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Comprehensive Planning

When it comes to comprehensive estate planning, there are three key objectives that everyone should aim for: ensuring your loved ones are spared from the burden of probate costs, minimizing family conflicts, and clearly outlining how your beneficiaries will receive their inheritance. We understand that each person’s life is unique, so we take the time to listen to your story—your financial aspirations, healthcare needs, and family dynamics—before crafting a plan that’s tailored just for you. While the thought of planning for the inevitable might seem overwhelming, taking the time to create a solid plan will bring peace of mind and a sense of relief. We're here to guide you every step of the way!

 

Take the First Steps Toward Securing Your Legacy:

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Step 1: Assess Your Assets.

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Before you begin planning, it’s crucial to understand the full scope of your estate. This means taking inventory of all your assets and creating a clear framework to guide the process. We'll provide you with an easy-to-follow worksheet that helps you categorize your assets. Based on your responses, we’ll recommend the best estate planning strategies and documents to ensure your assets are properly aligned with your goals.

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Step 2: Decide Who Will Inherit.

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Who do you want to benefit from your hard-earned assets when you’re gone? This is one of the most important decisions in your estate plan. Whether it’s ensuring your family is financially protected, providing for your children, or leaving a legacy to a favorite cause, we’ll help you structure your plan to reflect your wishes. With the right planning, you can provide security for those you love, no matter what the future holds.

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Step 3: Choose Trusted Fiduciaries.

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Who will be in charge of carrying out your wishes when you're no longer here? The person you choose as the executor of your will will ensure your affairs are handled according to your instructions. If you have a trust, the trustee will manage and distribute your assets according to your plan. Additionally, you can name a trusted individual to make important healthcare decisions on your behalf should you become unable to, as well as nominate a guardian for any minor children. Choosing the right fiduciaries is essential to making sure your plans are carried out seamlessly and with care.

What Are the Costs of Probate in California?

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The costs of probate in California can vary widely, depending on factors such as the estate's size, complexity, and the specific requirements outlined in California's probate laws. Court fees are a required part of the probate process and include the costs associated with filing probate petitions and publishing legal notices. Additionally, attorney and executor fees are often calculated as a percentage of the estate’s value, which can increase the overall cost, especially for larger estates. Appraisal fees are based on the value of the estate's gross assets, and there may also be costs for certifying documents. Consider that gross value does not consider any debts owed on property!

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California Probate Court Filing Fee

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One of the first steps in the probate process is paying a filing fee. As of 2024, this fee is $435, which must be paid when the executor or administrator files a petition to open a probate case. It's important to verify the most current filing fee with the local probate court, as these fees can change over time. This filing fee is just one component of the total probate expenses, and it is necessary to proceed with the process. If the filing fee presents a financial hardship, individuals may be able to apply for a waiver, provided they meet the criteria for economic hardship.

However, it's worth noting that additional administrative fees may arise during the probate process, often totaling more than $1,000.

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Extraordinary Fees

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Extraordinary fees differ from standard probate fees and are paid to executors, personal representatives, or attorneys for tasks that require more than the usual effort or specialized expertise. These tasks might include handling complex legal disputes, managing a decedent's business, addressing environmental issues with real estate, or dealing with complicated tax matters.

If these extraordinary circumstances arise, the court may approve additional compensation to cover the services provided. However, these fees are not guaranteed and are subject to the court’s discretion, depending on the nature of the work involved.​

Probate Fees for Administering

an Estate

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California has set statutory fee schedules to compensate executors, personal representatives, and attorneys involved in probate. These fees are based on a percentage of the gross value of the estate, which is the total value of all assets before deducting debts. The fee structure is as follows:​

 

Estate Value           Probate Fee

First $100,000                 4%

Next $100,000                3%

Next $800,000                2%

Next $9 million             1%

Next $15 million          0.5%

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For illustration, an estate valued at $3,000,000 would incur probate fees in the range of $210,000!

 

Click HERE to estimate probate fees for your estate!

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