Probate Calculator
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling an estate. Costs include attorney fees, court fees, executor fees, and appraisal costs — typically 2–7% of the estate's value, depending on your state and whether a will is contested.
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What affects probate cost and time?
Attorney fees are typically the largest line item — either a flat fee ($1,500–5,000 for simple estates), hourly rates ($200–400/hr), or a percentage of the estate (3–5% is common).
Small estate procedures, available in most states for estates under $50,000–$200,000 depending on the state, can cut the process to weeks instead of months and drastically reduce legal costs.
Small estates: attorney may not be required
Most states have simplified probate for estates under $50,000–$200,000 depending on where you live. These small estate procedures take weeks instead of months and cost substantially less. For uncomplicated estates without disputes, a lawyer isn't strictly necessary — though one is worth consulting if things get complex.
Estimates only. Actual costs depend on complexity, attorney rates, and state-specific rules. Consult a probate attorney.