Is the probate filing fee the same in every California county?

Almost. The base fee is set statewide, but Riverside County and San Francisco County add a local courthouse-construction surcharge, so some amounts are higher there. County pages show the exact local figure.

What does the $435 fee not include?

Serving the other party (billed separately by the sheriff, constable, process server, or clerk), certified copies, publication notices where required, and attorney's fees. The notes above cover what service typically costs for this case type.

California Probate Filing Fees by County

Filing a probate case in California costs $435, paid to the Superior Court Clerk (Superior Court (Probate Division)). That base fee holds in 56 of 58 counties; Riverside and San Francisco add a local surcharge.

Filing	Fee
First petition for letters of administration or letters testamentary Gov. Code §§ 70650(a), 70602.5, 70602.6	$435
First objection to probate of a will, or petition to revoke probate Gov. Code §§ 70650(b), 70602.5, 70602.6	$435

Source: Superior Court of California — Statewide Civil Fee Schedule (effective Jan. 1, 2026) — schedule dated 2026-01-01, last checked 2026-08-25.

The same first-paper fee is charged for each later petition for letters filed by a different person.
Publication of the required probate notice in a newspaper is separate and varies by paper, commonly $200 to $600.

Probate fees by county

Common questions

Is the probate filing fee the same in every California county?: Almost. The base fee is set statewide, but Riverside County and San Francisco County add a local courthouse-construction surcharge, so some amounts are higher there. County pages show the exact local figure.
What does the $435 fee not include?: Serving the other party (billed separately by the sheriff, constable, process server, or clerk), certified copies, publication notices where required, and attorney's fees. The notes above cover what service typically costs for this case type.