Review essential steps involved in basic estate planning.
Fill out the form on the left and click "Calculate" to see your estimated costs, state comparisons, and savings analysis.
Detailed breakdown and state comparisons
Average hourly rates for estate planning
Understanding the financial side of estate planning and probate can feel overwhelming—especially when fees vary wildly by state, asset complexity, and legal needs. That’s why we built a free, user-friendly Estate Planning & Probate Cost Calculator: to help you estimate potential expenses without the guesswork, and empower you to make informed decisions about your estate strategy.
After working with hundreds of individuals navigating estate planning, we’ve seen firsthand how lack of clarity around costs leads to delayed decisions or unexpected bills. This tool was designed to fill that gap—rooted in real-world data on state-specific fees, attorney pricing models, and common estate scenarios.
At its core, this calculator is a digital tool that generates personalized cost estimates for two critical estate-related processes: estate planning (creating wills, trusts, and advance directives) and probate (the legal process of administering an estate after someone passes). Unlike generic online calculators that rely on one-size-fits-all numbers, ours accounts for the nuanced factors that drive costs in the U.S.—from which state you live in to the complexity of your assets.
Key Differentiator: Most calculators only focus on probate fees or estate planning costs—not both. Ours lets you toggle between both scenarios, compare costs side-by-side, and see how variables like marital status or attorney fee structures (hourly vs. percentage-based) impact your bottom line.
The tool is built with a simple, intuitive structure split into two main tabs (Planning and Probate) to keep the experience focused, even for users new to estate terminology. Here’s a breakdown of its core components:
State Selection: Fees for probate and estate planning vary dramatically by state (e.g., California’s probate fees are based on a percentage of the estate value, while Texas often uses hourly rates). The calculator pulls state-specific baseline data to ensure estimates are grounded in local norms.
Estate Planning Module: Captures details like marital status, asset complexity (simple vs. high-net-worth), and additional legal documents (living wills, power of attorney, trusts) to estimate will-drafting and planning fees.
Probate Module: Asks for estate value, probate complexity (uncontested vs. contested), and attorney fee structure (hourly, flat fee, or percentage) to calculate probate administration costs.
Scenario Comparison: After inputting your details, the tool generates a "current scenario" estimate and an "alternative scenario" (e.g., how much you might save with a trust vs. probate) to highlight cost tradeoffs.
Results Visualization: Simple, easy-to-read charts and summary cards break down costs, so you don’t have to parse spreadsheets or confusing jargon.
Results Export: A copy function lets you save your estimates to share with financial advisors or legal professionals for further discussion.
Structurally, the calculator is optimized for both desktop and mobile use—critical for users who might research estate planning on-the-go. Buttons and input fields are sized for touchscreens, and the layout shifts from two columns (desktop) to a single column (mobile) to avoid cramped, hard-to-read forms.
Using the tool doesn’t require any legal or financial expertise—just honest input about your situation. Here’s how to get the most accurate estimates:
Step 1: Choose Your Focus (Planning or Probate)
Start by selecting the "Planning" tab if you’re creating a will/trust, or the "Probate" tab if you’re estimating costs for administering an existing estate. The tabs are clearly labeled and easy to switch between if you want to explore both.
Step 2: Enter State & Basic Personal Details
Select your state of residence (or the state where the estate will be probated) and answer basic questions (e.g., marital status for planning, estate value for probate). These details are the foundation of accurate estimates—skip them, and the numbers will be too generic to use.
Step 3: Detail Your Asset/Needs Complexity
For estate planning: Indicate if your assets are simple (e.g., a home and savings account) or complex (e.g., multiple properties, business ownership, international assets). For probate: Note if the estate is uncontested (smooth) or contested (disputes among heirs), as this drives significant cost differences.
Step 4: Add Optional Legal Documents/Fee Structure
For planning: Check boxes for additional documents (living will, healthcare power of attorney) if you need them—each adds a small but meaningful amount to total costs. For probate: Select the attorney fee structure you’re considering (hourly is most common, but some states allow percentage-based fees).
Step 5: Review & Compare Results
The calculator will generate a cost range (not a fixed number—fees vary even within states) and a scenario comparison. Take time to review the "alternative scenario"—it often highlights how small decisions (e.g., adding a trust) can impact long-term costs.
Step 6: Save Your Results (Optional)
Use the copy function to save your estimate to your device. This is helpful if you want to discuss numbers with a legal professional or compare estimates over time.
After reviewing dozens of estate cost calculators, we noticed two major flaws: they either oversimplify (ignoring state laws) or overcomplicate (requiring users to input obscure legal terms). Our tool strikes a balance by focusing on actionable variables—those that real people actually have control over.
For example, many calculators ask for "number of heirs" but don’t explain how that impacts costs. Ours skips overly granular questions and instead focuses on "probate complexity" (a simpler way to capture heir disputes) because that’s what drives fees in practice. We also avoid jargon: instead of "testamentary trust," we frame it as "additional trust document" with a brief, plain-language description.
Another key strength is the focus on ranges, not exact numbers. Estate and probate fees are never fixed—attorneys adjust rates based on experience, location, and case complexity. By providing a range (e.g., $1,500–$3,000 for a simple will in Florida), we set realistic expectations, whereas fixed-number calculators often lead to disappointment when users get real-world quotes.
Even with a calculator, it’s easy to fall for myths about estate planning fees. Here are a few we hear often:
Myth 1: "Probate is free if you have a will."
False—probate fees (court costs, attorney fees, filing fees) apply whether you have a will or not. A will makes probate smoother, but not free. Our calculator accounts for this by including court costs in probate estimates.
Myth 2: "Estate planning costs the same in every state."
Not even close. For example, a basic will in New York might cost $1,000–$2,000, while the same will in Iowa could be $500–$1,000. State bar associations set fee guidelines, and cost of living drives regional differences.
Myth 3: "Hourly fees are always better than percentage fees for probate."
It depends on the estate value. For small estates (under $100k), hourly fees are often cheaper. For larger estates (over $500k), percentage fees might be more predictable (but always negotiate—attorneys are often flexible).
This Estate Planning & Probate Cost Calculator is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, financial advice, or a legal service. The estimates generated by the tool are based on general industry data and state-specific baseline information, but individual costs may vary based on factors not captured by the calculator (e.g., attorney experience, unique estate circumstances, changes to state laws). This tool is not intended to replace consultation with a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or other qualified professional in your state. Estate planning and probate laws vary by jurisdiction, and no online tool can account for all local legal requirements or individual circumstances. Always consult with a licensed professional in your state before making decisions about estate planning or probate administration.
We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the calculator or the estimates it generates. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this calculator.