Probate Fee by State 2027 Calculator

Calculate probate fees by state 2027 — California highest (4% first $100k descending), Florida (~3%), Texas low (~1.5%). See estate cost + how to avoid probate.

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Probate Process

Court-supervised distribution after death. Validates will. Pays debts. Distributes remainder. Takes 6-18 months. Costs 2-4% of estate. Public record.

California's Statutory Fee

Set by state law: 4% on first $100k, 3% on next $100k, 2% on $200k-$1M, 1% on $1M-$10M, 0.5% above. Attorney AND executor each get this fee — doubled.

Living Trust Avoidance

Assets in revocable living trust avoid probate. Transfers privately to beneficiaries. Setup cost $1,500-3,000. Pays for itself if estate > $100k in probate states.

Other Probate-Avoidance

TOD/POD (Transfer on Death / Payable on Death) on bank/brokerage accounts. Beneficiary designations on retirement/insurance. Joint tenancy with right of survivorship.

Source: ABA Probate Section state surveys, americanbar.org probate costs. Last updated: May 2026.