Quick answer: most Georgia probate attorneys charge a flat fee of $3,000–$8,000 for an uncontested estate. Contested matters are billed hourly and can exceed $20,000. Unlike California or Florida, Georgia has no statutory attorney-fee schedule — fees must simply be "reasonable" and are reviewed by the probate court.
How Georgia probate attorneys bill
Flat fee (most common for simple estates)
For a straightforward, uncontested estate, most firms in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta and Columbus quote a single flat fee — typically $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the estate's size and how much work the executor handles themselves.
Hourly (contested or complex)
When there's a will contest, creditor litigation, a Year's Support claim, or real estate in several counties, attorneys switch to hourly billing — usually $200–$500 per hour. These cases routinely pass $20,000 and occasionally $50,000+.
Do you even need an attorney?
No — Georgia lets you probate an estate without a lawyer. You should seriously consider one when:
- The estate is large or includes a business or several properties.
- There's real estate in more than one county (ancillary steps).
- Heirs disagree, or the will is likely to be contested.
- There are significant creditor claims or tax issues.
How to keep Georgia probate attorney fees down
- Ask for a flat fee up front for an uncontested estate, and get it in writing.
- Do the legwork the attorney allows (gathering documents, notifying heirs).
- Check for a small-estate shortcut first — the bank affidavit ($15,000) or "No Administration Necessary" can skip most legal work.
Attorney fees are only one piece of the total. See the full picture in the Georgia probate cost breakdown, or estimate your own total with the Georgia probate cost calculator.