Austin Probate Lawyer

The Cost of Probate

In brief, probate is a legal process through which the estate of a recently deceased person is managed. After all taxes and debts are paid off, the remainder of the estate is distributed to various recipients, whether or not a will has been written. Obviously, this process has the potential to be quite costly, regarding both time and money.

Time Costs

Probate can be a very time-consuming process. Clearing all the debts and taxes owed in and of itself can take a long while, depending on how organized the deceased was when he or she was alive. Any complications that arise regarding clearing these issues can greatly extend the length of the process.

Once the debts and taxes have been cleared, the estate must be distributed per the requests in the will of the departed or, if no will exists, per state law. All states also have certain laws and requirements regarding probate. These have the potential to extend the length of the process, as well. In California, for example, probate typically lasts 7-9 months, whereas the process only takes 3-6 months in other places.

Monetary Costs

There are several areas that require expenses when probate is conducted. The court, attorneys, and personal representative of the dead both charge service fees. Posting a bond is not a free process, either. This task can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the size of the estate. Fees are also incurred for tax preparation, legal notice publication, and property appraisals.

Contact Us

For more information on the costs of probate, please do not hesitate to contact the Austin probate lawyers of Slater, Kennon, & Jameson, LLC at 512-338-1100 today.