Quick answer: Connecticut does not set probate attorney fees by a statutory percentage. They're a reasonable amount approved by the Probate Court under Rule 39, billed hourly, as a flat fee, or occasionally as a percentage. Typical quotes run roughly 2–5% of the estate depending on complexity. This is separate from the statutory Probate Court fee. Estimate the whole picture in the Connecticut probate cost calculator.
The reasonable-fee standard
Rule 39 & Hayward v. Plant: Connecticut Probate Court Rules of Procedure require fiduciary and attorney fees to be reasonable, judged on factors like the size of the estate, the time and skill required, the complexity, and the results achieved — not a fixed rate. The court can review and reduce a fee it finds unreasonable.
How Connecticut probate lawyers bill
- Hourly — commonly $250–$450/hour; a straightforward estate may take 15–40 hours.
- Flat fee — a set price for a routine, uncontested estate.
- Percentage — some firms quote a percentage of the estate as a starting point, still subject to the reasonable-fee review.
Separate from the court fee: the attorney fee is on top of the statutory Probate Court fee (C.G.S. 45a-107), and on top of any fiduciary fee. An estate typically pays all three.
Illustrative attorney fees
| Estate value | At 3% | At 5% |
|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | ≈ $9,000 | ≈ $15,000 |
| $600,000 | ≈ $18,000 | ≈ $30,000 |
| $1,000,000 | ≈ $30,000 | ≈ $50,000 |
Illustrative only — Connecticut has no statutory rate, and a simple estate billed hourly or flat can cost far less. Always get a written fee agreement.
Facing probate in Connecticut?
Talk to a Connecticut attorneyA local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Do you bill hourly, flat, or as a percentage — and what's your estimate for an estate like mine?
- Is your fee separate from the Probate Court fee and any fiduciary fee? (Usually yes.)
- Can this estate use the $40,000 small estate affidavit and skip full administration?
- How will the surviving-spouse reduction affect the court fee?
Ways to reduce legal fees
- Small estate affidavit — personal property up to $40,000, often little or no attorney time.
- Flat fee for a simple, uncontested estate.
- Stay organized — a clean inventory and tax figures cut billable hours.