Probate Cost Estimator
Estimate probate court costs including filing fees, attorney fees, and executor compensation based on estate value.
Probate Cost Estimate
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate.
Typical probate costs:
- Court filing fees: $200–$500
- Attorney fees: 2%–5% of estate value (or hourly)
- Executor compensation: 1%–5% of estate value
- Appraisal fees: $300–$1,000
- Accounting fees: $500–$2,000
- Publication costs: $100–$300
Some states set attorney/executor fees by statute:
- California: 4% of first $100K, 3% of next $100K, 2% of next $800K, 1% of next $9M
- New York: 5% of first $100K, 4% of next $200K, 3% of next $700K, 2.5% of next $4M
How long does probate take?
- Simple estates: 6–12 months
- Complex or contested: 1–3+ years
Avoiding probate:
- Revocable living trusts
- Joint ownership
- Beneficiary designations
- Transfer-on-death deeds
Disclaimer: Probate costs vary by state and estate complexity. This is not legal advice.