How Much Does Probate Cost in North Dakota?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in North Dakota costs an estimated $24,994N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-21 (court reviews the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage schedule); § 30.1-18-20 (estate pays reasonable attorney's fees)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees run 1.8%N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-21 (court reviews the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage schedule); § 30.1-18-20 (estate pays reasonable attorney's fees)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.9%N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-21 (court reviews the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage schedule); § 30.1-18-20 (estate pays reasonable attorney's fees)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Probate costs in North Dakota typically include attorney fees of typically 1.8%N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-21 (court reviews the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage schedule); § 30.1-18-20 (estate pays reasonable attorney's fees)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.9%N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-21 (court reviews the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage schedule); § 30.1-18-20 (estate pays reasonable attorney's fees)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $24,994N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-21 (court reviews the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage schedule); § 30.1-18-20 (estate pays reasonable attorney's fees)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, roughly 5% of estate value, varying with complexity. Estimate executor compensation separately with the North Dakota executor fee calculator.
North Dakota allows estates valued at $100,000N.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less to use the Small Estate AffidavitN.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. The Small Estate Affidavit is presented directly to the bank, employer, or other holder of the property — it is not filed with a court. The waiting period is 30 daysN.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death. Estates up to $192,000N.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01Verified Sep 8, 2026View source may qualify for Summary AdministrationN.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Check eligibility with the North Dakota probate need checker.
In North Dakota, simple estates typically take 4 months to 6 months, and average estates 6 months to 12 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets take longer. The creditor claim period of 3 monthsN.D.C.C. §§ 30.1-19-01, 30.1-19-03, 30.1-19-05, 30.1-19-06Verified Sep 15, 2026View source runs from the first publication of the creditor notice, which follows the executor's appointment.
Yes. The probate calculator on this page estimates North Dakota probate attorney fees from the estate value, with attorney fees of typically 1.8%N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-21 (court reviews the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage schedule); § 30.1-18-20 (estate pays reasonable attorney's fees)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.9%N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-21 (court reviews the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage schedule); § 30.1-18-20 (estate pays reasonable attorney's fees)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate. On a $500,000 estate, typical fees run 1.8%N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-21 (court reviews the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage schedule); § 30.1-18-20 (estate pays reasonable attorney's fees)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.9%N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-21 (court reviews the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage schedule); § 30.1-18-20 (estate pays reasonable attorney's fees)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of its value; the percentage runs higher on smaller estates and lower on larger ones. It shows the attorney fee alongside executor fees, court filing fees, and the total probate cost.
North Dakota allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules payN.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-19 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the North Dakota executor fee calculator.
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