3 million dollar estate whose owner passed away in India have filed for probate but does not have funds to pay for the probate lawyers fees, any help?

I assume that the decedent died in India and a probate proceeding has been initiated there.  An ancillary probate proceeding can be initiated in California if there is any property in California.  If the value of the California property is more than $150,000, then a petition for probate typically filed by an attorney would only require that the costs be paid up front, which should be about $1,500 (except for the bond).  The attorney's fees are paid towards the end of the probate case, after some property have been sold to create some cash in the estate. The short answer is, about $1,500 is required up front to start a probate action and after some property is sold, the attorney will be paid.