Probate
2025 California Probate Law Update – What Your Need To Know
Major changes are here. If a loved one passed away after April 1, 2025, you may be eligible to avoid a formal probate entirely—saving time, money, and stress.
California’s updated Probate Code §13150 now allows families to transfer a decedent’s primary residence valued up to $750,000—without going through full probate. Combined with a Small Estate Affidavit for personal property up to $184,500, you could manage nearly $1 million in assets without the traditional court process.
Sandoval Legacy Group is your trusted resource for navigating these new rules. Whether you’re an attorney, executor, or family member, we help you make informed legal decisions with clarity and confidence.
To learn more about how probate works and what to expect during the process, visit our main Probate Administration page.
What Changed Under California Probate Law in 2025?
Effective April 1, 2025:
- Primary residence limit increased from $166,250 to $750,000 under Probate Code §13150
- Applies to decedents who passed away on or after April 1, 2025
- Personal property limit remains $184,500 under Probate Code §13100
- You may use both procedures together if all eligibility requirements are met
These updates aim to simplify probate for modest estates while reducing court backlogs. But they come with caveats—and that’s where expert legal guidance matters.
Who Can Benefit From These Changes?
- Families inheriting a primary residence with a market value under $750,000
- Executors and beneficiaries seeking a faster, lower-cost probate alternative
- Attorneys and advisors serving clients with estates under $934,500
If done correctly, using the streamlined small estate procedures can cut legal costs by over 60%.
Example: Probate on a $934,500 estate might cost $23,000+ in attorney and court fees. Using the new law, total costs could be reduced to $7,500 or less.
Visual Idea for Designer (Optional): “Side-by-Side Cost Comparison Graphic” Left: Formal Probate – $23,000+ | Right: Small Estate Process – $7,500 or less Include visual icons: gavel (formal court), house icon (residence), handshake (streamlined process)
Key Legal Considerations – What to Watch Out For
- Creditor Liability: Small estate procedures do not notify creditors. If the decedent had unpaid debts, heirs could be personally liable after receiving assets.
- Real Property Limitations: The $750,000 cap applies only to the decedent’s primary residence. Vacation homes, rental properties, and commercial buildings are still bound by the lower $166,250 threshold.
- Property Tax Reassessment: This new petition does not stop reassessment. If a child plans to live in the inherited residence, additional forms must be filed with the assessor’s office to avoid property tax increases.
Why Choose Sandoval Legacy Group?
With over 75 years of combined probate experience in Southern California, our attorneys are recognized leaders in estate law. Two of our attorneys are Super Lawyers and two more are Rising Stars. We’ve guided thousands through probate with clarity, compassion, and legal precision.
Whether you’re a legal professional or a grieving family member, we’ll walk you through your options—and help you make the best decision.
📞 Call us at (888) 306-5699 or Contact Us Online to book your free one-hour consultation. Let’s discuss whether these new probate rules apply to your family’s situation.
Sandoval Legacy Group now has offices located across Southern California, including Riverside, Orange, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino County, with hours designed to accommodate busy work schedules and life events.
Download Our Free Comprehensive Probate 101 eBook:
What is covered:
- The basic facts of the Probate Process and how to use it
- The steps and costs to administer a Probate Case
- Using an attorney
- The role of the person in charge of the Probate … and if they need insurance to protect themselves
- The bills, taxes, and debts of a deceased person
- Assets and how to divide them
- Heirs, Inheritance, and Property Taxes
- If the deceased person’s affairs remain private or go public
- If court proceedings are necessary
- Probate Process Timeline/Flow Chart
To speak with one of our highly skilled probate attorneys in Riverside County, Orange County, San Diego County, San Bernardino, or Los Angeles county, contact us today or call Sandoval Legacy Group at (888) 502-2881
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With office locations throughout Southern California, Sandoval Legacy Group, a division of Holstrom, Block & Parke, offers comprehensive and personalized estate planning, special needs planning, trust administration, probate, and conservatorships expert services in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, San Diego County, and Los Angeles County.
Why Choose Us?
Estate Planning
A comprehensive approach to estate planning that preserves your family’s legacy and wealth based on your individual circumstances.
Elder Law
Prepare for the unexpected by obtaining a medical power of attorney, healthcare directives, and eldercare options.
Probate
Please contact us if you need representation in probate court, or if you wish to avoid probate court altogether. Incorporating probate avoidance strategies into your overall estate plan is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones.
Special Needs Trusts
In addition to being members of the Special Needs Alliance and the Academy of Special Needs Planners, our law firm can also advise you regarding the intricacies of administering a Special Needs Trust.