Probate Cost by State 2027
Probate cost varies wildly: CA 4% + fees ($30K on $1M). FL/NY 3-5%. TX 1-2%. Summary procedures under $200K save 50%+.
| Estate value | — |
| State | — |
| Complexity | — |
| State rate | — |
| Complexity multiplier | — |
| Total probate cost | — |
| Trust avoidance savings | — |
Probate costs vary dramatically by state. California probate fees: 4% statutory attorney + 4% executor = 8% total on first $100K, sliding down. Texas: 1-2% typical. Florida: 3-5%. Living Trust avoids probate entirely — saves 80-90% of probate cost.
State-Specific Costs
California: highest, statutory % schedule ($46K on $1M estate). New York: high attorney fees. Florida: moderate ($30K-$50K on $1M). Texas: independent administration available, much cheaper. Pennsylvania, Wisconsin: lower cost states.
Summary Procedures
Most states offer simplified probate for small estates. Threshold varies: $25K (some states) to $200K (CA simplified). Faster (months vs year+) and cheaper (50-80% less). Often DIY-friendly.
Trust Avoidance Strategy
Living trust costs $2-5K to set up but avoids probate entirely. Direct distribution to heirs. Private (not public probate). Saves: 80-90% of probate cost. Best for: estates over $200K, real estate in high-cost-probate states, multiple beneficiaries.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: ABA Probate Cost.