Texas Probate Costs and Attorney Fees (2026)

Texas probate costs vary by estate complexity and size. Here's what to budget.

Non-Attorney Costs

Expense	Cost
Probate court filing fee	$200 - $400
Death certificates (10)	$150 - $250
Inventory filing	$50 - $100
Publication of notice	$200 - $400
Appraisals (if needed)	$500 - $3,000
CPA/tax services	$1,000 - $2,500
Subtotal	$2,100 - $6,650

Attorney Fees

Texas has no statutory fee schedule like California. Attorneys typically charge:

• Flat fee: $3,000 to $8,000 for uncontested probate
• Hourly rate: $200 to $400 per hour
• Percentage: Some negotiate a percentage of estate value (typically 1-3%)

For a $200,000 probate estate with an uncontested will, expect total legal fees of $4,000 to $7,000.

Small Estate Affidavit Costs

Estates under $75,000 with no real property:

Item	Cost
Death certificates	$150 - $250
Notary	$10 - $30
Document copies	$20 - $50
Postage	$30 - $50
Total	$210 - $380

Real Example: $180,000 Texas Estate

Category	Cost
Filing and court costs	$400 - $600
Death certificates and publishing	$400 - $600
Appraisals (if real property)	$800 - $1,200
CPA/tax services	$1,000 - $1,500
Attorney fees (flat fee typical)	$4,000 - $6,000
Total	$6,600 - $9,900

Ways to Reduce Costs

1. Use small estate affidavit if eligible (saves $6,000+)
2. Choose flat fee over hourly (more predictable)
3. Keep organized records (reduces attorney time)
4. Handle routine tasks yourself (collect documents, notify institutions)
5. Use ExecutorBench ($399 guided or $1,495 complete) to manage tasks and deadlines without constant attorney consultations

Use ExecutorBench's probate cost estimator to get an estimate for your Texas estate.

---

Disclaimer: ExecutorBench provides self-help workflow software and document preparation support. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Actual costs vary by county and complexity. Consult an attorney licensed in Texas for a specific quote.