Probate Cost Calculator

Settling an estate carries costs that are easy to misjudge, and this tool gives executors and beneficiaries an early read on attorney fees, court charges, and how long the whole process is likely to take. Having those numbers in hand, particularly with 2026 tax law changes on the horizon, makes it easier to plan finances during a difficult stretch. The goal is to pull back the curtain on a process that often feels deliberately opaque.

Attorney costs are modeled on a tiered, percentage-based scale that generally runs from 2 to 5% of the gross estate, shifting with the state and the complexity of the case. Court filing fees draw on average state-specific rates: California filings can begin near $435 for estates over $250,000, while New York may charge around $215 for estates of that size, based on 2026 projections. Timeline estimates follow typical probate court processing, which commonly stretches anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

One thing people frequently get wrong is the value of non-probate assets, which skip probate itself yet can still trigger estate taxes or administrative expenses. It is also worth weighing alternatives such as a revocable living trust, which can sidestep probate altogether and save considerable time and money. For decisions that affect a specific estate, a qualified estate planning attorney remains the right source of advice.