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Home→Tools→Probate Calculator

How Much Does Probate Cost?

Use our free calculator to estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state.

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Enter estate details

Select your state and enter an estate value to see a detailed cost estimate.

Quick examples:
West Dakota: $999,999 (99.9%)East Montana: $888,888 (88.8%)

Probate fees are typically calculated on gross estate value before deducting debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.

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Instant Estimates

Instant Estimates

Get attorney fees, executor fees, and court costs calculated in seconds.

State-Specific Data

State-Specific Data

Each state has different fee structures and requirements. We use current statutory and typical rates.

Small Estate Check

Small Estate Check

Find out if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures that save time and money.

Completely Free

Completely Free

No account required. No email. Just enter the estate value and get your estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Probate is the legal process of validating a will and distributing a deceased person's assets. It involves filing the will with the court, appointing an executor or administrator, inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The process is supervised by a probate court.

Probate costs typically range from 3% to 8% of the estate value. Major costs include attorney fees (which may be statutory or negotiable depending on the state), executor fees, court filing fees, publication costs, and potentially bond premiums. Some states like California have statutory fee schedules, while others allow reasonable compensation.

Simple estates typically take 6-9 months. Average estates take 9-18 months. Complex estates with disputes, business interests, or tax issues can take 2-3 years or longer. Timelines vary significantly by state and depend on factors like court backlogs, creditor claim periods, and whether the will is contested.

Yes, probate can often be avoided through proper estate planning. Common methods include creating a revocable living trust, using joint ownership with right of survivorship, naming beneficiaries on accounts and policies, and using payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations. Many states also offer simplified procedures for small estates.

A small estate affidavit is a simplified probate alternative for estates below a certain value threshold. It allows heirs to collect assets without formal probate by signing a sworn statement. Thresholds vary by state, ranging from $25,000 to $200,000 or more. Most states require a waiting period after death before using this procedure.

Statutory fees are set by state law as a percentage of the estate value, providing predictability but no room for negotiation. Reasonable fees (used in most states) are based on time, complexity, and local standards, allowing negotiation but less predictability. States like California have statutory fees, while states like Texas use reasonable compensation.

What is Probate?

Probate is the court-supervised legal process of validating a will and distributing a deceased person's assets. During probate, the court appoints an executor or administrator to manage the estate, pay debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.

The cost and duration of probate varies significantly by state. Some states like California have statutory fee schedules that set attorney and executor compensation by law, while most states allow "reasonable compensation" which is negotiable.

Many families can avoid probate entirely through proper estate planning, such as creating a revocable living trust, using joint ownership, or naming beneficiaries on accounts. For smaller estates, most states offer simplified procedures like small estate affidavits.

Use our calculator to estimate probate costs in your state, including attorney fees, executor compensation, court filing fees, and potential bond premiums.

Is this your situation?

Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

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Death of a Parent

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Loss of a Spouse

When you're ready, this won't take long. Settling the estate, claiming survivor benefits, retitling assets, and updating your own plan.

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How Much Can an Executor Charge?

Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.

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Who Inherits Without a Will?

Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.

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Do I Need Probate?

Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified probate, or can avoid probate entirely with a small estate affidavit.

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I'm Inheriting - What Should I Expect?

Find out what to expect when inheriting money, property, or other assets. See timeline estimates, inheritance tax implications, and understand what the executor or trustee is handling behind the scenes.

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What Are My Duties as Executor?

Complete guide for executors and personal representatives navigating probate. Court filings, creditor claims, and distribution timelines.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Get a personalized checklist for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.

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