| General Probate Lawyer Fees |
$5,000 and up |
Fees depend on case complexity. Simple cases are lower; more complex cases or litigated cases can cost more. |
| Letter of Testamentary |
$5,000 to $12,000 (Typically around $7,000) |
Minimum fee for obtaining letters testamentary, which can increase with complications such as poor will quality, errors on death certificates, or multiple parties. |
| Letter of Administration |
$5,000 to $12,000 (Typically around $7,000) |
Cost for obtaining letters of administration when someone dies without a will, including potential bond issues. |
| Estate Settlement |
3% to 6% of estate value |
Involves setting up bank accounts, collecting assets, paying debts, and filing taxes. The fee depends on the estate size, complexity, and whether attorney involvement is partial or full. |
| Estate Settlement (for simpler cases) |
Customized quote |
In simpler cases, like when the executor is the sole heir, a customized quote is possible, and the executor may not need a lawyer. |
| Closing the Estate |
$3,000 to $10,000 |
The cost of closing an estate, which can vary based on relationships between beneficiaries and any issues such as estate insolvency. |
| Contested Probate Cases (Will contests, objections, etc.) |
Hourly or Percentage Fee |
Litigated cases, such as will contests or disputes among beneficiaries, will be charged hourly or at a percentage rate. |
Probate Fees and Services
Probate Lawyer Fees and Services
| Service |
Fee |
| Representing a Distributee (Simple) |
$2,500 |
| Representing a Distributee (Complex) |
$4,500 |
| Guardianships |
On a case-by-case basis |
