Probate bonds by the numbers
- $239,700
- Estate value above which formal California probate, and often a bond, is generally required
- California Courts
The court sets the amount, not you
A probate bond (also called an executor or administrator bond) has its amount set by the court, generally tied to the value of the estate the personal representative will handle. You do not pick the number, and you do not post the full amount. You pay an annual premium, a small percentage of it.
What you actually pay
Probate bond premiums run on a sliding scale, typically starting around 0.5% of the bond amount and declining as the bond grows. These are general figures, not a quote, and your credit and the estate factor in.
| Bond amount | Typical annual premium |
|---|---|
| Around $20,000 | Roughly $100 to $150 |
| Around $500,000 | Roughly $500 to $1,000 |
| Around $1,000,000 | Often near $2,800 |
The estate usually pays
In California the estate typically pays the premium, not the executor out of pocket. It is a cost of administering the estate, and the bond generally stays in place only for the duration of the probate.
When a bond is required, and when it is not
- Waived by the will. Many wills expressly waive the bond for the named executor, so none is required.
- Waived by the heirs. If all beneficiaries agree in writing, the court can waive the bond.
- Small estates. Estates under the California small-estate threshold often avoid formal probate altogether, so no bond comes up.
Getting it placed
When the court does require a bond, we place it fast, credit challenges included, and often coordinate with your attorney. See the full probate bond page, or if your matter is a guardianship or appeal, we place those court bonds too. Start a quote with the amount the court set.