California Executor Fees Under Probate Code §10800

Under Probate Code §10800, the personal representative's compensation for ordinary services is 4% of the first $100,000, 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. The base is the appraisal value of the inventory plus gains on sales and receipts, less losses on sales — and mortgages and other encumbrances aren't subtracted. A $500,000 estate earns $13,000. The attorney's statutory fee uses the same schedule and is paid separately.

Last reviewed 2026-10-29. General information, not legal or tax advice. Check your state's probate code, the will, or a probate attorney.