Probate Cost Calculator
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves fees charged by courts, attorneys, executors, appraisers, and accountants. This calculator estimates total probate costs by combining a percentage-based attorney fee (typical for many states), a percentage-based executor compensation, fixed court filing fees, and any additional out-of-pocket costs. Because probate rules vary significantly by state, treat all outputs as rough estimates. Consult a probate attorney in the relevant state for accurate figures.
Probate cost formula
Attorney Fees = Estate Value * (Attorney Rate / 100)
Executor Compensation = Estate Value * (Executor Rate / 100)
Total Probate Cost = Attorney Fees + Executor Compensation + Court Fee + Appraisal Fees
Probate % = Total Probate Cost / Estate Value * 100
Attorney and executor fees are often calculated on the gross estate value (before debts), not the net value. California's statutory fee schedule under Probate Code sections 10800 and 10810 sets fees on a sliding scale: 4% on the first $100,000, 3% on the next $100,000, 2% on the next $800,000, and 1% on amounts above $1,000,000 up to $9,000,000. Other states have different schedules or use reasonable-fee standards.
What probate costs cover
- Court filing fees: paid to the probate court to open and close the estate case.
- Publication fees: cost of publishing the required notice to creditors in a local newspaper.
- Attorney fees: legal work to file documents, advise the executor, and resolve disputes.
- Executor compensation: payment to the person or institution administering the estate.
- Appraisal fees: professional valuation of real property, business interests, or unusual assets.
- Accounting fees: preparation of estate income tax returns and final accountings for the court.
Probate cost calculator: frequently asked questions
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's estate is administered under court supervision. The court verifies the will (if one exists), appoints an executor or administrator, oversees the payment of debts, and authorises the distribution of assets to beneficiaries.
How much does probate typically cost?
Probate costs typically range from 3% to 8% of the gross estate value, though this varies significantly by state and estate complexity. Costs include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, appraisal fees, and accounting fees. Some states set maximum fees by statute (e.g., California uses a statutory percentage schedule).
What is executor compensation?
An executor (also called a personal representative) is entitled to reasonable compensation for administering the estate. Many states set statutory limits on executor fees, often calculated as a percentage of the estate value. Executors who are also beneficiaries sometimes waive compensation to avoid income tax on the fee.
How can I avoid probate?
Common probate-avoidance strategies include holding assets in a revocable living trust, naming beneficiaries on retirement accounts and life insurance, owning property jointly with right of survivorship, using payable-on-death bank accounts, and making outright gifts during your lifetime. These strategies should be reviewed by an estate attorney.
How long does probate take?
Simple probates in uncomplicated estates may close in 6 to 9 months. Contested estates, large or complex estates, or estates with out-of-state property can take 2 years or more. Court backlogs also affect timelines. Most states require a creditor claims period (typically 4 to 6 months after publication of notice) before the estate can be closed.
Official sources
- California Probate Code sections 10800 and 10810 (attorney and executor fee schedules): California Probate Code 10800.
- U.S. Courts, Probate (Wills and Estates): Federal Courts overview.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.