How much are the fees of the Public Administrator?

The California Probate Code provides for statutory fees for executors, administrators and their attorneys. The Public Administrator and attorneys for the Public Administrator are entitled to the same compensation. Statutory fees are based on the value of the estate.

Statutory fees are as follows:

  • 4% of the first $100,000
  • 3% of the next $100,000
  • 2% of the next $800,000
  • 1% of all above $9,000,000
  • 0.5% of the next $15,000,000
  • Above $25 million dollars, an amount determined by the Court

In addition to statutory fees the Court, upon request, will award extraordinary fees for such extra work as selling real and personal property, petitioning for determination of heirship, litigation to collect assets, and defending actions against the estate and other similar matters. All fees must be approved by the Probate Court, in the accounting.

Show All Answers

1. What is involved in the probate of an estate, and why does it take so long?
2. Why does the Public Administrator administer estates?
3. When is the estate handled by the Public Administrator?
4. How much are the fees of the Public Administrator?
5. What is the difference between a formal probate proceeding and a summary proceeding?
6. Does the Public Administrator make a thorough investigation to discover all estate assets?
7. Will the Public Administrator make funeral arrangements?
8. Can I put in a claim for my expenses?
9. When will claims be paid?
10. What inheritance taxes or estate taxes will the estate have to pay?
11. Can you give me the exact financial status of the estate?
12. Will I receive regular reports on the progress of the estate?
13. How long does it take to administer an estate?
14. Why is estate property sold?
15. When will the estate be distributed?
16. Will I receive a statement of all receipts and disbursements?