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All 50 States + Washington D.C.

U.S. Probate Costs by State

Probate costs and complexity vary dramatically by state. See what your estate may face — and why planning now can save your family thousands.

Legend: YES State estate tax applies NO No state estate tax SIMPLE Simplified / expedited process available COMPLEX Full court process typically required
State Small Estate Threshold
(skip/simplify probate)
Executor / Attorney Fees Typical Total Cost
(% of estate)
State Estate Tax Probate Complexity
Alabama$27,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoComplex
Alaska$100,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Arizona$75,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Arkansas$100,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoComplex
California$184,500Statutory: 4% of first $100K, 3% of next $100K, 2% of next $800K…4%–7%+NoComplex
Colorado$70,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Connecticut$40,000Reasonable compensation3%–6%YESComplex
Delaware$30,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoComplex
Florida$75,000Statutory: 3% of first $1M, 2.5% of next $4M…4%–7%NoComplex
Georgia$10,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoComplex
Hawaii$100,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%YESSimple
Idaho$100,000Reasonable compensation2%–4%NoSimple
Illinois$100,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%YESComplex
Indiana$50,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Iowa$25,000Statutory: 2% of first $50K, 1% next $50K, 0.5% above2%–4%NoComplex
Kansas$40,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Kentucky$15,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoComplex
Louisiana$75,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoComplex
Maine$40,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%YESSimple
Maryland$50,000Statutory: 9% of first $20K, 3.6% of balance over $20K3%–5%YESComplex
Massachusetts$25,000Reasonable compensation3%–6%YESComplex
Michigan$24,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Minnesota$75,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%YESSimple
Mississippi$10,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoComplex
Missouri$40,000Statutory: 5% of first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K…4%–6%NoComplex
Montana$50,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Nebraska$50,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%No Inheritance tax appliesSimple
Nevada$100,000Statutory: 4% of first $15K, 3% next $85K, 2% next $900K…3%–5%NoSimple
New Hampshire$10,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoComplex
New Jersey$20,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%No Inheritance tax appliesComplex
New Mexico$50,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
New York$50,000Statutory: 5% of first $100K, 4% next $200K, 3% next $700K, 2.5% next $4M…4%–6%YESComplex
North Carolina$20,000Reasonable compensation + court approval3%–5%NoComplex
North Dakota$50,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Ohio$100,000Statutory: 4% of first $100K, 3% of next $300K, 2% of balance3%–5%NoSimple
Oklahoma$200,000Statutory: 5% of first $1K, 4% of next $5K, 2.5% next $14K, 2% of balance3%–5%NoSimple
Oregon$275,000Reasonable compensation4%–6%YESComplex
Pennsylvania$50,000Reasonable compensation (typically 3%–5% by convention)3%–5%No Inheritance tax appliesComplex
Rhode Island$15,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%YESComplex
South Carolina$25,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoComplex
South Dakota$50,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Tennessee$50,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Texas$75,000Reasonable compensation (muniment of title available)2%–4%NoSimple
Utah$100,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Vermont$45,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%YESComplex
Virginia$50,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoComplex
Washington$100,000Reasonable compensation4%–6%YESSimple
West Virginia$100,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoComplex
Wisconsin$50,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Wyoming$200,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%NoSimple
Washington D.C.$40,000Reasonable compensation3%–5%YESComplex

Estimates are approximate and may vary based on estate complexity, asset types, and current state law. Small estate thresholds and statutory fee schedules are periodically updated by state legislatures. Consult an estate planning attorney for state-specific guidance.

What This Means for You

Key Takeaways

12

States Have State Estate Taxes

Your estate may face state-level taxes even if it’s below the federal threshold.

4–7%

Average Total Probate Cost

On a $500,000 estate, that’s $20,000–$35,000 or more lost to fees.

9–24

Months Typical Probate Takes

Complex estates in states like California or New York can take 2+ years.

Your State Has High Probate Costs?

A Revocable Living Trust keeps your estate out of probate entirely — regardless of your state’s fee structure. It’s the most reliable way to protect what you’ve built.

See Our Trust Packages

Ready to Protect Your Family?

A low-cost living trust, drafted by a real attorney, gives your family the protection they deserve — without probate, court control, or unnecessary cost.

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