PROBATE CALCULATOR

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In California, the ordinary fees for both the attorney and the personal representative (executor/administrator) are calculated using a statutory fee schedule based on the gross value of the estate. This tiered schedule applies a descending percentage to segments of the gross estate value: 4% on the first $100,000, 3% on the next $100,000, 2% on the next $800,000$, and so on. The gross value is the asset value at the time of death before subtracting debts, liens (like mortgages), or encumbrances. Both the attorney and the personal representative are entitled to this identical statutory fee for ordinary services. Additionally, the court may award "extraordinary fees" for work performed outside the usual scope of probate administration, such as estate litigation or complex property sales.