasta$435$435In-person4 mo
Sierra$435$435In-person4 mo
Siskiyou$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Solano$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Sonoma$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Stanislaus$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Sutter$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Tehama$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Trinity$435$435In-person4 mo
Tulare$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Tuolumne$435$435In-person4 mo
Ventura$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Yolo$435$435 (Optional)4 mo
Yuba$435$435 (Optional)4 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 April 4, 2026

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.