What probate costs do heirs pay on top of a will in Texas?

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Texas costs about $31,609 — roughly 6% of estate value — including attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs (Tex. Est. Code §§ 205.001/205.006 (small estate), 256.003 (4-year will filing deadline), 257.001 (muniment of title), 305.101 (bond), 308.051 (publication), 352.002 (executor commission; cash-flow base with § 352.002(b) exclusions and 5% gross-FMV cap), 352.051 (attorney fees), 355.001 (general claim presentment), 355.060 (121-day claim bar), 401.001-401.003 (independent administration); Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code § 135.102 (consolidated probate filing fee, S.B. 41 2021); re-verified 2026-07-14 against tcss.legis.texas.gov (codified Estates Code text)). These costs are paid by the estate before assets transfer to beneficiaries, reducing the total inheritance.

How Much Does a Will Cost in Texas?

Compare will costs across providers in Texas. Includes document purchase, annual subscriptions, life event fees, and probate costs your heirs will pay.

State

Document Type

Estate Value

Used to calculate probate costs when your estate is distributed

Plan Type

IndividualCouple

Life Events (next 5 years)

Select events that might happen. These affect costs on some platforms.

Get marriedHave a baby

Cost estimates based on published pricing. Actual costs may vary.Pricing verified June 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Will costs in Texas depend on the provider. Online services range from $30-$300 upfront. Attorneys in Texas charge around $387/hour for wills and estates, putting a simple will between $1,161 and $2,322. The document is only part of the cost: probate on a $500,000 estate in Texas adds about $31,609 in fees that heirs pay later.

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Texas costs about $31,609 — roughly 6% of estate value — including attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. These costs are paid by the estate before assets transfer to beneficiaries, reducing the total inheritance. Estimate the full cost with the Texas probate calculator.

A will does not avoid probate in Texas — probate is the court-supervised process that validates the will, pays debts, and distributes assets. Estates under $75,000 may qualify for a simplified small-estate procedure instead of full probate. A revocable living trust transfers assets to beneficiaries without probate at any estate size.

Online will services cost $30-$300 upfront compared to $1,161-$2,322 for an attorney in Texas. Either way, the will goes through the same probate process. Total cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and the eventual probate expenses heirs will pay.

Life events like marriage, divorce, or having a child require updating your will. Some online providers require purchasing a new document. Attorney amendments in Texas cost $413 to $826 for minor changes and $1,652 to $3,304 for major restructuring.

Texas has specific requirements for executing a valid will, including witness and notary rules. A will that does not meet these requirements may not be accepted during probate. See the full requirements with the Texas signing requirements tool.

Will Costs in Texas

Will creation costs in Texas range from $30-$300 (online) to $1,161-$2,322 (attorney at $366/hour). Unlike a trust, a will still requires probate — about $31,609 on a $500,000 estate — so the true cost includes both the upfront document fee and the probate expenses your family will face later.

Texas probate takes 4 months to 6 months for simple estates. Attorney fees during probate are reasonable compensation. Estates under $75,000 may qualify for a simplified procedure, but larger estates face the full process. The Texas probate calculator estimates these costs.

Texas has specific rules for signing a valid will, including witness counts and notarization. A will that does not meet these requirements may be rejected by the probate court. The Texas signing requirements outline exactly what is needed.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 14, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Texas statutes and official state code. How we research.

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