Quick answer: Connecticut charges one statewide Probate Court fee set by C.G.S. § 45a-107, on a sliding scale from a $25 minimum to a $40,000 cap. It's the same in every probate district and is invoiced by the court after the estate values are set. On a $500,000 estate it's $1,865. See the full picture in the Connecticut probate cost calculator.
The statutory fee scale
| Basis for fees | Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 – $500 | $25 |
| $501 – $1,000 | $50 |
| $1,000 – $10,000 | $50 + 1% over $1,000 |
| $10,000 – $500,000 | $150 + 0.35% over $10,000 |
| $500,000 – $2,000,000 | $1,865 + 0.25% over $500,000 |
| $2,000,000 – $8,877,000 | $5,615 + 0.5% over $2,000,000 |
| $8,877,000 and over | $40,000 (cap) |
Deaths on or after July 1, 2016. Minimum $150 if a full estate is opened on a basis under $10,000.
Two adjustments that matter
1. The basis can include non-probate assets. It's the greatest of the inventory, the gross estate for estate-tax purposes, or the Connecticut taxable estate — so survivorship accounts, POD/TOD registrations and life insurance can count toward the fee even though they skip the court. 2. The surviving-spouse reduction. Any portion of the basis passing to a surviving spouse is cut by 50%.
Worked examples
| Estate (basis) | Probate Court fee |
|---|---|
| $100,000 | $465 |
| $300,000 | $1,165 |
| $500,000 | $1,865 |
| $1,000,000 | $3,115 |
| $2,000,000 | $5,615 |
| $8,877,000+ | $40,000 (cap) |
Other court & administration costs
- Fiduciary bond — may be required unless the will or court excuses it (§ 45a-289); priced on estate value.
- Certified copies, recording, newspaper notice — small additional costs.
- Interest — unpaid fees accrue 0.5%/month, but not if the basis is $40,000 or less, or $500,000 or less with property passing to a spouse.
Not the $250 fee: the $250 flat fee you may see is C.G.S. 45a-106a, for matters other than a decedent's estate (conservatorships, guardianships, trusts). A decedent's estate pays the 45a-107 scale instead.
Ways to keep court costs down
- Small estate affidavit — solely owned personal property up to $40,000, no CT real estate (§ 45a-273).
- Use the spousal reduction — property to a surviving spouse halves that part of the basis.
- File the estate-tax return on time — late filing can trigger interest on the fee.
Facing probate in Connecticut?
Talk to a Connecticut attorneyA local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.