How Much Does Probate Cost in Georgia?

Georgia allows estates valued at $15,000 or less to use the Bank Deposit Affidavit, which avoids full probate administration.O.C.G.A. § 7-1-239 (bank deposit affidavit), § 53-2-40 (no administration necessary), § 53-5-15/§ 53-5-16 (common/solemn form probate), § 53-6-50 (bond), § 53-6-53 (bond on mismanagement), § 53-6-60 (executor commission), § 53-7-1(b)/§ 53-7-33/§ 53-7-69 (unsupervised administration), § 53-7-6 (attorney fees), § 53-7-41 (creditor claims/publication)Verified Jul 14, 2026 The Bank Deposit Affidavit is presented directly to the bank, employer, or other holder of the property — it is not filed with a court. There is no statutory waiting period. Check eligibility with the Georgia probate need checker.

In Georgia, simple estates typically take 6-9 months. Average estates take 9-12 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets can take 12-24 months or longer.O.C.G.A. § 7-1-239 (bank deposit affidavit), § 53-2-40 (no administration necessary), § 53-5-15/§ 53-5-16 (common/solemn form probate), § 53-6-50 (bond), § 53-6-53 (bond on mismanagement), § 53-6-60 (executor commission), § 53-7-1(b)/§ 53-7-33/§ 53-7-69 (unsupervised administration), § 53-7-6 (attorney fees), § 53-7-41 (creditor claims/publication)Verified Jul 14, 2026 The 3-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

Yes — the calculator above estimates Georgia probate attorney fees from the estate value. Georgia uses a "reasonable compensation" standard, so fees depend on estate complexity, time spent, and local rates.O.C.G.A. § 53-7-6(4) (PR authorized "to provide competent legal counsel for the estate...either the personal representative or the attorney employed may, by petition to the probate court...obtain a judgment fixing the attorney's fees and expenses"; no statutory percentage) (Verified 2026-07-14)Verified Jul 14, 2026 Typical fees run 2.1% to 3.4% of estate value. It shows the attorney fee alongside executor fees, court filing fees, and the total probate cost.

Georgia has a statutory fee schedule for executor compensation.O.C.G.A. § 53-6-60(b)(1)-(4) ("Two and one-half percent commission on all sums of money received by the personal representative on account of the estate...and 2 1/2 percent commission on all sums paid out"; "Ten percent commission on the amount of interest made"; up to 3% of appraised value for delivery of property in kind; up to 10% of annual income for working land) (Verified 2026-07-14)Verified Jul 14, 2026 Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Georgia executor fee calculator.

Real property is outside this procedure in Georgia — it reaches personal property only, and real estate transfers separately.O.C.G.A. § 7-1-239 (bank deposit affidavit), § 53-2-40 (no administration necessary), § 53-5-15/§ 53-5-16 (common/solemn form probate), § 53-6-50 (bond), § 53-6-53 (bond on mismanagement), § 53-6-60 (executor commission), § 53-7-1(b)/§ 53-7-33/§ 53-7-69 (unsupervised administration), § 53-7-6 (attorney fees), § 53-7-41 (creditor claims/publication)Verified Jul 14, 2026