California Probate Limits in 2025
If you recently lost a loved one in California, one of the first legal questions you may face is whether the estate must go through probate. The answer often depends on the value of the assets left behind. California has clear monetary thresholds that determine whether probate is required, and these amounts are updated over time.
At the Law Office of Kris Mukherji, we regularly help families navigate probate and estate administration. Understanding the probate limits can save you significant time and money when handling a loved one’s estate.
California Small Estate Affidavit Thresholds
California law allows heirs to bypass formal probate if the value of the deceased’s estate is under a certain limit. Processes like the California Small Estate Affidavit procedure can make administration faster and simpler. The limit changes depending on the date of death:
- For deaths occurring on or after April 1, 2025: The probate limit is $208,850.
- For deaths occurring on or after April 1, 2022 but before April 1, 2025: The probate limit is $184,500.
- For deaths occurring before April 1, 2022: The probate limit is $166,250.
If the total value of the decedent’s probate assets is less than the applicable threshold, heirs may use simplified procedures to transfer assets without the need for formal probate court proceedings.
Explore our detailed article on the California Probate Process to learn about each step and required forms.
What Counts Toward the Probate Limit?
Not all assets are counted in determining the threshold. Assets that typically avoid probate include:
- Property held in joint tenancy or community property with right of survivorship
- Assets passing by beneficiary designation (such as life insurance or retirement accounts)
- Assets held in a trust
It is the remaining probate assets (those held in the decedent’s name alone, without a beneficiary or joint owner) that must be valued to determine whether the estate qualifies for the small estate procedure.
For additional estate planning guidance, visit our Estate Planning Practice Area and review our blog post on avoiding probate through trusts.
Why This Matters
Avoiding formal probate can save families months—or even years—of time, along with thousands of dollars in court costs and attorney’s fees. With the recent adjustment raising the limit to $208,850 for deaths occurring after April 1, 2025, even more families will qualify for simplified estate procedures.
How the Law Office of Kris Mukherji Can Help
Every estate is unique, and applying the probate threshold correctly requires careful legal review. At the Law Office of Kris Mukherji, we guide families through the probate process, help determine eligibility for the California Small Estate procedure, and handle the legal paperwork so heirs can focus on what matters most.
Interested in learning more? Read our FAQ on probate in California or contact us directly through the Contact Us page for expert help.
For more information, visit our website at www.kmsdlawoffice.com. If you need help with probate in California, contact us today for a consultation.