Probate Costs
I am sorry that you find yourself in the position of needing help from an Atlanta Probate Attorney. You have most likely recently lost someone close and are trying to figure out what you need to do about the estate while all you really want to do is grieve.
Be assured that whatever level of help you need, you can get from my firm. I have created several options because different people have different needs and capabilities at this time. Below, I describe those choices. Although I have shown an approximate cost for each option to give you some idea of what you should expect, remember that it is an estimate based on my past experiences. Your case could include factors that increase your fee. However, I will ALWAYS tell you ahead of time if you face that potential as we work together. No surprises!
Option 1. Initial Consultation. COST $0. For those who want to do this alone, let me give you some free advice about how to get started, which websites are helpful and some other practical information. No charge, just a useful conversation about Georgia’s estate administrative process.
Option 2. Ongoing Consultation. COST $500, approximately. There will be those of you who want to handle the process yourself but want some on-going assistance to be sure you’re following the law and proceeding correctly. For you, I offer services as a consultant. Rather than representing you in my capacity as a lawyer, I will remain available to answer your questions, tell you which forms to use and advise you throughout the administration, but you will file “pro se” (meaning, without counsel) and will deal directly with the Probate Court yourself.
Option 3. Legal Representation. COST $1,500, approximately. For others who do not want to deal with the process at all, I can step in and take care of all the details, the paperwork, court filings and required notices. If you anticipate any controversies at all, ex-wives, step-children, siblings, half-siblings or any other potentially interested party, I highly recommend hiring an attorney. Let me deal with the disgruntled family member and save yourself the heartache!
If you hire me to consult and then determine shortly afterward that you’d rather have my legal representation, your fee will be applied. Besides the attorney fees you will have a few other costs to know about:
OTHER COSTS:
Each county Probate Court charges a filing fee to probate an estate. This filing fee is typically between $135 to $285. Then, you will have a fee to file a notice in the legal organ of the county (the county newspaper) usually around $40 depending on the paper. Finally, there is a court fee to close the estate, which will be done in about a year. Expect something in the neighborhood of $100 for this.
One final word about the cost. Fees are typically paid out of the estate, not by the executor or administrator. If the estate has assets, then you can plan on being reimbursed by the estate. Georgia sets forth the priority of debts to be paid by the estate and the costs of administration come before most others.
