How Much Does Probate Cost in North Dakota?
Use our free calculator to estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Probate costs in North Dakota typically include attorney fees (based on reasonable compensation determined by the court), executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs.N.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01 (small estate affidavit), § 30.1-23-03 (summary admin), § 30.1-18-19 (PR compensation), § 30.1-18-20/21 (attorney fees), § 30.1-19-01 (notice to creditors, permissive), § 30.1-19-03 (creditor claims), § 30.1-17-03 (bond), § 30.1-14-01 (informal probate), § 30.1-18-04 (independent administration), § 30.1-18-06/07 (inventory/appraisers), § 30.1-07-01 (exempt property $15K), § 30.1-07-03(1) (family allowance $27K PR cap), § 47-18-01 (homestead $150K), § 27-05.2-03 (filing fee)Verified Jul 14, 2026 On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $25,519 — roughly 5% of estate value — varying with complexity. Use the executor fee calculator to estimate executor compensation separately.
North Dakota allows estates valued at $100,000 or less to use the Small Estate Affidavit, which avoids full probate administration.N.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01 (small estate affidavit), § 30.1-23-03 (summary admin), § 30.1-18-19 (PR compensation), § 30.1-18-20/21 (attorney fees), § 30.1-19-01 (notice to creditors, permissive), § 30.1-19-03 (creditor claims), § 30.1-17-03 (bond), § 30.1-14-01 (informal probate), § 30.1-18-04 (independent administration), § 30.1-18-06/07 (inventory/appraisers), § 30.1-07-01 (exempt property $15K), § 30.1-07-03(1) (family allowance $27K PR cap), § 47-18-01 (homestead $150K), § 27-05.2-03 (filing fee)Verified Jul 14, 2026 Estates up to $192,000 may qualify for Summary 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 days after death. Check eligibility with the North Dakota probate need checker.
In North Dakota, simple estates typically take 4-6 months. Average estates take 6-12 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets can take 12-24 months or longer.N.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01 (small estate affidavit), § 30.1-23-03 (summary admin), § 30.1-18-19 (PR compensation), § 30.1-18-20/21 (attorney fees), § 30.1-19-01 (notice to creditors, permissive), § 30.1-19-03 (creditor claims), § 30.1-17-03 (bond), § 30.1-14-01 (informal probate), § 30.1-18-04 (independent administration), § 30.1-18-06/07 (inventory/appraisers), § 30.1-07-01 (exempt property $15K), § 30.1-07-03(1) (family allowance $27K PR cap), § 47-18-01 (homestead $150K), § 27-05.2-03 (filing fee)Verified Jul 14, 2026 The 3-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.
Yes — the calculator above estimates North Dakota probate attorney fees from the estate value. North Dakota uses a "reasonable compensation" standard, so fees depend on estate complexity, time spent, and local rates.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 Jul 14, 2026 Typical fees run 1.8% to 2.9% of estate value. It shows the attorney fee alongside executor fees, court filing fees, and the total probate cost.
North Dakota allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-19 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 14, 2026 Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the North Dakota executor fee calculator.
Real property is outside this procedure in North Dakota — it reaches personal property only, and real estate transfers separately.N.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01 (small estate affidavit), § 30.1-23-03 (summary admin), § 30.1-18-19 (PR compensation), § 30.1-18-20/21 (attorney fees), § 30.1-19-01 (notice to creditors, permissive), § 30.1-19-03 (creditor claims), § 30.1-17-03 (bond), § 30.1-14-01 (informal probate), § 30.1-18-04 (independent administration), § 30.1-18-06/07 (inventory/appraisers), § 30.1-07-01 (exempt property $15K), § 30.1-07-03(1) (family allowance $27K PR cap), § 47-18-01 (homestead $150K), § 27-05.2-03 (filing fee)Verified Jul 14, 2026
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