Compare Probate Requirements

    Compare estate rules across US states and Canadian provinces — including cross-border comparisons.

    Criteria California (CA)🇺🇸 Ontario🇨🇦
    Court System Superior Court — Probate Division Surrogate / Probate Court
    Community Property Yes N/A (Canada)
    UPC Adopted No N/A (Canada)
    State Estate Tax None N/A
    Inheritance Tax None N/A
    Probate Fee Structure PERCENTAGE (STATUTORY) Varies
    Est. Cost ($500K Estate) $435–$470 (varies by county) Threshold: CAD $50,000
    Small Estate Threshold $208,850 CAD $50,000
    Creditor Claim Period 4 months Varies by province
    Typical Timeline 9–18 months 3–9 months
    Digital Filing Varies by county (e.g., Los Angeles uses LASC e-filing) Varies
    Bond Requirement Usually required. Amount set by court based on estate value. Can be waived by will or consent of all beneficiaries. No, if named in will
    Unique Feature Community property state — surviving spouse's half is not subject to probate Estate Administration Tax: 0.5% on first $50K, 1.5% on remainder.

    California (CA) 🇺🇸

    Court System
    Superior Court — Probate Division
    Community Property
    Yes
    UPC Adopted
    No
    State Estate Tax
    None
    Inheritance Tax
    None
    Probate Fee Structure
    PERCENTAGE (STATUTORY)
    Est. Cost ($500K Estate)
    $435–$470 (varies by county)
    Small Estate Threshold
    $208,850
    Creditor Claim Period
    4 months
    Typical Timeline
    9–18 months
    Digital Filing
    Varies by county (e.g., Los Angeles uses LASC e-filing)
    Bond Requirement
    Usually required. Amount set by court based on estate value. Can be waived by will or consent of all beneficiaries.
    Unique Feature
    Community property state — surviving spouse's half is not subject to probate

    Ontario 🇨🇦

    Court System
    Surrogate / Probate Court
    Community Property
    N/A (Canada)
    UPC Adopted
    N/A (Canada)
    State Estate Tax
    N/A
    Inheritance Tax
    N/A
    Probate Fee Structure
    Varies
    Est. Cost ($500K Estate)
    Threshold: CAD $50,000
    Small Estate Threshold
    CAD $50,000
    Creditor Claim Period
    Varies by province
    Typical Timeline
    3–9 months
    Digital Filing
    Varies
    Bond Requirement
    No, if named in will
    Unique Feature
    Estate Administration Tax: 0.5% on first $50K, 1.5% on remainder.

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    Estate laws vary significantly by jurisdiction and change over time. This comparison is for educational purposes — consult a local attorney for specific legal advice.

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