When families think about probate, they often picture a straightforward process where the court confirms the will and distributes assets. But in reality, probate in California can be expensive—and those costs often come as a surprise to beneficiaries. Between court fees, attorney expenses, and appraisal costs, probate can eat into the value of the estate.

If you’re a beneficiary waiting for your inheritance, it’s important to understand these hidden costs—and how an inheritance advance from Approved Inheritance Cash can help you manage expenses along the way.

Common Probate Costs in California

1. Court Filing Fees

Every probate case in California requires multiple filings with the court, and each filing comes with a fee. These fees can add up quickly, especially if the case is complicated or drags on for months.

2. Attorney’s Fees

Probate attorneys in California are often paid a percentage of the estate’s value. This means the larger the estate, the more the legal fees—regardless of how much work is involved. In some cases, this can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

3. Executor’s Fees

The executor (or personal representative) of the estate is also entitled to compensation. Like attorney’s fees, executor fees are based on the value of the estate, not necessarily the difficulty of the work.

4. Appraisal and Valuation Costs

Real estate, jewelry, business interests, and other assets must often be appraised during probate. Professional appraisals add more costs to the process.

5. Ongoing Property Expenses

If the estate includes property, expenses like mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance, and property taxes must be paid until the estate is settled. These costs can drain estate funds before beneficiaries ever see their share.

The Impact on Beneficiaries

All of these costs are paid out of the estate itself. That means less money is ultimately available for heirs and beneficiaries. In some cases, these hidden expenses can significantly reduce the inheritance you expected to receive.

Meanwhile, you may be dealing with your own financial challenges—housing, tuition, medical bills, or debt—without access to the inheritance that could help you.

How an Inheritance Advance Can Help

While probate costs can’t be avoided, you don’t have to let them derail your financial stability. An inheritance advance from Approved Inheritance Cash gives you access to the money you’re entitled to without waiting for probate to finish.

Here’s why it works:

• Fast Access to Funds: You receive cash in days, not months or years.
• No Monthly Payments: Repayment comes directly from your inheritance when probate closes.
• No Credit Checks or Collateral: Approval is based on your share of the estate, not your credit score or income.
• Peace of Mind: You can handle your own expenses without worrying about how probate costs are eating away at the estate.

Final Thoughts

Probate in California is not only slow—it’s expensive. Court fees, attorney’s fees, executor compensation, and appraisal costs all reduce the value of the estate before it’s distributed. As a beneficiary, this can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you’re facing your own financial challenges.

At Approved Inheritance Cash, we understand what you’re going through. That’s why we offer inheritance advances that help you access your funds quickly and without added stress. If probate delays and costs are making life difficult, contact us today to see how we can help.